HT201422: If you get an error when trying to activate iMessage or FaceTime

Learn about If you get an error when trying to activate iMessage or FaceTime
matate
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Q: My iMessage is not working.

I have turned my phone off more than 10 times. I have tried everything I have read and nothing is working. It won't even allow me to use my apple ID. It keeps telling me to check my network connection but I have multiple times and even tried it using my cellular data. 

iPhone 5c, iOS 8.1

Posted on Nov 18, 2014 9:37 PM

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matate

Q: My iMessage is not working.

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  • by alex_h1,

    alex_h1 alex_h1 Nov 20, 2014 8:54 AM in response to matate
    Community Specialists
    Nov 20, 2014 8:54 AM in response to matate

    Hello matate,

     

    Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

     

    To troubleshoot issues with sending and receiving iMessages on your iPhone please follow the directions outlined below.

     

    To resolve issues with sending and receiving iMessages, follow these steps

    1. Check iMessage system status for current service issues.
    2. Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and make sure that you registered iMessage with your phone number or Apple ID and that you selected iMessage for use. If the phone number or Apple ID isn't available for use, troubleshoot iMessage registration.
    3. Open Safari and navigate to www.apple.com to verify data connectivity. If a data connection isn't available, troubleshoot cellular data or a Wi-Fi connection.
    4. iMessage over cellular data might not be available while you're on a call. Only 3G and faster GSM networks support simultaneous data and voice calls. Learn which network your phone supports. If your network doesn't support simultaneous data and voice calls, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn Wi-Fi on to use iMessage while you're on a call.
    5. Restart your device.
    6. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings on your iPhone.

    If you still can't send or receive an iMessage, follow these steps

    1. Make sure that the contact trying to message you isn't blocked in Settings > Messages > Blocked.
    2. Make sure that the contact you're trying to send a message to is registered with iMessage.
    3. If the issue occurs with a specific contact or contacts, back up or forward important messages and delete your current messaging threads with the contact. Create a new message to the contact and try again.
    4. If the issue occurs with a specific contact or contacts, delete and recreate the contact in the Contacts app. Create a new message to the newly created contact and try again.
    5. Back up and restore your device as new.

     

    iOS: Troubleshooting Messages - Apple Support

     

    Take care,

    Alex H.