* This post is part of iPhone Life's Tip of the Day newsletter. Sign Up. * Show iMessage not working errors are unfortunately a common problem on the iPhone. This article will cover all the reasons why FaceTime or iMessage won't activate and how to fix the problem. Here’s how to fix the Waiting for Activation, Activation Unsuccessful, or Unable to Connect to the iMessage Server errors. Related: How to Enable iMessage on Your iPhone, iPad, and Mac (iMessage vs SMS) Unlike most errors, there are quite a few reasons why your iMessage or FaceTime may not be activating. If you see an "iMessage waiting for activation" error, it could be a problem with your cellular company or simply a bug that's easily remedied. When your iMessage or FaceTime won't activate, we recommend running through a few different possible fixes. In some cases, it may just take a while for iMessage to activate. But how long is too long? iMessage can take up to 24 hours to activate, according to Apple. This means that at a certain point, it’s safe to assume iMessage is simply not working. If you receive a message that says “FaceTime waiting for activation” or iMessage waiting for activation," you may want to go ahead and try the troubleshooting methods listed below. For more troubleshooting guides on common problems with Apple devices, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Frequently, when iMessage or FaceTime won't activate, you can resolve the problem by turning certain settings on and off or signing out of iCloud and back in. However, when I upgraded to the iPhone X, I saw the iMessage waiting for activation error, and the only fix involved speaking directly with my cellular company—the problem was on their end. I tell you this to say that if the following solutions don't activate your iMessage, the problem and solution are likely in the hands of your cellular carrier. iMessage Waiting for Activation Error Messages, According to Apple:
It can be confusing to have so many different error messages for the same issue. The following tips can help you solve all of these iMessage errors and teach you how to fix iMessage and FaceTime.
It's also essential that you have a carrier that supports iMessage. All major carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.) support iMessage. If you try all the methods below and wait 24 hours, but iMessage still isn't working, contact your carrier to make sure there aren't any limits on your plan that might be interfering with your FaceTime or iMessage activation. *All of the methods below can be used to fix FaceTime waiting-for-activation error too. Are you wondering, "Why is my FaceTime not activating"? This method works for fixing the issue for both iMessage and FaceTime!
Back to Top Note that these steps show iMessage. Experiencing FaceTime activation unsuccessful on iPhone? Be sure to follow the steps but toggle FaceTime on and off instead of iMessage.
Hopefully, this will allow you to enable iMessage and FaceTime. If you are still receiving any iMessage activation failed error messages, we have two more methods to try! Back to Top An Error Occurred During Activation iMessage Solution: Method 3Since iMessage needs to be enabled for successful activation, try this if the first two methods didn’t work:
Are you still having iMessage phone number verifying or activation issues? We have one last method for you to try! Back to Top If you are still getting an iMessage not activating error, try this iPhone error message trick:
This process will not erase any information from your iPhone except Wi-Fi passcodes and Bluetooth pairings. When logging in to Wi-Fi networks, you’ll need to re-enter any passwords your iPhone may have otherwise remembered and re-pair with any Bluetooth devices, but it does not erase your iPhone. Back to Top I’m Still Getting an Error Message, What Do I Do?If none of the previous methods worked and you’re still having activation problems, give your iPhone 24 hours to activate iMessages. All of the troubleshooting you just did may not make iMessages work immediately, but it might be able to kick in some time during those 24 hours. If, after 24 hours, you are still not able to get iMessages working because of an activation error, contact your cellular service provider or carrier. It’s possible the trouble you’re having with iMessages is in part or entirely because of it. You may also try to restore your iPhone from a backup. Which method worked for you? Let us know in the comments! Also, please share any other ways you’ve been able to fix this error message in the past. |