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iMessage and FaceTime error in Activation

Please how do I fix the iMessage and FaceTime error that keeps showing when trying to activate my iMessage?

Please it so Frustrating and annoying I have switched off both iMessage and FaceTime.

Switched off the phone couple of times still the same.

Help please anyone

iPhone 11 Pro Max, iOS 16

Posted on May 11, 2023 7:24 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 20, 2024 8:02 AM

Mine FaceTime also not work.it says to activation  why? How to do it ?? Please anyone tell

13 replies

Apr 15, 2024 11:32 AM in response to AVillone

Well, I did every reasonable thing called for in the replies. Thanks for everyone weighing in and trying to help. HOWEVER, Message is finally working (although it stopped again for a day), but not FaceTime. Again, both are fine on my iPhone. This problem (or similar) seems to have occurred multiple times in the past few years. And why doesn't FaceTime recognize my Apple ID which is working for every other application? So now the question is: HOW LONG DOES THIS HAVE TO CONTINUE BEFORE APPLE FIXES IT?

May 11, 2023 7:35 AM in response to oluwaseun135

If you can't turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime

If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support



To use iMessage or FaceTime, you'll first need to activate them on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. If you receive an error message during the activation process, follow these steps.


When activating iMessage or FaceTime, you may see one of these messages:

  • Waiting for activation
  • Activation unsuccessful
  • An error occurred during activation
  • Could not sign in. Please check your network connection.
  • Unable to contact the iMessage server. Try again.


Check your device settings


  1. Make sure you're connected to a mobile data or Wi-Fi network. 
  2. If you're using an iPhone, you'll need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your network provider, you may be charged for this SMS.
  3. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time, and make sure 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:
  1. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.


iMessage or FaceTime still not activated after 24 hours? 

It can take up to 24 hours for iMessage and FaceTime to be activated. If you're still experiencing the issue after 24 hours, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your device is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
  2. If you're using an iPhone, contact your network provider to make sure you can send and receive SMS messages.
  3. Make sure you can send and receive SMS. If a prompt appears stating: "Your network provider may charge for SMS messages used to activate FaceTime and iMessage", tap "OK" to allow possible SMS charges.
  4. Contact Apple Support.


Get more help


You can also use your email address with iMessage and FaceTime. Sign in to your Apple ID account page and review all of the email addresses you have on file in your account, including the one you're trying to verify. If the email address is incorrect, you can update it. Then click Resend next to the email address you want to verify.

FaceTime isn't available in all countries or regions.

May 19, 2023 9:29 AM in response to oluwaseun135

FaceTime and Messages work fine on iPhone 11 (all apps/system up-to-date). Messages works on 2019 MacBookPro running the latest Ventura update. However, Facetime screen opens on Mac with "sign in to activate" with camera on but won't recognize Apple ID password (spins) accepted on everything else. Instructions say "sign out" but there is no option to sign out. "Settings"and "Turn FaceBook Off" options grayed out on pull down menu. Message after long-time spinning: Apple ID PW on FaceTime and iCloud different. Apple ID PW works on everything else(???)

iMessage and FaceTime error in Activation

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