There’s an iMessage text block asking me to sign into my Apple ID, but when I do it times out with “an error occurred” message and I can’t clear it to access the text feature.
iPad Air 2, iPadOS 15
Hello Bookofdust,
We suggest trying the following steps for if you can't use iMessage, as they may help to resolve your issue:
Check your device settings
1. Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network.
2. If you're using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.
3. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that your time zone is set correctly.
Turn off and restart iMessage and FaceTime
1. Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage.
2. Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime.
3. Restart your device:
• iPhone
• iPad
• iPod touch
7. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.
Still not activated after a day?
It might take up to 24 hours to activate iMessage and FaceTime. If the issue continues after 24 hours, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
2. If you're using an iPhone, contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive SMS messages.
3. Make sure you can send and receive SMS. If a prompt appears stating "Your carrier may charge for SMS messages used to activate FaceTime and iMessage", tap "OK" to allow possible SMS charges.
4. Contact Apple Support.
If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support
We hope that helps.
Take care.
Hello Bookofdust,
We suggest trying the following steps for if you can't use iMessage, as they may help to resolve your issue:
Check your device settings
1. Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network.
2. If you're using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.
3. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that your time zone is set correctly.
Turn off and restart iMessage and FaceTime
1. Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage.
2. Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime.
3. Restart your device:
• iPhone
• iPad
• iPod touch
7. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.
Still not activated after a day?
It might take up to 24 hours to activate iMessage and FaceTime. If the issue continues after 24 hours, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
2. If you're using an iPhone, contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive SMS messages.
3. Make sure you can send and receive SMS. If a prompt appears stating "Your carrier may charge for SMS messages used to activate FaceTime and iMessage", tap "OK" to allow possible SMS charges.
4. Contact Apple Support.
If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support
We hope that helps.
Take care.
IMessage ability blocked on iPad with Apple ID text block requesting sign in
