Fix iMessage Not Working or Waiting for Activation iPhone (iOS 17.0.2)

Last Updated on May 30, 2023

iMessage is now in a new messaging pattern, that’s changing the way to use message apps like before. Also, it’s very easy to enable iMessage from your new iPhone. iMessage’s different Bubble effect, Screen effect, and Send Handwritten messages in decorative outlines. For that, you must activate iMessage from the device settings. Sometimes “iMessage not working” or “Showing iMessage is waiting for activation” on screen. So you must go through the troubleshooting given in this tutorial.

To Enable/ Disable iMessage on iPhone, Go to the Settings > Messages > iMessage Enable. (As per your carrier rules iMessage activation charge can be applicable or the iMessage rate will be charged).

iMessage activation and Related processes are the same in all the latest iOS.

Fixed: iMessage Waiting for Activation, iMessage not working: iPhone

1: Disable & Re-Enable iMessage

Maybe your iMessage activation is stuck on your iPhone before sending the request to a carrier successfully. Go to the Settings > Messages > iMessage (Disable/ Enable).

2: Re-login iMessage Account Apple ID

Log out iMessage account from the Apple server and Re-login. Once you enable the iMessage toggle, you will see the iMessage Apple ID, by scrolling down the screen below. Tap on Settings app > Messages > Send & Receive > Tap on Apple ID.

iMessage Waiting for activation, status mark about your carrier taking a too long time in iMessage service-enable your Number. So you can enable it on Apple ID by a switch to it from Send & Receive option.

3: Message Sent Failure

Message not delivered and re-attempt is Unsuccessful, then check iMessage status on other devices. People are getting this error message because there is an issue on another end like iMessage Deactivated, iMessage not activated, or iMessage Disabled from setting. Send these tips to your friends, and first of all, say to activate iMessage.

4: Disable iMessage restriction

You already set the restriction on account changes, Remove the restriction and Activate iMessage (iMessage toggle not accessible/ Read-only).

In iOS 14 & later

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Account Changes.

Select Allow.

In iOS 13 & Earlier

Settings > General > Restrictions > Accounts > Allow Changes. By making this change we can change the iMessage activation status and reconfigure.

5: Update your iOS

Keep up-to-date with the latest iOS version; Check any iOS updates available in the settings app. Go to Settings > General > Software Update (Over the Air)

Or Using iTunes > Connect your iPhone to iTunes via USB lightning cable > Summary Page > Option + Update on iTunes. Update iOS on iTunes or Over the Air Update.

Know about iMessage from the Carrier support desk; imessage charge might be enabled for international use. If you are using iMessage internationally, then the charge is applicable. If you have upgraded your plan, still iMessage not working, then Contact your carrier (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, or Others) – Check your current plan or contact if your upgrade plan request taking longer time.

Update: Date and Time (if you are outside countries or regions)

Keep the date and Time updated with the regional time zone for international users by setting them automatically.

Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically.

Reset Network Settings

Auto-Fix all network-related issues to reset all network settings. Here’s a way to reset network settings on ios 15 and later ios devices.

For iOS 15 & later

1. Open the settings app on iPhone > General.
2. Next, Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
3. Enter your iPhone lock screen passcode, and That’s it.

For iOS 14 & Older

Reset network settings on your iPhone. Go to Settings > General > Scroll Down “Reset” > Reset All Network Settings. Re-config all settings Restart or Force Restart iPhone or iPad.