iMessage Games Not Working on iPhone (iOS 17.0.2): Get Fix

Last Updated on May 30, 2023

Thread to fix iMessage games not working on iPhone. Nowadays, Apple is continuously trying to reduce the need for third-party applications on the iOS device by making them available as default apps. Let’s talk about the iMessage app in which recently a new feature is added. In the iMessage app, you can play games by downloading from the App Store with your friend or colleague, or family members.

But recently, I have encountered the problem that games are not working in the iMessage app. Some users might face this situation because it is a newly added feature in iMessage. But we can solve this by some preventive measures, which are given below.

Troubleshooting to Fix iMessage Games not working on iPhone

After each step, go and check whether the games are working. If it is not, then try the next trick.

Fix #1. Check for iOS update

This is a standard measure you have to take when an error occurs on your iOS device. iOS updates have been released with some new improvements in default apps, and previous bugs are fixed.

So now we will see how to check the update on iOS:

• Step #1: Go to the “Settings” app on an iOS device.
• Step #2: Then open “General.”
• Step #3: And there tap on “Software Update.”

After tapping on a software update, you will come to know whether an update is available or not.

Fix #2. Check Games update – Do Games version update first, then try again

If you are playing the game on an older version, you can’t take advantage of improved graphics or updates, and because of this, the old version needs to be updated. You have to update the game by visiting the App Store.

• Step 1: Go to “Home Screen.”
• Step 2: Launch the “App Store.”
• Step 3: On the bottom, the icon of “Updates” is present.
• Step 4: There, you will find all the apps which are currently installed on your iOS device
• Step 5: Tap on the game app to “Update.”

Fix #3. Force Close Message App and reopen

When your processor iOS gets overloaded with excessive applications, which may result in crashing or not responding to an application. So at that moment, you should go for force closing of the application and relaunch it.

Fix #4. Force Restart your iPhone or iPad

Resetting an iOS device is the best option if your machine is running slowly or applications are frequently crashing. After rebooting the device iPhone and all the apps will work smoothly.

Now follow the steps to force restart the iOS device.

For iPhone 8 Plus/8 Plus and later:

1: Press and Quickly Release Volume Up button, then
2: Press and Quickly Release Volume Down Button, then
3: Press and hold the Side Button until you see the Apple logo on the Screen.

To Start the iPhone, Again press the Side button until the startup Apple logo on the screen.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus users: Sleep/Wake + Volume Down button at the same time
For iPhone 6S and Earlier: Sleep/Wake + Home button

Fix #5. Uninstall-reinstall Games Back to iMessage Games not working on iPhone

Uninstalling the Game and again reinstalling is another way to troubleshoot this problem. But from the messages app, we can only install a game cant delete. To delete a game, you need to visit the home screen.

• Step 1: Press and hold a particular app until (x) appears on the app.
• Step 2: After that, on the pop-up, confirm to delete the app.

Now again, install the app:

1. Launch the “iMessages” app.
2. Select the chat with whom you want to play the game.
3. Next, on the bottom, tap on the symbol of the App Store and search for the game and download it.

You’re Done!

iMessage Games Not Delivering

Whether iMessage not sending messages or iMessage games not sending, both of the issues are probably related and have common solutions. Here’s what you need to do.

Note: Did you check the internet connection on your iPhone, if it is not working correctly, then iMessage will not deliver games. To make sure the iPhone internet connection is live, try loading any page on the Safari browser or alternatively switch from Cellular Data to Wi-Fi or vice versa.

Solution 1: Reboot iPhone

Just like we do, whenever the iPhone is stuck or the app doesn’t function well, merely restart the iPhone without even thinking twice. It takes less than a minute to refresh the system software of the iPhone.

• For iPhone 8 or later users: Press and quickly release the Volume Up key and then press and quickly release the Volume Down key, and lastly, hold down the Side button, until the Apple logo appears on the display.
• For iPhone 7 and 7Plus, press and hold the Volume Down button along with the sleep/wake button for at least 8-10s until you see the Apple logo.
• For iPhone 6S/6SPlus or earlier, press and hold the Home button and Power button and release when the Apple logo displays.

Solution 2: Update iMessage Games

Periodically Apple adds new features to iMessage games, with new updates. It might be possible that at your side you haven’t updated the iMessage whereas your opponent has already updated and iMessage games not delivering.

Solution 3: Update iPhone itself

Lastly, the only trick left for you is to update your iPhone software.

• Open the Settings app > General > Software Update.

iMessage Games Sending as Image?

Since Apple has announced Games in iMessage, users are complaining more about Why are my iMessage games sending as a picture, rather than enjoying the games on iMessage with their partner or friend. Check these basic steps to fix the iMessage sending pictures instead of games.

Solution 1: Make Sure iMessage is Enabled on Both Devices

One of the Reddit users has suggested that if the iMessage Games is sending as an image, you should double-check the iMessage on your side and on another side, which must be turned on. If already turned on, then disable restart the iPhone and re-enable the iMessage.

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Messages.
3. Toggle on iMessage.

Get more- How to Fix iMessage Waiting for Activation

Solution 2: Force Restart iPhone

Next, a potential solution is to force restart the iPhone, and if there’s any minor issue with your iPhone, it will get resolved with a simple restart.

For iPhone 8 or later:

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
• Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPhone 7/7Plus: Press and hold the Volume Down button and Power button and release when the Apple logo appears on the screen.

For iPhone 6S/6S Plus or earlier: Press and hold the Home button and Sleep/Wake button and release when the Apple logo comes up on the screen.

Get More: How to use iMessage App Drawer on iPhone

Let’s share your feedback in the comments and tell us what clue worked in your case to fix iMessage games not working on iPhone.

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