iMessage Waiting for Activation Error – How to Fix on iPhone or iPad?

For iPhone users iMessage waiting for activation is a big problem and different from other problems. The iMessage activation not working error has many different reasons behind it. There may be a simple bug or problem with your cellular company that is easily solved.

During such a situation, you might get a question that how to activate iMessage. So for that, there are some recommended fixes for it. If you get this error after changing your iPhone, then call your carrier. Even iMessage says waiting for activation problems also occurs due to the iOS updates. Due to this error, one can’t use the iMessage.

If you are also many one who is facing the same problem, then do not worry as we are here with the same problem fixes. If you are wondering why iMessage is not activating or why it will not work then here you will also find the answer for it. This will happen when you try to use iMessage on Windows and iMessage on Android.

In some cases, it happens that iMessage takes too long to activate, but this too long is not more than 24 hours. So if you receive a notification that says, iMessage not working, then it is safe to assume that it is not working and find the solution to fix it. Often, when you get this error, you can solve it by changing some settings or on and off some services. Even signing out of iCloud and signing in to the same account may also solve the problem sometimes. If you upgrade to the iPhone X and find the same problem, then contact your cellular company, and they will solve your problem within some time.

iMessage Waiting for Activation
iMessage Waiting for Activation

Reason Behind iMessage Waiting for Activation Error:

According to Apple the main four reasons for this problem are:

  • Activation unsuccessful
  • Waiting for activation
  • An error occurred during the activation
  • Could not sign in

Before you start the fixes, make sure that your iOS is up to date. To check it go to Settings >> General >> Software Update.

Also, check your internet connection or Wi-Fi connection from the cellular data or Wi-Fi in Settings respectively.

Also, check the date and time from the settings. To solve this date and time problem, set the time zone automatically.

Finally, if you have tried all of the methods given in this article and even after 24 hours it is not working then go to the carrier that supports iMessage and make sure that they don’t have to set a particular limit to send a message in a day.

How to Fix iMessage Waiting for Activation Error?

Solution #1: Check Out Internet Connection

Your iMessage requires a good internet connection to work properly. So first check that your internet connection is running well.

To check it go to the following path:

  • Settings >> Cellular/Wi-Fi >> Turn it off >> Reboot device >> Turn on Wi-Fi/Cellular.
    turn off wifi on iphone and ipad
  • After trying this, go to start iMessage. If you find that the problem continues then go to the network settings and reset it.

By resetting the setup, it will delete all the existing network settings and set as default. To do it here is the path.

  • Go to Settings and then into General >> Reset >> Reset Network Settings, enter your Password and Confirm. And you are done.
    reset network setting on iPhone and iPad

Check whether the problem is solved or not. If not then go to the next fix.

Solution #2: Turn on/off iMessage and Reset Your Device

Give a new start to your iMessage and your iPhone. It also works well for many users. We hope it will work for you.

Step #1: Open Messages from the settings app. From message turn off iMessage.

turn off imessage on iphone and ipad

Step #2: Next reboot your device. The reboot process is different for a different device.

  • For iPhone 6s/SE or earlier, press the home and power button together for about 10 seconds.
  • For the iPhone 7/7 Plus, press the home button and volume down button together.
  • To restart your iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later, first press and quickly free the Volume Up button then do the same with the Volume Down button. And at last press and hold the Side button for a few seconds till you see the Apple logo.

Step #3: When your device restarted, go to iMessage turn it on, and check whether the problem is solved or not.

Solution #3: Update iPhone’s Carrier Settings

To improve performance and solve the problems, the carrier provider also releases the update. Update your iPhone’s carrier settings with the steps here.

Step #1: Enable Wi-Fi or Cellular data on your device and go to Settings >> General >> About.

Step #2: Now, check for the update. If a new update is available, you can see it. The version is shown next to the Carrier in carrier settings.

When you insert a new sim card, you have first to download the carrier setting in your iPhone for your new carrier.

Solution #4: Apple ID Sign-out, Sign-in

Not yet get the solution to the problem then try this fix. Here you have first to sign back into it again. Yes, it is funny but works for some users.

Step #1: Go to settings>> Message. In the message scroll down till you find an option of ‘Send & Receive’ and click on it.

Step #2: Click on the Apple ID and choose the Sign Out option.

sign out apple id on iphone

Step #3: Switch off iMessage and after a few minutes switch it on.

Step #4: Now log in by entering your Apple ID details and check you find the solution for why is my iMessage not activating.

Solution #5: Go For Software Update

When Apple releases a software update, it causes many diverse issues, and this problem is one of them. So to solve it first update the software from the following path: Settings >> General >> Software Update >> Install it.

Solution #6: Last One

The last solution is a little tricky as it will remove all your existing content and settings and restore your device. So it is desirable to take a full backup of the device before proceeding to this fix.

  • First, go to Settings >> General >> Reset >> Erase All Content and Settings >> Enter iPhone Passcode >> Confirm. Now set up your device as you need.
    iphone factory reset
  • Next, go to the iTunes. Open your PC and connect your device to your PC. To connect it go to the computer >> fire iTunes >> choose the device >> Restore iPhone and confirm the restore option.

After this process, your device will work correctly. Now go to iMessage and enable it. And enjoy your app.

Conclusion:

It is all about iMessage waiting for activation fixes. Hopefully, any of the above solutions will work for you. In case any of the above processes will not work for you then contact Apple for further help. Thank you!

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