advanced data protection requires imessage - contact has imessage and is using it

I wanted to turn on advanced data protection and set up a few recovery contacts. I was able to request one be added, but I wanted my sister as one too and it wont let me add her, saying the user has to be using imessage. She has imessage. We use it to talk all the time. Why can't I do add her as a recovery contact?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jul 12, 2025 5:04 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 12, 2025 5:11 PM

Here are the additional requirements to be a Recovery Contact:

  • Your device must be running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey or later.
  • You must be over the age of 13.
  • You need two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple Account.
  • You need a passcode set up on your device.

Help a friend or family member as their account recovery contact - Apple Support


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 12, 2025 5:11 PM in response to MentalUproar

Here are the additional requirements to be a Recovery Contact:

  • Your device must be running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey or later.
  • You must be over the age of 13.
  • You need two-factor authentication turned on for your Apple Account.
  • You need a passcode set up on your device.

Help a friend or family member as their account recovery contact - Apple Support


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advanced data protection requires imessage - contact has imessage and is using it

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