How to Fix iMessage Activation Unsuccessful Error

If you want to fix the state where the iMessage activation is unsuccessful and you are unable to send or receive texts on your iPhone, you can take the help of the solutions and fixes explained in this guide.

iMessage is the main iPhone platform that allows you to text others and use FaceTime on the smartphone. However, to use the texting and video calling services on your device, you need to activate iMessage. The procedure to activate iMessage is quite simple and initiates on its own when you open the texting app on the iPhone or try to Facetime any other user.

The creation of an Apple ID account gives you unrestricted access to both iMessage & FaceTime at no additional cost. Using these applications, you can text/video chat with anybody, additionally, you do not need a mobile phone plan to do so. All you need is a connection to the internet.

It will be necessary for you to enable iMessage & FaceTime on your Apple devices before you can proceed with using them. In most instances, they will become active as soon as you have completed the process of setting up your device. It may take up to a day at times, and in very rare circumstances, the applications may continue to display the notice “Waiting for activation” or “iMessage activation unsuccessful”.

If you have been unable to use your iMessage and FaceTime applications for more than a day, there are a few simple measures that you may take to resolve the Message waiting for activation issue. In this blog, we will have a look at such measures.

Solutions to Fix Activation Unsuccessful on iMessage

The below sections of this write-up are dedicated to fixing the iMessage activation unsuccessful error. You can execute these solutions chronologically until the issue disappears. All the solutions are safe to deploy hence, need no prerequisites to initiate.

Fix 1: Check the Current Status of the Apple System

If you are constantly stuck in a situation where iMessage activation is unsuccessful, there is a possibility that the problem is with Apple’s server. This is because iMessage is a service that is provided by Apple. Check the system status page on Apple’s website to see whether or not iMessage is experiencing an outage.

The presence of a green dot next to the iMessage setting would imply that the application is functioning without any problems, but that there is a problem on your end. So, now that you have figured out the same, let’s fix the iMessage waiting for activation at your end.

Also know: How To Fix iPhone Black Screen of Death

Fix 2: Switch to Apple ID

Here’s the smart fix to try if iMessage activation is unsuccessful. You can iMessage from the Apple ID instead of the phone number. So, when you are unable to address the activation problem that occurs with iMessage, you have the option to pick the alternate option that allows you to send iMessages using the Apple ID. You can follow the steps below to proceed:

• On your iPhone, launch the Settings app
• Scroll down until you locate Messages, and then tap it.

• Choose the Send and Receive area from the iMessage toggle menu.
• If you want to send & respond to messages using the Apple ID, you will need to tap on your Apple ID and then uncheck the box next to your phone number.

This is a simple alternative that you can try if iMessage is waiting for activation. Let’s proceed to the next fix if this one fails.

Fix 3: Check your Internet Connectivity

If you are experiencing an iMessage activation unsuccessful issue, verifying your internet connection is one of the potential repairs that you can attempt. It is also the most important remedy that you should try. When compared to regular communications, iMessage is dependent on a connection to the internet that is active.

Therefore, if you are facing an activation unsuccessful iMessage issue, it is essential to check if your iPhone is connecting to a mobile data connection that is operational or to a WiFi network. In order to determine whether or not your iPhone is connected to the internet, you can test the connection by opening a page on Safari or any of the other browsers that you like to use on your iPhone.

Also know: How to Fix iMessage Not Working on Mac

Fix 4: Try Restarting Your iPhone.

It is essential to restart your iPhone before you attempt to address any technical issues associated with the iMessage activation unsuccessful error. In most cases, this will resolve the majority of the troubles that you are experiencing with your iPhone. Following these steps will result in the deletion of data, the resumption of your network connections, and the refreshment of your messages.

Simply turning off your gadget, waiting thirty seconds, and then turning it back on is all that is required to restart it and fix the iMessage waiting for activation error. Hopefully, this will resolve the problem you were having. If this is not the case, please go on to the next fix.

Fix 5: Check the Time and Date on Your iPhone.

A faulty date and time can result in the iMessage activation unsuccessful error. When you send an iMessage from your iPhone, the time and date are very crucial factors to consider. It’s possible that you’ll have activation issues if the time and date settings on your smartphone are all wrong. Follow the procedures that are provided below in order to verify the date and time settings and adjust them so that they are set automatically:

• Go to the Settings app
• Choose General, and then select the Date & Time option from the menu that appears.

• Turn on the toggle that is located next to the Set Automatically option if it is not there.

It is possible that you will not face the iMessage waiting for an activation error if you attempt to send an iMessage now. However, if you do, follow the next fix.

Fix 6: Sign Out from Your iPhone

Here’s a smart fix to the iMessage activation unsuccessful error. Through your Apple ID account, you may use iCloud and other Apple services that need identification. iMessage and FaceTime are also tied to this account. Resetting the Apple ID associated with your device could resolve the problem. Follow the steps below to learn more:

• You should launch the Settings application on your smartphone.
• Tap the name that appears at the very top of the screen.
• Tap the Sign Out button located at the bottom of the page for your Apple ID. In order to completely log out, it is possible that you may be required to input your password.

• Restart your device after you have finished signing out.
• When it restarts, open the Settings application on your device.
• At the very top of the page, you will see an option to sign in.

Access your Apple ID account by logging in and then trying to activate iMessage. You may not get the iMessage waiting for activation error.

Fix 7: Disable and Enable iMessage

In the event that the above solutions did not assist you in fixing the iMessage activation unsuccessful error, it is now necessary to go further into the settings of your iPhone in order to resolve the issue. Follow these steps to proceed and disable then enable the iMessage:

• On your iPhone, launch the Settings app
• Scroll down until you locate Messages and then touch on it until it appears.
• At this location, you will find the toggle button for iMessage. If you already have it enabled, you may turn it off by tapping on it. After waiting for five minutes, you should enable the toggle once again.

• There will be a popup that appears on your iPhone when you enable iMessage. It will read something but to begin using iMessage, choose the OK button.

Also know: Get iMessage on Windows PC 

iMessage Waiting for Activation: Fixed

In the event that none of these solutions are successful, it is possible that your device is experiencing a more serious problem. In such a scenario, you will be required to make a direct request for assistance to the Apple support staff. You can take the device to a nearby service center to get it checked.

However, if the iMessage activation unsuccessful error is fixed using the above solutions, you can have fun chatting with your family and friends. If you need our help any further, use the comments section below to let us know. Stay connected by subscribing to our newsletter and following our social media pages.