iMessage activation unsuccessful, I’ve followed every instruction from Apple support community
There’s a red exclamation mark ❗️ on my message app
For months I’ve been unable to activate my iMessage. I can only send sms
Question marked as
IOS or OS or both?
IOS
Some things you can try. Do you have access to another WiFi network where you can try? That has worked for several people.
Try a restart.
Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Try a forced restart.
If necessary
Do a backup and try a factory reset. Then restore from your backup.
Backup - Restore your device from an iCloud or iTunes backup.
OS
Error Occurred During Activation for iMessage or FaceTime on Mac
Both
Have someone else attempt to sign in using their Apple ID. If they can successfully sign in and use Messages/FaceTime, it may be your Apple ID. Someone I know had this happen and I was able to sign in using my Apple ID. After a call to Apple Support and then being elevated to a tier 2 support person, it turned out it was a problem with their Apple ID. It took the software engineers 3-4 days to fix the problem. When calling Apple, make sure you tell them it is an Apple ID problem so you don't get charged.
You can also try signing in on another device/computer. There have been a couple of posts where people's device/computer was blocked. You will need to contact Apple for that problem also.
There is a contact link.
Apple ID - Official Apple Support.
Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - Apple Support. (The link doesn’t always load)
Get Support Work through the screens to get a chat option.
Apple Support schedule phone call