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If iMessage isn't working, you'll see text messages appearing in green bubbles instead of blue ones on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Worse than that, you might not be able to send or receive messages at all.
Whatever the cause, you can figure out how to fix iMessage problems on your device by following the troubleshooting steps below.
1. Test iMessage by Sending Texts to Multiple People
Before you assume the worst, it can't hurt to examine the problem. Are you sure iMessage isn't working with everyone, or is it just not working when you message one contact? Try sending iMessages to a few different people who you know use iMessage to find out if it works for any of them.
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If you're having trouble with iMessage when sending messages to a single contact, the problem is probably on their end. On the other hand, if iMessage isn't working with any of your contacts, and you know they're using iMessage, the problem is probably with your device.
You may not have multiple contacts you can check with if most of your friends use Android. In this case, if you have multiple devices using iMessage, try sending messages with each of them. You might find that you can use iMessage on your iPad, but not on your iPhone, so you know to focus your efforts on the iPhone.
If iMessage is working on your iPhone but your messages aren't delivering, this is another subject entirely. If that's the case, check out how to fix "iMessage Not Delivered" problems on your iPhone.
2. Make Sure iMessage Is Enabled Correctly
Even if you've used iMessage before, you may not have it enabled for a specific number or device. This is easy to check.
On an iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings and scroll down to Messages.
- Make sure the iMessage slider is enabled here.
- Then tap on Send & Receive.
- Here you'll see all the phone numbers and email addresses you can associate with iMessage. Make sure all the numbers and email addresses you want to use are enabled.
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On a Mac:
- Open the Messages app.
- From the menu bar, select Messages > Settings, then go to the iMessage tab.
- Again, make sure any numbers or email addresses you want to use with iMessage are enabled here.
If you're having issues on multiple devices, repeat these steps on any device that iMessage isn't working for.
3. Try Different Send and Receive Options
If iMessage still isn't working on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, try using different options in the Send & Receive settings. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. On a Mac, open Messages and go to Messages > Settings > iMessage from the menu bar.
From this screen, you should see all the phone numbers and email addresses linked to your Apple ID account. Try enabling or disabling different options to see if any combinations make iMessage start working again. It could help to disable everything except your mobile number to start with, then try testing iMessage again.
In general, it's also best to choose to Start New Conversations From your mobile number, if you're using an iPhone.
4. Reset iMessage and Reboot Your Device
With a Mac, you likely reboot your device fairly regularly, but this is less common on an iPhone or iPad. A reboot can help fix a lot of faults, but there's another step you'll want to take to resolve iMessage issues. You'll want to turn off iMessage, reboot, then turn it back on.
On an iPhone or iPad:
- Launch Settings, then scroll down to Messages.
- The iMessage toggle is located near the top of the screen. Turn it off.
- Now restart your iPhone or iPad, then turn iMessage back on using the same method.
On a Mac:
- Launch the Messages app and select Messages > Settings from the menu bar.
- Go to the iMessage tab and, under your Apple ID, uncheck Enable Messages in iCloud.
- Restart your Mac from the Apple () menu in the top-left corner, then turn this iMessage setting back on.
To be extra thorough, you may want to do this for every device you use with iMessage.
5. Sign In to iMessage Again
This is another method that is so simple it can't hurt to try: log out of iMessage, then log back in.
On an iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app and scroll down to Messages.
- Tap Send & Receive.
- From this menu, tap on your Apple ID at the bottom of the screen.
- In the dialog that pops up, tap Sign Out.
- After you sign out, tap on Use your Apple ID for iMessage.
- In the dialog that pops up, it will show your Apple ID and ask if you want to log in with that. Tap Sign In to log in with that ID.
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On a Mac:
- Open the Messages app.
- Go to Messages > Settings from the menu bar, then choose the iMessage tab.
- Click on Sign Out, then click the button also labeled Sign Out.
- You'll immediately see a login screen, with your Apple ID email address already entered. Enter your password, then choose Next.
6. Test Your Internet Connection
Unlike regular texts, iMessages send over the internet. So you need to have a working Wi-Fi connection or good cell reception with available cellular data to use iMessages. Open a web browser and try loading a new webpage to test your internet connection.
If you can't get online, that will explain why iMessage isn't working on your iPhone or Mac. Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or check how much data you've got left.
Strangely, you can't always activate iMessage over Wi-Fi. So if you're trying to use iMessage for the first time but can't get it working at all, try disabling Wi-Fi from the Control Center and activate iMessage on your iPhone over cellular data instead.
7. Reset the Network Settings
This is an iPhone-only option, and worth trying if iMessage still isn't working after trying the above steps. Resetting your iPhone network settings is a fix for several issues, and can often fix iMessage-related problems.
To do so:
- Launch Settings, then scroll down and select General.
- Here, scroll again and select Transfer or Reset iPhone at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap on Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- If prompted, enter your passcode, then confirm by tapping Reset Network Settings.
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Don't worry too much about losing any data; all apps and files on your iPhone or iPad will remain untouched. However, your phone will forget saved Wi-Fi networks, so you'll need to enter their passwords again.
Other Possible iMessage Fixes Worth Trying
There are a few other possible fixes you can try when iMessage isn't working. If you're not receiving iMessages on a certain device, one simple tip is to try sending a message from that device. Then get someone to send an iMessage to you again to see if you can receive it now.
You should also visit Apple's System Status website to make sure iMessage isn't down for everyone. Check there's a green circle next to iMessage. If there's anything else, it means Apple is experiencing technical issues and you'll need to wait for Apple's technicians to fix it.
Another possible fix is to check if a macOS, iOS, or iPadOS update is available. This is especially true if you've recently upgraded to a new software. Apple releases updates to improve your device and fix bugs, but these updates can sometimes introduce new problems. If this is the case, Apple may have already issued a new update to fix it.
Finally, if nothing else works, you can try contacting Apple Support.
Having Trouble With Regular Text Messages Too?
Hopefully, one of the above fixes got iMessages working again on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If you're experiencing the problem with multiple devices, you'll need to repeat the step that worked on every device. If that doesn't help, hopefully another one of the steps will.
iMessages aren't the only messages you can send from an Apple device, though. If you still can't send a message to someone, it could be that there's a problem sending regular text messages (SMS or MMS) from your device instead.
FAQs
7 Easy Ways to Fix iMessage Not Working on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac? ›
To check if iMessage is turned on for your device, go to Settings > Messages > iMessage. iMessage is temporarily unavailable on your device or on your recipient's device. You might need to update your settings for Messages after you set up a new device.
Why are my text Messages not going to my iPad and iPhone? ›To check if iMessage is turned on for your device, go to Settings > Messages > iMessage. iMessage is temporarily unavailable on your device or on your recipient's device. You might need to update your settings for Messages after you set up a new device.
Why is my iMessage suddenly not working? ›Make sure you've got a connection (and enough data)
iMessage needs a data connection to work, so you need to make sure you've got 3G or 4G (or 5G) available, or a good WiFi signal. Without WiFi or a cellular data connection, your iMessage won't send. Check you can access the web by performing a quick search in Safari.
- Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage.
- Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime.
- Restart your device: iPhone. iPad. iPod touch.
- Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.
Make sure that your Mac is connected to the Internet. To check your Internet connection, try loading a page in Safari or another web browser. Check that the date and time is set correctly on your Mac. Make sure that you enter the correct phone number or email address for the contact.
Why do Messages fail to send on iPad? ›You need to make sure that you are connected to the internet. Open Safari on your iPad and check to see if you can access any website. If you get a message saying that you're not connected, or the site will not load, then your iMessage will not work either. Try turning off Wi-Fi and then sending your iMessage.
Why are my text Messages not sending? ›To fix an Android that won't send text messages, try restarting it or checking for updates. Check if you've been blocked by the recipient, or if your carrier is having network issues. You can also try clearing the messages cache or making sure your SIM card is installed properly.
How do I reset my network settings on my iPhone? ›Reset your network settings
If you're using iOS or iPadOS 15 or later, tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings. If you're using iOS or iPadOS 14 or earlier, tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
No, it doesn't mean that the text won't go through or hasn't gone through. Instead, a green text message on an iPhone is an SMS message that has been delivered to a phone that is not an iPhone or Apple device (ie. an Android).
How do I reset my iMessage? ›- Tap Settings.
- Select Messages.
- Toggle off iMessage.
- Turn your iPhone off.
- Turn your device back on.
- Return to Settings.
- Click Messages.
- Toggle on iMessage.
Why is my iMessage disabled? ›
It might take up to 24 hours to activate iMessage and FaceTime. If the issue continues after 24 hours, follow these steps: Make sure that your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. If you're using an iPhone, contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive SMS messages.
Why is my number not connecting to iMessage? ›If you can't receive an iMessage from your phone number, it may be that the number hasn't been properly activated with iMessage. To activate the number, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. From here, sign in with your Apple ID and click on your phone number to activate iMessage with your phone number.
Why won't my iPhone Messages connect to my Mac? ›On your Mac, open Messages, choose Messages > Preferences, then click iMessage. Make sure that you're signed in to iMessage with the same Apple ID on all your devices. Choose which devices can send and receive text messages from your iPhone.
How do I make my iMessage work on my Mac? ›...
Set up iMessage
- Enable Messages in iCloud: Select this option if you want to store your messages in iCloud. ...
- You can be reached for messages at: Select the email addresses or phone numbers that people can use to send you messages.
- Open Finder, click Go menu, and select Go to Folder.
- Type ~/Library/Caches/ in the window and click Go.
- Your system, or library, caches will appear. ...
- You can open each folder and delete unneeded cache files by dragging them to the Trash and emptying it.
Go to Settings > Messages, then turn on iMessage. To select the phone numbers and email addresses you want to use with iMessage, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive, then choose from the available options below “You can receive iMessages to and reply from.”
How do I get my iPad to receive text Messages? ›On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding. If you don't see Text Message Forwarding, go to Settings > Messages. Turn off iMessage, then turn it back on. Tap Send & Receive, tap Use Your Apple ID for iMessage, then sign in with the same Apple ID used on your other devices.
Does green text mean blocked? ›Your old messages remain blue, but the latest texts you send after they've blocked you turn green. However, the bubble colors aren't accurate clues. They could mean the recipient turned off their phone, gone offline, or switched from iOS to Android.
Why is my messaging not working? ›Fix problems connecting to Messages
On your phone, turn your Wi-Fi off and back on. Make sure your phone and computer are connected to the internet with a strong signal. If you have connection problems, restart your phone. Make sure your phone has background data turned on for the Messages app.
22 is a short code to verify a big purchase through your bank( usually a chime account) that's connected with Apple Pay . For example if you make a big purchase it'll decline it. But it'll ask you to respond YES or NO to verify the purchase so they can authorize it next time .
Why does iPhone messages go from blue to green? ›
If you see a green message bubble instead of a blue one, then that message was sent using MMS/SMS instead of iMessage. There are several reasons for this: The person that you sent the message to doesn't have an Apple device. iMessage is turned off on your device or on your recipient's device.
What happens when you reset network settings? ›When you reset network settings (clear all connection data), a number of features are restored to default. Affected settings are Wi-Fi®, mobile data and Bluetooth®. Reset network settings: Allows background data sync.
How do I reset my phone network? ›- Swipe up from the homescreen and open the app drawer.
- Tap the Settings app (the one with a gear icon).
- Scroll down and tap to System.
- Select Reset options. 2 Images. ...
- Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile, & Bluetooth and tap Reset settings from the following menu.
Hard resetting means removing everything that is on your iPhone. Performing a hard reset wipes out all the data from your device. On the flip side, soft reset pertains to simply turning off your phone and restarting it.
Will I lose everything if I reset my phone? ›Important: A factory reset erases all your data from your phone. If you're resetting to fix an issue, we recommend first trying other solutions. Learn how to troubleshoot Android issues. To restore your data after you reset your phone, you must enter security info.
Is it good to reset your iPhone? ›Most commonly, people reset their iPhone because they are experiencing major software errors, like issues connecting to networks or apps crashing. Resetting the phone to its factory settings should resolve these errors and restore normal functioning. It's also smart to reset your iPhone before selling it.
What does blue text mean? ›What are Blue Texts? Blue texts are texts, photos, or videos that you send over iMessage. These texts are sent and received over Wi-Fi or cellular data. Due to that, they won't count against your text messaging plan if you have one for your phone.
Why are my texts blue? ›Answer. This is the way Android Messages indicates whether the message is being sent via RCS or SMS/MMS protocols. The darker messages are RCS.
What is the difference between SMS and iMessage? ›SMS is available on virtually every phone and tablet in the world. iMessage on the other hand is available only on Apple devices. But one of the major differences and in fact, the most important is security. iMessage texts contain a thing called end-to-end encryption that regular SMS texts don't.
How do I refresh my Apple Messages? ›After you turn on Messages in iCloud, your messages stay up to date automatically. If you want to make sure a new change takes effect immediately, choose Messages > Settings, click iMessage, click Settings, then click Sync Now.
How do I reinstall iMessage on my iPhone? ›
Download iMessage apps
To go to the App Store for iMessage, tap the Store icon. . Tap the. icon or the price icon next to the app, then tap Install.
- Solution 1. Log off iCloud and log in back again.
- Solution 2. Toggle iMessage off and on again.
- Solution 3. Force restart your iPhone.
- Solution 4. Turn on two-factor authentication.
- Solution 5. ...
- Solution 6. ...
- Bonus Tip: Selectively transfer messages from iPhone to your computer for backup.
- In Settings, scroll until you find "Messages" and tap. In Settings, find Messages. ...
- At the top of the screen, find iMessage. At the top, find the iMessage toggle. ...
- If the slider on the right is green, iMessage is already enabled.
- Check that you have a recent backup which is likely to contain your deleted messages. ...
- Then, go to Settings > General > Reset, and tap 'Erase All Content and Settings'. ...
- During setup, on the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Go to Settings > Messages and make sure that iMessage is on. ...
- Tap Send & Receive. ...
- In the "You can receive iMessages to and Reply From" section, make sure that your phone number and Apple ID are selected.
The answer is NO. There's no reliable way to use iMessage on Android without relying on a Mac and a third-party solution. Android by default has no mechanism for sending or receiving an iMessage. Users need the services of a third-party app and a Mac to setup an Android phone to get iMessages.
How do I connect my Apple ID to my phone number? ›Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in. In the Sign-In and Security section, click Apple ID. Enter the mobile phone number that you want to use as your Apple ID, then select Change Apple ID. A verification code is sent to you at that number.
How do I enable Messages on my iPhone and Mac? ›- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages.
- Tap Text Message Forwarding. ...
- Turn on your Mac in the list of devices.
- If you're not using two-factor authentication, a six-digit activation code appears on your Mac; enter this code on your iPhone, then tap Allow.
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Do one of the following: iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or later: Tap Show All, tap Messages, then turn on Sync this [device].
How to connect iPhone to Mac? ›The first time you set up syncing, you must connect your device to your Mac using a USB or USB-C cable. After you connect the device, the device icon appears in the Finder sidebar and selecting the icon displays syncing options. You then select which items to sync.
What happens when you clear cache? ›
What Happens After Clearing Android Cache? After you clear cached files, you'll regain some storage space and the app will continue to work as normal. However, since you erased the data used for optimal performance, some elements (like those mentioned above) will load more slowly the next time you use the app.
Is it safe to delete all cache files on Mac? ›Generally, it is absolutely safe to remove cache because the apps you install or browsers you use will create new cache files when needed. However, caution is necessary when removing the cache generated by the system — your macOS.
Does Mac clear cache automatically? ›In general, you should never need to clear the system cache on your Mac. Your system cache is temporary data stored by your Mac to perform system functions. You shouldn't need to worry about system cache—it's cleared automatically as needed.
How do I get text Messages on both my iPhone and iPad? ›On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding. If you don't see Text Message Forwarding, go to Settings > Messages. Turn off iMessage, then turn it back on. Tap Send & Receive, tap Use Your Apple ID for iMessage, then sign in with the same Apple ID used on your other devices.
How do I sync my iPhone and iPad text Messages? ›On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Do one of the following: iOS 16, iPadOS 16, or later: Tap Show All, tap Messages, then turn on Sync this [device].
Why are my iPad and iPhone not syncing? ›Make sure that you're signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID on all of your devices. Then, check that you turned on Contacts, Calendars, and Reminders in your iCloud settings. Check that the date and time settings on your device are correct for your current location.
Why doesn't iMessage sync across devices? ›Make sure that you're signed in to iMessage with the same Apple ID on all your devices. Choose which devices can send and receive text messages from your iPhone. If you're not using two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, a verification code appears on each of your other devices: enter that code on your iPhone.
Why are Messages not syncing between iPhone and Mac? ›Sign out of iMessages and retry
Try signing out of iMessage on your iPhone and Mac. Then, sign back in and check if your messages sync from iPhone to Mac. You can also try sending a new message.
Go to Settings > Messages, turn off iMessage, turn it back on, tap Send & Receive, tap Use Your Apple ID for iMessage, then sign in with the same Apple ID used on your other devices."
How do I get my iPad to receive text messages? ›Turn on Messages in iCloud
And, when you sign in with the same Apple ID on a new device that also has Messages in iCloud turned on, all your conversations show up there automatically. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, then turn on Messages (if it's not already turned on).
Can someone see my text messages from another phone? ›
Yes, it's definitely possible for someone to spy on your text messages and it's certainly something you should be aware of – this is a potential way for a hacker to gain a lot of private information about you – including accessing PIN codes sent by websites used to verify your identity (such as online banking).
Why won't my iPhone sync? ›Restart & Hard Reset iPhone
So, if you cannot sync your iPhone, restart your iPhone. Hold the Power button to restart your iPhone to get the Power Slider. Then, slide it and turn off your iPhone. Afterward, restart it and try to sync iPhone again.
Simply select the “Automatically sync when this [device] is connected” checkbox in the General pane, then turn on syncing for each type of content you want to sync. Your Mac and iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch update to matching content whenever you connect them.
How do I get all my Apple devices to sync wirelessly? ›Click General in the button bar. Select the “Show this [device] when on Wi-Fi” checkbox. Use the button bar to turn on and select sync settings. Click Apply.
Do I need to sync my iPhone and iPad? ›If you want your iPhone and computer to have the same music, photos, and contacts, then syncing is the way to achieve this. However, you might also like to sync your iPhone with your iPad so that both of these devices also have the same files and content.