iMessage not working on iPhone 5. Help!

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iMessage not working on iPhone 5. Help!

I'm so frustrated. I'm a first-time iPhone user. Very limited technical knowledge. iMessage does not seem to be working. Called Apple, and they said all of my settings are correct. Did a restore that took about 9+ hours...no change. I understand that when I am trying to send a message to another apple user, the place where I type my message should say 'iMessage' instead of 'text message', correct? Also something about my speech bubbles should be blue? My sent messages are green.

I text regularly with a friend using an iphone with iMessage activated, in Australia. Unfortunately, this issue I seem to be experienceing has cost me a lot on my Verizon bill! eeks! I NEED to figure this out asap, since that was one of the main reasons for getting an iPhone!

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

iPhone 5, iOS 6

Posted on Oct 29, 2012 9:58 PM

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Answer 1

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Ocean20

Level 6

13,727 points

Oct 30, 2012 1:02 AM in response to rubyjunes

You say all your settings are correct so I am assuming that in settings/messages you have imessage turned on. I also assume that you have a data plan with your carrier because data is used for imessage when you are not on wifi. I guess you have cellular data turned on in settings/general then cellular

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Answer 2

rubyjunes Author

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Oct 30, 2012 5:26 PM in response to Ocean20

Yes, iMessage is turned on.

Yes, I have a data plan with Verizon Wireless.

I do have cellular turned on.

Not sure what else to do. I keep reading things online, and heard from a friend that iMessage might have been having some problems, but maybe it's working ok now?

I'm so bummed.

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Answer 3

Oct 30, 2012 5:38 PM in response to rubyjunes

I think it easy to say that the IOS 6 is a massive failure. Mine will now and then loose the setting. it will forget my number and I have to reenter it again.

Some times it looks like it is working but it's not. Hard to explain what the problem could be.

If Apple would just start addressing some of all the issues with this IOS or let us use the working ios 5.1.1

Think it is time for Apple to start communicating with us users and not just with there stock holders.

Please use the black hole :

http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

and call them :

U.S. iPhone technical support:

(800) MY-IPHONE (800-694-7466)

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Answer 4

Oct 30, 2012 5:48 PM in response to rubyjunes

Also important your friends have there set up for imessage as well for it to work. Two way street.

Settings>iMessage> On

Yes it sometimes seems to not send in blue, but for the most part trouble free.

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Answer 5

rubyjunes Author

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Oct 30, 2012 5:58 PM in response to leroydouglas

My friends do have iMessage set up, and turned on.

I just wasn't sure if it was an issue between me and AUSTRALIA? Doesn't seem to be the problem, since I can't get anything but a green text message bubble from me at any time.

I have called Apple. They had me do a complete restore, that took hours, and didn't seem to fix it.

The biggest bummer is that I got this phone to help me save money, specifically on this. My phone bill is even higher now, since I thought the international texts were free, and are now being billed. ugh.

I wish Apple could give me a straight answer on what the real issue is.

Thanks for the input!

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Answer 6

Oct 30, 2012 6:03 PM in response to rubyjunes

I feel for you man.

It's so frustrating when this happends.

Apple has rushed out a ios, that is failing on so many issues that it's becoming a joke.

The sad part is that's is us users, who are left with the bill.

Thank you Apple.

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Answer 7

rubyjunes Author

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Oct 30, 2012 6:06 PM in response to justjesper

if we cannot figure it out very soon, I unfortunately will be returning this iPhone, and getting a different new phone. 😟

So bummed, since I've always wanted an iPhone. I was planning to get an iPad very soon, but now I'm almost too scared to invest in that, if it doesn't work correctly either.

What's the point of having all of these fabulous "features" if they don't work correctly or consistently?

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Answer 8

Oct 30, 2012 6:09 PM in response to rubyjunes

Well I ask my self the same questions. It's now just a nice design.

Try to get a 4S that is still runnimng IOS 5.1.1

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Answer 9

rubyjunes Author

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Oct 30, 2012 6:15 PM in response to justjesper

In basic terms, How does 4s compare to the 5, and how can I be sure that I am getting one that is running IOS 5.1.1?

I'm not very knowledgeable about things, I just simply want something that works completely and consistently.

Thanks again.

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Answer 10

Oct 30, 2012 6:29 PM in response to rubyjunes

The 4s is basicly the same phone.

Ok there are some differences, it's a bit shorter a bit thicker and a bit slower. Nothing you will regret.

You will also have a working map by Google on it. You will be happy with this map.

As of how you will know if it's running 5.1.1, just ask the store. But I don't think you can buy a 4S that already has ios 6 installed.

But this I'm not sure of. Best of luck.

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Answer 11

Oct 30, 2012 6:46 PM in response to rubyjunes

Apple's iMessage service experiencing hiccups again:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57542660-37/apples-imessage-service-experienci ng-hiccups-again/?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=MacFixIt

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Answer 12

rubyjunes Author

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Oct 30, 2012 6:57 PM in response to leroydouglas

thank you for that info, leroydouglas!

gee, shouldn't Apple have known that yesterday before they had me jumping through hoops, including a super lengthy restore? ugh.

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Answer 13

Oct 30, 2012 7:03 PM in response to rubyjunes

http://www.apple.com/support/icloud/systemstatus/

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Answer 14

zakdp

Level 1

5 points

Oct 30, 2012 7:16 PM in response to rubyjunes

Okay for iMessage issues there are a few reasons why it might not operate well.
First off all you need to make sure you don't have any restrictions set for iMessage or Facetime... you can access these options in Settings > Restrictions.
Make sure you have iMessage activated, and it isn't displaying "Waiting for activation".
Make sure your internet connection is solid.
Make sure, of course, that iMessage is turned on.
Make sure that your "recieve at" address in your settings for iMessage is your phone number and not your Apple ID.
Make sure that your time and date is set to "set automatically".

If all these things check out, try a reset of your phone.
If the issue persists, reset your network settings.
If the issue continues to persist, try a backup and restore of the device.
If the issue is still constant after a backup and restore, call AppleCare on 1300 321 456 and tell them that you have done this troubleshooting and the issue is still persisting.

You will more than likely, at this point, either begin discussions with the advisor about hardware service options, at the very least they will probably pass you on to a senior advisor.

Hope this helps!

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Answer 15

Oct 30, 2012 7:21 PM in response to leroydouglas

leroydouglas wrote:

http://www.apple.com/support/icloud/systemstatus/

It has nothing to do with icloud.

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