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iMessage "An error occurred during activation. Try again."

My iMessage registration says "An error occurred during activation. Try again." So this just recently happened around 5 hours ago, this is so annoying! I already tried the google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) , I already tried the time "Automatically ON", & i have already tried restoring my iPod 4th Gen running 5.1.1 & Yes before this happened i was messaging "eligible" iMessage accounts. Please any help?

Posted on Jul 22, 2012 1:23 AM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Nov 19, 2012 8:54 PM

Hey you guys. After several stressful hours,I found a solution (hopefully it will also work for you)

I currently have iOS Version 6.0.1, but this should work for everyone


After hours of trying several methods to fix your iMessages from different forum websites, i mashed all methods together.

This all started when i accidently hit "iMessage" and turned it OFF, then it was not able to turn it back on using my number, but instead it was giving my email address for texting, or just giving regular text. Hopefully this will work for you. Please read throughout all directions in order


At this time, make sure your iMessage and Facetime are BOTH ON ( if you cant find these two options, skip a few steps down and it will tell you how to get to there)


Before we start, BE SURE YOU HAVE A VALID "APPLE ID"

Make sure your Date,Location, and Time are correct according to your time zone and location.


Date/Time:

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "General" Tab
  • In the General Tab, find and enter the "Date and Time" tab
  • Turn OFF the "Set Automatically" ---- then. manually change the "Time Zone" to where you are currectly located" OR nearest location (e.g. - I am located in "Richmond CA," but the time zone I am checked in is "Cupertino CA(15 minutre drive away," So no big difference) ----Dont try and find me creepers, im a serial killer who rides a Donkey, serious business.
  • Turn "Set Automatic" back ON, (If it automatically find the closest city near you, no biggie)
  • End of Step


Location: iMessages

  • Go into "Setting"
  • Find and enter the "Messages" tab
  • Scroll down and enter "Send & Receive"
  • Click on your Apple ID:
  • Click on "Change Location"
  • Make sure your "Region" is accurate to where you are located"
  • End of Step


Location: Facetime

  • Go into "Setting"
  • Find and enter the "Facetime" tab
  • Click on your "Apple ID"
  • Click on "Change Location"
  • Make sure your Location is accurate
  • End of Step


Okay, Now for the goodies, not too much though, might cut your tongue.



Step one: Sign out of your Apple ID.

  • Find and enter your "Store" app ( where you download all your apps for your iPhone), select the "Featured" category located at the bottom left of the app.
  • Scroll down on the page, you should see a tab where it shows your email Apple ID address. - click on it and Sign Out.
  • If youre already signed out, SIGN IN AND BACK OUT AGAIN
  • End of Step


Step two: Turn off Wifi.

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "Wi-Fi" tab,
  • Turn OFF Wi-Fi
  • End of Step


Step Three: Enable then Disable Restrictions

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "General" tab
  • Find and enter the "Restrictions" tab
  • If Restrictions are already disabled-----Enable it.
  • It will ask you for a "Restrictions Password" (I put the same code i use to log into and unlock my iPhone)
  • After you Enable it ---- DISABLE IT again, so that every tab is "OFF" and greyed out, unable to be clicked.
  • End of Step


Step four: Turn off iMessage

  • Go into Settings
  • Find and enter the "Messages" tab
  • Turn OFF iMessages
  • End of Step


Step Four: Turn off FaceTime

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "Facetime" tab
  • Turn OFF Face Time
  • End of Step


Step Five: Reset Network Settings

[NOTE: This will NOT erase contacts or any of the naked pictures you take of yourself/ Personal information, ex. Music, Schedules, or your only Girlfriend Siri (Doesnt count if youre a woman, Men, dont deny it, my Siri forced me to be her Husband :'( ]

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "General" Tab
  • Scroll Down and enter the "Reset" tab
  • Click on the "Reset Network Settings"
  • It may or may not ask you for a password, just use the same password again you use to get into your iPhone
  • ::Mr. T Voice:: PRESS THE RED BUTTON FOO!
  • End of Step


After you pressed "Reset Network Settings" Your phone should have automatically restarted.


Now for the Finishing Steps.


Now that your phone has restarted, You must do the "Cha Cha Slide" and "Hokey Pokey" to induce a magical spell onto your iPhone. Just kidding, but try it, you'll make a fool of yourself and relieve some stress from all the researching you have been doing to fix this problem. It's Okay if you didnt, im still your friend. =D


NOTE: DO NOT SIGN INTO WIFI, From now on until your "iMessages/Facetime" Works, You should be running on "3g or 4g" internet



Step Six: Sign in into your Apple Store

  • Find and enter your "Store" app ( where you download all your apps for your iPhone),
  • Select the "Featured" category located at the bottom left of the app.
  • Scroll down on the page and SIGN IN
  • End of step


Step Seven: Sign into iMessages (MAKE SURE YOUR WI-FI IS STILL OFF or "Not Connected"!! and running on "3g/4g")

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "Messages" Tab
  • Turn ON "iMessages" (It may or may not ask you to sign into your Apple ID, just sign in whenever they ask you to. OR there might be a tsb where it will say something about "You need to sign into your Apple ID, blah blah blah, something along those lines, Click it and Sign in)
  • Let it load ( loading times may varry, from five minutes to 1 and a half hours, keep checking in all while you DO NOT SIGN INTO Wi-Fi!)

IMPORTANT! - Now, when i turned ON iMessages, IT FAILED THE FIRST.. or second time(cant remember), KEEP TRYING! It should turn on after three or four tries.


Now do not toggle the On&Off button during the proccess of it loading because it will restart the whole loading process. Just wait until it says "unsuccessfull" to Turn off iMessages and on again.


HOPEFULLY when your iMessages is turned on,


Step Eight: Repeat step: Seven,

For your Facetime. That also failed once for me before it started to work again.



After both iMessages and Facetime are working, you are now free kiss a baby or Pet(Gold Fish, Husband and Wife included) on the cheek out of joy....but put him him/her/it down, youre scary looking and might make the baby/pet cry


You are also free to sign back into Wi-Fi


I hope this works for you. Enjoy your day and help a random stranger out.


If it worked and you feel generous, Copy Paste this into any Forum or Website (Eg. Yahoo Answers) so others can see and be helped.



SissyRibbons OUT!


^Best nickname ever.






208 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Nov 19, 2012 8:54 PM in response to MartinF123

Hey you guys. After several stressful hours,I found a solution (hopefully it will also work for you)

I currently have iOS Version 6.0.1, but this should work for everyone


After hours of trying several methods to fix your iMessages from different forum websites, i mashed all methods together.

This all started when i accidently hit "iMessage" and turned it OFF, then it was not able to turn it back on using my number, but instead it was giving my email address for texting, or just giving regular text. Hopefully this will work for you. Please read throughout all directions in order


At this time, make sure your iMessage and Facetime are BOTH ON ( if you cant find these two options, skip a few steps down and it will tell you how to get to there)


Before we start, BE SURE YOU HAVE A VALID "APPLE ID"

Make sure your Date,Location, and Time are correct according to your time zone and location.


Date/Time:

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "General" Tab
  • In the General Tab, find and enter the "Date and Time" tab
  • Turn OFF the "Set Automatically" ---- then. manually change the "Time Zone" to where you are currectly located" OR nearest location (e.g. - I am located in "Richmond CA," but the time zone I am checked in is "Cupertino CA(15 minutre drive away," So no big difference) ----Dont try and find me creepers, im a serial killer who rides a Donkey, serious business.
  • Turn "Set Automatic" back ON, (If it automatically find the closest city near you, no biggie)
  • End of Step


Location: iMessages

  • Go into "Setting"
  • Find and enter the "Messages" tab
  • Scroll down and enter "Send & Receive"
  • Click on your Apple ID:
  • Click on "Change Location"
  • Make sure your "Region" is accurate to where you are located"
  • End of Step


Location: Facetime

  • Go into "Setting"
  • Find and enter the "Facetime" tab
  • Click on your "Apple ID"
  • Click on "Change Location"
  • Make sure your Location is accurate
  • End of Step


Okay, Now for the goodies, not too much though, might cut your tongue.



Step one: Sign out of your Apple ID.

  • Find and enter your "Store" app ( where you download all your apps for your iPhone), select the "Featured" category located at the bottom left of the app.
  • Scroll down on the page, you should see a tab where it shows your email Apple ID address. - click on it and Sign Out.
  • If youre already signed out, SIGN IN AND BACK OUT AGAIN
  • End of Step


Step two: Turn off Wifi.

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "Wi-Fi" tab,
  • Turn OFF Wi-Fi
  • End of Step


Step Three: Enable then Disable Restrictions

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "General" tab
  • Find and enter the "Restrictions" tab
  • If Restrictions are already disabled-----Enable it.
  • It will ask you for a "Restrictions Password" (I put the same code i use to log into and unlock my iPhone)
  • After you Enable it ---- DISABLE IT again, so that every tab is "OFF" and greyed out, unable to be clicked.
  • End of Step


Step four: Turn off iMessage

  • Go into Settings
  • Find and enter the "Messages" tab
  • Turn OFF iMessages
  • End of Step


Step Four: Turn off FaceTime

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "Facetime" tab
  • Turn OFF Face Time
  • End of Step


Step Five: Reset Network Settings

[NOTE: This will NOT erase contacts or any of the naked pictures you take of yourself/ Personal information, ex. Music, Schedules, or your only Girlfriend Siri (Doesnt count if youre a woman, Men, dont deny it, my Siri forced me to be her Husband :'( ]

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "General" Tab
  • Scroll Down and enter the "Reset" tab
  • Click on the "Reset Network Settings"
  • It may or may not ask you for a password, just use the same password again you use to get into your iPhone
  • ::Mr. T Voice:: PRESS THE RED BUTTON FOO!
  • End of Step


After you pressed "Reset Network Settings" Your phone should have automatically restarted.


Now for the Finishing Steps.


Now that your phone has restarted, You must do the "Cha Cha Slide" and "Hokey Pokey" to induce a magical spell onto your iPhone. Just kidding, but try it, you'll make a fool of yourself and relieve some stress from all the researching you have been doing to fix this problem. It's Okay if you didnt, im still your friend. =D


NOTE: DO NOT SIGN INTO WIFI, From now on until your "iMessages/Facetime" Works, You should be running on "3g or 4g" internet



Step Six: Sign in into your Apple Store

  • Find and enter your "Store" app ( where you download all your apps for your iPhone),
  • Select the "Featured" category located at the bottom left of the app.
  • Scroll down on the page and SIGN IN
  • End of step


Step Seven: Sign into iMessages (MAKE SURE YOUR WI-FI IS STILL OFF or "Not Connected"!! and running on "3g/4g")

  • Go into "Settings"
  • Find and enter the "Messages" Tab
  • Turn ON "iMessages" (It may or may not ask you to sign into your Apple ID, just sign in whenever they ask you to. OR there might be a tsb where it will say something about "You need to sign into your Apple ID, blah blah blah, something along those lines, Click it and Sign in)
  • Let it load ( loading times may varry, from five minutes to 1 and a half hours, keep checking in all while you DO NOT SIGN INTO Wi-Fi!)

IMPORTANT! - Now, when i turned ON iMessages, IT FAILED THE FIRST.. or second time(cant remember), KEEP TRYING! It should turn on after three or four tries.


Now do not toggle the On&Off button during the proccess of it loading because it will restart the whole loading process. Just wait until it says "unsuccessfull" to Turn off iMessages and on again.


HOPEFULLY when your iMessages is turned on,


Step Eight: Repeat step: Seven,

For your Facetime. That also failed once for me before it started to work again.



After both iMessages and Facetime are working, you are now free kiss a baby or Pet(Gold Fish, Husband and Wife included) on the cheek out of joy....but put him him/her/it down, youre scary looking and might make the baby/pet cry


You are also free to sign back into Wi-Fi


I hope this works for you. Enjoy your day and help a random stranger out.


If it worked and you feel generous, Copy Paste this into any Forum or Website (Eg. Yahoo Answers) so others can see and be helped.



SissyRibbons OUT!


^Best nickname ever.






Aug 15, 2017 7:56 AM in response to Stealthgear

Call Apple and DEMAND to know if the idiots running their servers have locked-out your devices. My wife had this ridiculously useless error "An error occurred during activation. Try again." on every device, except her iPhone. It turns out that Apple -surreptitiously and without any explantion explanation- blocked her devices from connecting. Oh, her Apple ID worked fine for their unwanted iCloud, but Messages and FaceTime would throw everything into chaos and refuse to connect with any real/meningful (they sure can spam the Apple ID email with every other thing, why not to report an issue that requires a call to Apple). It's not enough to pay top $$$ for their stuff, but to lock people out of their Apple ID (logging-into iCloud still works b/c they want it to, but not on actual devices where Y-O-U want it to work) without any notice and with a stupid error that is meaningless (as per this and many articles like it) is tortious interference, plain and simple.

We wiped her iPad and MacBook Pro over and over for naught. I could get one of them connected to Messages, but then trying the other would throw them both in limbo again. In every instance, FaceTime on her laptop would accept the login but then ask about something in the keychain and pop back to the login screen without explanation (credentials were unflinchingly correct). Doing that would then ruin her access to FaceTime and Messages on the iPad, but the iPhone was always good. After a full work day on the phone with a tech support agent who berated me (she was getting paid to hear my complaints, I was wasting time and money well beyond the call, which itself was too long), and then waiting almost 4 more days (2 "business days" so the weekend did not count), some higher support group simply unlocked her devices and they've been good to go since. Of course, when I asked W-T-F they did this, she outright refused to give any explanation. So, all that wasted time and energy, just b/c a bunch of moronic Hollywood twits lost their nude pics to hackers b/c they used brilliant passwords like 12345, so now we plebs get to pay for it?! Seriously, Apple. The pendulum has swung waaaaaay too far into the ludicrous zone...

So, save your time troubleshooting - first call Apple and ask if their lordships have deemed you not good enough to access your own dang Apple ID on your own dang devices, and see if they secretly cut you off without any good reason or any compensation, lest you waste all the time and effort we did.

I can't imagine how anyone with less technical savvy would get out of the mess Apple makes. Apple has totally abandoned the "it just works" mantra and even the simple (grand)mother rule in their testing and (morally and logically) bankrupt development decision-making.

Aug 22, 2017 9:12 AM in response to MikePham91

No, the phone call and support is "free" ($-wise no, but time and effort, yes, it requires some of those two).

Just get your device(s) unlocked by the Messages/FaceTime server admins. The real problem here is that they silently slap your device there and drive you nuts without a clue, and even when you call, they're dodgy about it (in another thread, it took her FOUR reps to get this truth - one of which made her waste her time wiping her iPod for no good reason!), but if you confront the issue with them, they can eventually get your device removed from the ban and make this completely useless error go away and get on with life.

Nov 2, 2017 11:07 AM in response to MattKinNJ

I had the same issue as everyone else, and called Apple Support saying that I have been unable to access iMessage and FaceTime for over a week and I read on some forums that it might be that I've been blocked out for some reason. The guy I spoke to took some info from me and then directed me to a senior technician who (after taking some security questions) unblocked it for me in about 15 minutes! I restarted my computer and it works fine now!


I don't know if I just got lucky or if it was because I knew about being blocked out - but asked very nicely about it - but this is the fastest I've had an issue like this fixed! He did say it was a once off to be unblocked, and couldn't tell me WHY I was unblocked, though... that would have been nice to know to avoid doing it again..


All I can say is contact Apple Support and tell them exactly what happened (and it pays to be nice about it), and hopefully they'll unblock you.


Good luck anyone still suffering!

Nov 2, 2017 11:15 AM in response to ReubenvonCoco

@ReubenvonCoco, it only pays to be nice about it b/c you knew exactly what to demand (nicely or otherwise). Sadly, for those countless many who may never see this forum, or for those of us who did fight and weren't nice when Apple ran us through countless hours and hours of circles for NO GOOD REASON (wiping devices several times, erasing perfectly good data and accounts)and with no solution when we all had much better things to do, then it did not pay to be nice.


So, not to be not nice, but you're welcome for us having saved you hours of wasted time and effort and even lost data. I am definitely glad you found this post (that was the point of my sharing my nightmare); however, please don't act like Apple doing this to you and you having to ask nicely for them to stop when you paid GOOD MONEY to use your device as intended and were not doing what they keep claiming many innocent customers are is actually in any way, shape or form, OK. If you want to be nice, ask for it to start with Apple who have only themselves to blame for this whole situation.

Nov 2, 2017 12:13 PM in response to MattKinNJ

Oh don't get me wrong, I'm definitely ****** that the issue occurred in the first place, and it's ridiculous that there's no answer for it from Apple, I just wanted to share that the recommendations worked (and as you say, because I knew exactly what the issue was because of the forums)!

Perhaps I over emphasised the nice bit, I just know that I really wanted to yell at them but forced myself to hold back, which was probably on my mind as I wrote the response!


Either way, thanks again for everyone for providing the answer and stopping me from throwing my laptop across the room.

Dec 1, 2017 6:46 AM in response to ReubenvonCoco

This will be my 3rd call today, and I have done exactly this. I may have been hostile but only because I i am frustrated! Was unable to be transferred to any technician, he told me I had to wait 24 hours then there would be additional steps they could take. I mentioned these forums, and this guy had the audacity to tell me to stop saying I was blocked because I still had access to iCloud. I explained everything to him but somehow magically in 24 hours I'll be able to call back to fix the problem. I am so frustrated right now.

Dec 1, 2017 7:21 AM in response to nicolealexs

Keep insisting! I too had an utterly obnoxious support tech rep. and had to wait to hear back from her (waiting herself to hear back from the kangaroo server court idiots) and only then was it finally resolved. The rep has to keep hammering these secret server admins OVER AND OVER until they bother to reply and remove you, at which point your rep should call you and confirm to try again and then, like magic, the services you ACTUALLY PAID FOR will be gifted back to you by the high and mighty server jerks. Hang in there and do not take NO for an answer!

THEY are the crazy and hostile ones for creating this whole mess and the absolutely horrendous/heinous way they have implemented it and continue to manage it.

Dec 1, 2017 9:18 AM in response to MartinF123

Well I tried one more time (because i have NO patience whatsoever), disabling iMessage and FaceTime then turning off and on my phone and there you have it, it finally works. So who knows if I was even blocked out of iPhones only really good features, i may add) or they just had enough of my ranting, or it was actually one of the 645986730 listed ways to resolve this problem. All I know is I've never been so disgusted with a company that I actually love.

Dec 1, 2017 11:05 AM in response to nicolealexs

They may have just finally fixed it from earlier, but either way...


Same here (grew up on Apple II, was a sucker who owned the IIGS and have been using Macs since my mom got one of those early Performa's in the 90's). It hurts my soul, but:

I'm as mad as ****, and I'm not going to take it anymore...... - YouTube


Aside from this absolute joke on paying consumers, look at the horrible security mess that is High Sierra (root access?!) and iOS (how do you release 11.0.0 w/o Office 365 support tested fully?!) and so on. Apple needs a company-wide PRAM reset (or at least a functioning QA team) these days! When Windows 10 acts like macOS (Microsoft pre-empted the KRACK announcement while Apple dithered after disbanding their router group a year ago - say bye-bye to Steve's hub/ecosystem!) and macOS/iOS starts acting like XP or Win95, something is seriously amiss...!

iMessage "An error occurred during activation. Try again."

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