iMessage sign in grayed out on iPad

I can’t send any iMessages or FaceTime because a prompt telling me to sign in with my Apple ID blocks the app. Then when I sign in, on iMessage and FaceTime apps, it tells that FaceTime activation error occurred. I updated my iPad, the time and date is correct, I went through the article but I can’t turn off iMessage or FaceTime because it won’t even give me the option. I also turned off screen time to see if that was the issue but that didn’t work either. No VPN connected either, I’m connected to wifi.

(please don’t give me the same article again because I cannot turn off iMessage or FaceTime because it won’t even let me sign in.)

Posted on Sep 11, 2023 7:41 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 12, 2023 3:15 AM

If you haven't already done so, try a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




If the problem with FaceTime and iMessage persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


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1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 12, 2023 3:15 AM in response to Singram1120

If you haven't already done so, try a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:


Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

  1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
  2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
  3. Press and hold the top button.
  4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.




Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.




If the problem with FaceTime and iMessage persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support


When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings


If the problem still doesn’t clear, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iMessage sign in grayed out on iPad

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