11 solutions to fix iMessage activation error on iPhone?

Sometimes you may see an iMessage error “Waiting for activation” when you try to activate iMessage on your iPhone or iPad. This prevents you from using this messaging service. If you don’t know why this is happening or are trying to find a solution, let me help you. This article explains why you may see the “Waiting for Activation” error and how to fix it. Let’s start with the basics.

How to fix iMessage activation problems

According to Apple, the following are the different errors:

• Waiting for activation.
• Activation failed.
• An error occurred during activation.
• Unable to log in, check your network connection.
• Unable to contact the iMessage server. Try again.

Before we look at the solutions, let’s get to the root of the problem and understand why it can happen.

Why iMessage says “I await activation”

It’s not like people face this problem often. It only happens when there are some basic mistakes. Check out some of the reasons below.

• You may not be connected to a working data or WiFi network. WiFi not working, some simple solutions
• Your iPhone settings fail to send SMS.
• The telephone line does not work, which prevents sending and receiving text messages.
• You don’t have enough money to send the iMessage activation text message.
• The iPhone date and time settings are incorrect.
• There is a temporary problem with the Apple server.

Most of the above problems have a similar solution. Interestingly, the solutions listed in this article work even when FaceTime cannot be turned on. So, let’s dive right in and get your iMessage back up and running!

Note: Apple says iMessage can take up to 24 hours to activate successfully. You might consider waiting before moving on to solutions.

How to fix “iMessage activation an error has occurred”

Check if you can send text messages

For iMessage activation, your iPhone sends a standard SMS text message. Therefore, it is vital to make sure that it can send it.

To check;

1. Open the app Messages and choose a friend or family member (preferably those using an Android phone).
2. Send a SMS and check if it has been successfully delivered.
3. If so, move on to the next corrections.

Make sure your iPhone has a WiFi or cellular data connection

To activate iMessage, your iPhone must have a working internet connection. Open Safari or the YouTube app and try visiting a website or playing a video. If it loads, your internet connection is working fine.

Suggestion:

• If you are using cellular data, open the app Settings → Mobile phone → scroll down and make sure the switch for Settings e FaceTime is green.
• Are you using a VPN? If so, turn it off and then try to activate iMessage.

Set the correct date and time

Activating iMessage also requires the correct date and time. An easy way to make sure this happens is to let your iPhone set them automatically.

1. Open the app Settings and touch General.
2. Touch Date and time.
3. Activate Set automatically.

Turn Airplane Mode on and off on iPhone

This is a fairly simple and neat trick that often solves problems like this. You can enable and disable AirPlane mode from the iPhone Control Center or using the Settings app.

Restart your iPhone

People are often tempted to ignore this solution. But keep in mind that turning off your mobile phone, computer, router or any device and turning it back on is a great way to solve numerous problems. Therefore, to fix iMessage activation issues, go ahead and restart your iPhone.

Check the status of Apple’s server

It is possible that the fault is not yours, but Apple’s. Before proceeding with the remaining fixes, be sure to check the Apple server status and see if the Apple ID and iMessage are working. If downtime occurs, wait a while. Apple usually fixes these problems quickly.

Turn iMessage off and on again

1. Open the app Settings and touch Messages.
2. Deactivate iMessage.
3. After a minute, turn it on.

Log out of your Apple ID and log back in

1. Open the app Settings and touch the Your name up.
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap Go out.
3. Enter the password del your ID Apple and proceed to exit correctly.
4. Then, restart the your iPhone.
5. Open the app Settings and touch Log in from above.
6. After logging in, check if the iMessage issue is resolved. If not, try turning iMessage off and on again.

Update mobile carrier settings on iPhone and fix related issues

Operators ensure a good call, SMS and Internet experience by issuing operator updates. To troubleshoot iMessage issues, it is recommended that you check and install any pending carrier updates.

Furthermore, it is also essential to contact your carrier’s customer support and see if there is any problem with your account. Ask if they have restricted your messaging abilities or blocked you from activating iMessage.

Update your iPhone

Apple regularly sends iOS updates to fix bugs, fix existing problems, and introduce new features. If iMessage doesn’t activate due to a software glitch, you need to update your iPhone from the app Settings → General → Software update.

Reset the network settings on your iPhone

This is one of the essential solutions for iMessage activation errors. When you follow the steps below, all network settings will be reset. Personal data such as apps, photos, videos and so on are not affected.

1. Open the app Settings and touch General.
2. Touch Reset.
3. Touch Reset network settings.
4. Enter your iPhone passcode and confirm.
5. When done, restart your iPhone and try to activate iMessage again.

Note: if that doesn’t work, take in consideration Reset all settings in step 3 above. This will only erase the changed settings, not your personal data. To be on the safe side, consider backing up your iPhone before proceeding.

iMessage now works perfectly!

I believe the above solutions helped you to solve the problem successfully. However, if you still see the same error, contact your carrier and Apple Support. You can reach them via call, chat, or even Twitter. Apple also has the Support app.