iMessage not working: ultimate troubleshooting guide

iMessage not working is one of the searches that most people need answers to. It is frustrating for users, especially if it is their primary source of communication with family and friends. But for you to address this concern in a way that works, you first need to know where the problem is coming from.

This piece will go through all the possible causes of why iMessage might not be working. And we’ll then look at why you’re not getting text notifications on iphone, and how to troubleshoot such situations.  

What is iMessage & how does it work?

iMessage is an in-built message service available on Apple devices. It helps in sharing texts, photos, videos, documents, among others through the internet other than regular SMS. iMessage can be used on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and the Apple Watch. Often, it automatically changes when using messages based on internet access to blue bubbles (iMessage) or to green bubbles for ordinary carrier messaging. And iMessage is built to be faster, more secure, and better than typical texting.

• Sending and delivery: The iMessage uses the internet to transfer your messages, photos, and media, as opposed to your regular carrier.  
• Syncing across devices: iMessage keeps your conversations updated all over. Whatever you send across your Mac shows on your iPhone and iPad which makes it easy to switch between devices.
• Apple id identification: Your Apple ID assigns your phone number and email to the Apple messaging service. This assists Apple to deliver messages to the appropriate device.
• Security and privacy: iMessage is end-to-end encrypted meaning that only you and the other individual you are chatting with can read the messages. No information can be accessed by Apple, and your carrier, making your chats confidential.
• Blue vs green messages: When using iMessage on both sides, the conversations show a blue bubble. If the recipient does not use an Apple device, your messages will appear green because they will be sent via regular SMS or MMS.

Initial checks for iMessage stopped working before deep troubleshooting

There are basic check-ups that can fix the iMessage not working problem immediately before getting into more intricate fixes. Most of the problems of iMessage are related to the simple lack of the network connection, turned-off settings, or glitches. These are new user-friendly steps that are necessary to  troubleshoot the issue:

How to turn on iMessage on iPhone, iPad & Mac?

One of the easiest methods of correcting messaging issues is learning how to turn on iMessage. This is how you can troubleshoot  this situation:

iPhone:

1. Make sure to go to settings for you to access “Settings”
2. Now move to Messages.
3. From there you can turn  iMessage on.

iPad:

1. Head over to Settings and then access  Messages.
2. Last, turn on  iMessage by moving the switch.

Mac:

1. Go and open the Messages app.
2. Move to Messages and then access “Settings” then “iMessage.”
3. Ensure you use your Apple ID to sign in when prompted.  
4. From there, ensure “Enable this account” is checked.

iMessage not working special issues & how to fix

Even when iMessage is enabled and the groundwork has been prepared, some issues may sometimes arise. Most of these problems with iMessage not working are usually device-specific, account, or network-oriented.

iMessage activation error

There are occasions when iMessage does not turn on even when it is switched on. This leads to the problem of iMessage activation being unsuccessful.

1. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
2. Check that Date and Time are correct in Settings > General > Date & Time.
3. Sign out and back in to your Apple ID in Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.

Why iMessage says “not delivered”

When a recipient does not receive a message, a “Not Delivered” message will appear. This is how you can deal with iMessage not saying delivered.

1. Check your internet connection.
2. Tap the red exclamation mark and select Try Again.
3. Enable Send as SMS in Settings > Messages if needed.

iMessage not syncing between iPhone, iPad, Mac

Although it is tricky when messages are delivered on one gadget and not the other, there’s a way you can go around it.

1. Make sure all devices are signed in with the same Apple ID.
2. Turn on Messages in iCloud in Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Messages.
3. Check your internet connection on all devices.

Why are my iMessages sending as regular text messages?

When your iMessage is not connected to the internet it often sends a green SMS/MMS. Other possible issues are iMessage being off and also the recipient not having an Apple device. These issues can make your iPhone switch to carrier based text when data fails.

1. Turn on iMessage in Settings > Messages.
2. Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
3. Confirm that the recipient is using iMessage.

iMessage not working for one person or in group messages

In other instances, iMessage can be successful with all but one contact or chat group. It is because the information of the contact may be outdated.

1. Delete the conversation and start a new one.
2. Once that is done, check that recipient is using iMessage.
3. From there, check your internet connection.
4. You can then run your device again.

iMessage failed to send or receive (blue vs. green bubbles)

Messages intended to be sent in blue may be sent in green or not sent at all. However, it occurs in case iMessage is nonexistent, when your device is not in contact with the internet, or in case the settings of Apple IDs do not coincide.

1. Make sure iMessage is turned on in Settings > Messages.
2. Check that your device is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
3. Sign out and back in to your Apple ID under Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.

iMessage photos not sending

In case of unstable connections, inability to receive iMessages, or for example, very large files, photos will not pass through iMessage. But if you use this method, you can deal with iPhone not sending pictures:

1. You need to first check whether the internet is allowed on iMessage and that iMessage is enabled.
2. Try sending a smaller image to see if it goes through.
3. Confirm the recipient can receive iMessages.
4. Now you can try again to open use it.

IMessage GIFs not working

Sometimes GIFs might not work for a number of reasons, like your device is not updated, iMessage is not turned on in settings, or your storage is full. This is how you can go about it:

1. Make sure iMessage is turned on in settings and your device is online.
2. Then, You should also check your storage.
3. In addition, you can try to update your iOS device and check whether third party apps have permission.
4. Try sending a different GIF to test if it works.

iMessage Issues on Mac: Why it happens & how to fix it

iMessage sometimes breaks on a Mac yet it works on an iPhone or iPad. There are also Apple ID problems, Messages configurations, macOS bugs, firewall problems, or synchronization issues, which are Mac-specific.

Apple ID conflicts

When a Mac is signed in to an alternate Apple ID, iMessage will not transmit or get messages. Messages will not show on your Mac but may be visible on other devices.

1. Sign out of your Apple ID in Messages Settings iMessage
2. Sign back in using the same Apple ID as your iPhone or iPad

Messages settings issues

Wrong settings about the Messages app may stop iMessage usage. And it can contain unselected points of contact or accounts which can cause your Mac not to send nor receive messages.

1. Open Messages Settings iMessage
2. Make sure the correct accounts and contact points are selected

macos bugs

Problems with iMessage performance can be caused by software glitches or the use of older versions of MacOS. This can prevent the delivery of messages or display unwanted behavior of the app. The solution to these problems is to update MacOS and restart your computer.

1. Restart your Mac
2. Update to the latest macOS via System Settings Software Update

Firewall or Security Restrictions

The iMessage connections can be blocked by settings or network constraints on your Mac firewalls. This can result in messages being sent and received or not coming through even when everything seems to be properly configured.

1. Open System Settings Network Firewall
2. Allow Messages to receive incoming connections

Syncing Failures

iMessage may be unimportant for communicating with other Apple devices when iCloud Messages is disabled or the devices cannot connect correctly. However, this may lead to a situation where the conversation may be visible on certain devices but not others.

1. Open Messages Settings iMessage
2. Enable Messages in iCloud and make sure all devices use the same Apple ID

Advanced troubleshooting and last resorts

Switching to advanced troubleshooting when basic fixes do not user-friendly fix issues would help find out the underlying problems. It can fix issues like not receiving group messages on iPhone, or not get text notifications on iPhone,

1. Reset network settings

Rebooting network preferences may also help solve the intractable connection issues which cause iMessage to either not send or receive messages. This will clear combined Wi-Fi networks, cellular configuration and VPN-setting.

2. Update or reinstall macOS

Bugs at the system level of macOS may impact the work of the Messages app as well as iMessage. The only way to resolve hidden glitches is to ensure that your Mac is running the most recent release of the macOS operating system.

3. Contact Apple support

In the case of iMessage issues that remain even after troubleshooting, it is advisable to reach out to Apple Support. Paul is able to consult high-level technicians who could look into account-specific problems, server malfunctions, or an at-server level conflict.

4. Use a different Apple ID temporarily

One of the things that can be used to determine whether this is a problem with your account, or with the device, is to test iMessage using another Apple ID. In case messaging works with another account, it can be an indication of an Apple ID configuration problem.

Bonus for parents: how to ensure safe communication for minors on iMessage?

iMessage is a highly effective messaging app, yet with the minor demographic, it presents some threats unless supervised in the right way. Parents can follow pro-active measures to secure children.

1. Use a parental control app

Managing kids against issues like cyberbullying is not that easy. It requires conviction, strategy, and a reliable parental control tool. One of the best options at managing your kids is FlashGet Kids which has impeccable features. It comes with features like screen time to help you monitor your kids more effectively.

Its screen time feature enables parents to establish a daily amount of time available to use on their device. With such a feature, parents will be able to regulate how kids use apps like iMessage to connect with strangers.

2. Limit unknown contacts

To minimize contact with strangers, parents are advised to instruct minors to interact with trusted persons only. This can be enhanced by enabling the features that allow FaceTime and Messages to be limited to known people.

3. Check their communication

Consistent checking of message threads, without the manifestation of unfaithfulness, will assist in raising possible concerns before it is late. Children can be advised by parents to express concerns, and talk about suspicious messages.

3. Prevent cyberbullying and other messaging risks

While cyberbullying is a major threat to kids, it’s not the only one that can affect kids. Kids can also encounter manipulation, inappropriate messages and pressure to share personal information. Parents should guide their children on how to spot bad conversations that can lead to unwanted situations. Kids should learn how to block inappropriate people and report them to their parents immediately they encounter any awkward situation.  

Wrap up

iMessage not working, like not receiving text messages or receiving them on iMessage, are devastating, as we have seen above. But users can re-enable iMessage by using troubleshooting options above to resolve special messaging issues, or use advanced options when needed. For parents, safe messaging allows minors to communicate in a safe way and at the same time, protect them against cyber threats. FlashGet Kids offers a solution with its screen time option for kids to be protected even as they use iMessage.

FAQs