At times, you can’t send or receive messages on your iPhone or iPad. The problem could be due to many reasons such as, poor network connection. The pending carrier update could be playing the spoil-sport as well.

If you have run into a situation in which you are unable to communicate using Messages app on your iOS device, try out these viable solutions to fix the issue. Let me walk along with you!

Unable to Send/Receive Messages on iPhone or iPad? Tips to Fix it

Make sure:

• Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
• Check out carrier settings update. (Open Settings → General → About. If there is any update available, update it.)
• Make sure you have proper network connection on your device.
• You can contact your carrier to find out if the type of message you wish to send such as, MMS or SMS is supported.
• In order to send group MMS messages, make sure to enable MMS Messaging. Contact your carrier just in case you don’t see the option to turn on MMS Messaging.

See An Exclamation Point?

If you see the alert stating the message Not Delivered. Quit Messages app. Open Settings app and disable Wi-Fi or Cellular and then reboot your device.

Once your device has rebooted, turn on Wi-Fi or Cellular. Then, open the Messages and try to send the message again. (You can also tap on the “(!)” button next to your message which couldn’t be sent and try to send it again.)

Faced with Waiting for Activation Error?

If “Waiting for Activation error” alert appears, again and again, you need to make sure that date and time is set correctly on your device. Simply go to Settings → General → Data & Time and correct it. Then, restart your device and try to send message again.

Issues with Group Messages?

If you have issues with the group message, then delete the conversation and start a new one. (Make sure to save the attachments or files you don’t want to lose. Simply touch and hold on the attachment and then tap on Save. )

To delete any conversation, simply over it and then select Delete.

Reset Network Settings

Poor network might be playing the devil’s role. Try resetting the network settings.

Step #1. Open Settings → General → Reset.

Step #2. Tap on Reset Network Settings and confirm it.

Quick Retake

Step #1. Open Settings app on your iOS device. Scroll down and tap on Messages.

Step #2. Tap on Send & Receive.

Step #3. Now, tap on your Apple ID and Sign Out.

Step #4. Next, quit the Settings app.

Step #5. Open Settings app again → Messages → Send & Receive.

Now, tap on Use your Apple ID for iMessage and sign in with your Apple ID.

You must ensure that your phone number and Apple ID are listed under You Can Be Reached By iMessage At. Next, reboot your device and once it has restarted try sending the messages again.

Assuming, you have been able to fix the problem. Just in case, the above-mentioned tips haven’t worked in fixing the issue, contact Apple Support.

That’s it! You may want to take a look at these helpful posts such How to Block Calls, Messages and FaceTime on iPhone in iOS 10, Save Photos from Messages App, Convert Text to Emoji in Messages etc.

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