How to enable iMessage on iPhone (Simple tips)

Solve the error that iPhone prompts "I need to enable iMessage to send this message"

Have you ever sent a message to a friend but found that the message was not sent successfully later? Then, you receive a notification prompting you to fix the error "I need to enable iMessage to send this message". Typically, just enable iMessage to solve the problem, but it can be other reasons. This article will share my solution.

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Why does my iPhone prompt that I need to enable iMessage?

This usually happens when iMessage is not activated correctly or your device is disabled. By default, your messages will be sent via SMS, MMS, or RCS. The problem is that you may not know if your message is rerouted until you investigate further.

iMessage and SMS/MMS/RCS: What is the difference?

Before we figure out why iMessage cannot be synchronized, let's take a moment to understand how iMessage differs from SMS, MMS and RCS:

服务	功能	需要网络？	支持多媒体？	最适合
iMessage	支持文本、图片、视频等	是（Wi-Fi或移动网络）	是	打字指示器、已读回执和更高质量的媒体
SMS	支持普通文本消息	否（仅限移动数据）	否	文本消息
MMS	通过移动数据发送图片、视频和音频剪辑	是（移动数据）	是	多媒体共享
RCS	包括打字指示器、已读回执和更高分辨率的视频	是	是	Android设备可实现完整功能

The key is that iMessage provides a feature-rich messaging experience. If iMessage activation fails, it will return to SMS, MMS, or RCS by default, with limited functionality.

How to enable iMessage on iPhone step by step

I remember the first time I sent an iMessage to a friend, it failed to send successfully. It keeps showing "Message Not Delivered". I thought it was a bug, but then I noticed that iMessage was not set on my iPhone. Instead, an SMS was sent, but it didn't send the video file I was trying to send.

If you have the same problem, don't worry! I'll explain how to set up iMessage and make it run seamlessly.

Verify Apple ID and iCloud settings

You must enable iMessage using your Apple ID. Otherwise, you can't make iMessage work.

Here is how to enable iMessage on your iPhone:

1. Go to "Settings" > "Apple ID" on your iPhone.
2. Make sure you are logged in with the correct Apple ID.
3. Then return to "Settings" > "Applications" > "Information".
4. Enable iMessage. Once activated, it should turn green.

Remember to always make sure you are logged in with the correct Apple ID to avoid problems with iMessage activation. If you use multiple Apple IDs on different devices, check that they match to sync.

In addition, you can also see how to turn off iMessage and notifications on your Mac and iPhone.

Activate iMessage and adjust preferences

In the Information section, you can also adjust your preferences, such as Filter Unknown Senders or Show Subject Fields. This gives you more custom ways to control your iMessage and its features.

How to fix the issue of sending or receiving messages

If you still cannot receive or send iMessage after activating iMessage, please try the following actions.

Check network connection

You cannot send messages without Wi-Fi or mobile network data. To confirm that you are connected to Wi-Fi or have mobile data enabled:

1. On your iPhone, swipe down from the upper right corner.
2. You will see the Control Center. Then, make sure Wi-Fi or mobile data is turned on.
3. Tap on the Wi-Fi or mobile network icon to enable it.

When enabled, please check the following:

• Strong Wi-Fi connections showing all signal cells means that the message will be sent smoothly.
• With Wi-Fi (two or no signal grid) signal grids may cause delays or failures when sending iMessages.

Solution? Try to get close to your Wi-Fi router or change the network. If Wi-Fi is not available, as a backup, open the mobile data from the Control Center menu. Explore more ways to speed up Wi-Fi on your Mac.

If you still have problems with weak Wi-Fi signals, NetSpot can help you determine where you need to improve your network. It can also create detailed heatmaps and signal strength analysis to help you determine where Wi-Fi is covered.

To use NetSpot:

1. Install NetSpot on your Mac.
2. Select "Inspector" mode to scan your Wi-Fi network.

1. Or display the analysis signal intensity through the heat map in NetSpot's "Measurement" mode>click "New">name your project>select "Draw">select. Start drawing your apartment/home/any area to scan Wi-Fi intensity based on location.

After using NetSpot optimization, connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network and check if iMessage can send messages without problems. If not, try to get close to the router or try to place it in the center.

Please read also:

• Fix "Wi-Fi Not Configured" on Mac
• iMessage waiting to be activated
• How to check if someone has blocked your iPhone number
• Set iMessage on Mac

Check date and time settings

If you travel a lot, you may have encountered problems where iMessage is not working properly. A common reason is incorrect dates and times. When you are in a different time zone, or if automatic settings are not enabled, iMessage may not be activated correctly, causing messages to fail or delay.

To set the date and time accurately:

1. Go to "Settings" on your iPhone.
2. Click "General"> "Date and Time".
3. Open "Auto Settings".

If you still have problems, make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. iMessage requires a stable network connection to work like other online services.

Restart iPhone

If you still can't activate iMessage, a quick restart can sometimes solve the problem. This is a simple solution that can clear any temporary issues.

The following is how to restart your iPhone:

1. Press and hold the power button.
2. Swipe right to shut down.
3. Open it again until the Apple logo appears.

This solution is the fastest way to solve the error when iMessage needs to be enabled. Sometimes, restarting can automatically correct other errors, such as Wi-Fi connectivity issues and application activation issues.

Update iOS

Obsolete iOS installations may sometimes be the reason why iMessage cannot be activated. I suggest you update your iPhone occasionally and check for any pending iOS updates. Software updates often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements, so everything works smoothly, including iMessage.

The following is what you need to do:

1. Go to "Settings".
2. Click "General"> "Software Update".
3. Check for any possible updates and install them.

Log out and log in again

Solve iMessage activation issues sometimes just need to log out and re-login to your Apple ID. Doing this can help reset the connection between your Apple ID and iMessage service.

The following is how to do it:

1. Go to Settings >Applications >Information.
2. Select "Send and Receive".
3. Select "Login" at the top of the screen.
4. Click "Use your Apple ID for iMessage" to log in again.
5. Re-enter your Apple ID credentials and make sure iMessage is enabled.

After logging in again, check whether iMessage is activated.

How to set iMessage on your Apple device

Once iMessage is activated without any problems on your iPhone, you will be able to send and receive messages on your other Apple devices such as iPad or Mac. This is a useful feature that can help you get rid of the hassle of having to complete ongoing conversations while on the go or at home.

You just need to sign in with the same Apple ID on all devices and enable iMessage on each Apple device.

On your iPad:

1. Go to "Settings">"Apple ID"
2. Click "Login".
3. Then, log in again.

Now you know how to enable iMessage

With these simple steps, you can easily activate and control iMessage on your iPhone. With just a few clicks, you can start sending messages to your friends. Of course, if you don't have a stable internet connection, nothing will help you.

For a higher level of control and convenience, check out NetSpot and how it is used to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connections. This helps ensure that your iMessage is sent successfully immediately by ensuring the optimal signal strength in the network.

NetSpot is available in Setapp's free 7-day trial, allowing you to easily control your device and ensure the best features. Start now and enhance your mobile experience!

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