My iMessage won’t work since adding the iOS 17 update. How do I fix this problem?

My iPhone completed the iOS 17 update and now my iMessage won’t work.

iPhone XR, iOS 17

Posted on Oct 26, 2023 12:56 PM

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Posted on Nov 10, 2023 3:53 PM

My phone is fixed! I went to the Genius Bar a few days ago and they were stumped and couldn’t help me. I scheduled a call with Apple support and as part of their normal troubleshooting they reset my connection to the iMessage server on their side and had me restart my phone. It instantly started working. If you’re having problems, I suggest you schedule a phone call with Apple support. They have more robust troubleshooting systems an additional access than the in-store folks do.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 10, 2023 3:53 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

My phone is fixed! I went to the Genius Bar a few days ago and they were stumped and couldn’t help me. I scheduled a call with Apple support and as part of their normal troubleshooting they reset my connection to the iMessage server on their side and had me restart my phone. It instantly started working. If you’re having problems, I suggest you schedule a phone call with Apple support. They have more robust troubleshooting systems an additional access than the in-store folks do.

Jan 6, 2024 9:31 AM in response to kellar177

I figured this out. The first thing to do is to make sure you are signed into the same AppleID as you are signed into your phone. You might think you have only one AppleID, but if you have had an account for a long time, you may have multiple ways to sign into the account with the same password.


To check this, go to your settings on the iPhone. Then navigate to Messages, and click Send & Receive. At the bottom of the list of addresses is the AppleID that your phone is logged into. Now check your iPad login the same way.


Once you are logged into the same AppleID, check the name of your iPad. To do this, go to Settings->General->About.


Now that you are logged into the same AppleID and know the name of your iPad, go to your iPhone Settings->Messages->Text Forwarding. The name of you iPad (and some of your other devices) should show. Make sure this is set to on (green dot).


This should fix it.

Dec 28, 2023 9:18 PM in response to M-vRic44

I spent countless hours at Apple Store as well as with Apple senior techs on the phone. I finally figured my iMessage issue. I removed an old MacBook Air that has no more updates available from my apple account. After that, my iPad and iPhone that had an iMessage issue started working immediately. I have tried everything else. I’ve done an update since then and still works perfectly.

Oct 27, 2023 7:03 AM in response to HatchPatch

HatchPatch wrote:

I have an iPhone 13 on Verizon. I was thinking I’m stuck waiting for an update. Yes, I can send text messages but not send anything through iMessage. I can receive messages from other people though through iMessage.

Although you are not the person to whom I was replying, I'll give you the same answer I would give if they respond in the same way. Back up your phone and restore it to that back up using a computer. That will install a fresh copy of iOS.

Jan 6, 2024 11:06 AM in response to M-vRic44

The issue with my iMessage was something so uncommon. I have tried everything that I read in many post that I have read. Getting to the point. I have an iPhone 15, Apple Watch, 11.9 ipad , 12.9 iPad and an older MacBook Air. When I was looking at the “contact verification key” there was an indication that my ipad 12.9 has not been updated. The reason for that is because I was concerned about the iMessage not working on the iPad 12.9 if I updated my iOS .. also, on the list was my MacBook Air, which cannot be updated because it’s too old. So I deleted the MacBook Air from my Apple ID as soon as I did that my iMessage started working on everything on my watch on my iPads, and on my iPhone for some reason, the MacBook Air, which cannot be updated, was stopping iMessage from going through, I haven’t looked into depth as to why, I’m not worried about it because I hardly ever use that MacBook. But it’s fixed and I’ve done updates since then. I’m good. Good luck to everyone

Oct 27, 2023 7:11 AM in response to HatchPatch

The IOS 17.1 has just been released it could be a slower roll out in your area, you can actually download Apple Support app and have a chat with the Support to see if you should wait or fix the iPhone with a fresh IOS installation. By the way did you check in iMessages that the send and receive addresses and phone numbers are checked correctly, probably you did but just in case

Dec 28, 2023 8:39 PM in response to M-vRic44

Mine got fixed at an Apple Store, by one of their Techs!

He found some leftover junk in my XR from my original Phone Carrier. I took it back to have them clean up what was left, and wallah! My iPhone has worked like New again, ever since! So take the trip to the Apple Store in your community, and set an appointment with one of their Techs. They are great folks, and know Apple inside out!!!

Jan 20, 2024 9:50 PM in response to nell132

Well as I've told the 190+ folks that have had this same issue, Go to the Apple Store nearest you, and set an appointment with one of their Techs! I did that in Phoenix, Arizona's Apple Store, and their Tech checked out my iPhone, found the problem was "a hangover", from my original Carrier!

I went to Xfinity after returning to GA, & they removed the "hangover", & it's been working great since November 4th, & the Phoenix Apple Store's Tech bypassed it!

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My iMessage won’t work since adding the iOS 17 update. How do I fix this problem?

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