Fix iMessage Need to Be Enabled to Send This Message

iMessage is a great way to chat, share stickers, collaborate on conversations, and even send songs all without leaving the Messages app.

But what do you do when it suddenly won’t work? You might have seen that annoying message: “Cannot Send Message. iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message.”

If you have run into this issue while trying to send an iMessage (or even a regular text), don’t worry you’re not alone.

In this article, I will explore what might be causing this issue and share some simple fixes to help you get iMessage working smoothly again.

What Causes the Issue?

Some possible reasons why you might see the “iMessage needs to be enabled” error:

• Apple’s iMessage server might be down when you send the message.
• A software glitch or an outdated version of iOS could be causing the problem.
• Sending a very large file in your message may trigger the issue.
• Incorrect iMessage settings might prevent messages from being sent.
• You might need to update your iMessage settings if you recently switched from a physical SIM to an eSIM.

Now that we have discussed some possible reasons, let’s explore the solutions that will help you troubleshoot and fix the issue with iMessage.

Step 1: Check Apple Servers

The first step I recommend is checking Apple’s server status for iMessage. Head to the Apple System Status page and look for iMessage.

If the server status is green, it means the service is up and running. If it’s down, that could be why your message isn’t sending.

Once you’ve confirmed the server is working, you’ll know the issue is likely elsewhere.

Step 2: Disable & Re-enable iMessage

Since the error mentions that iMessage needs to be enabled, one of the simplest solutions is to disable and then re-enable iMessage.

This can help refresh the connection and might fix the issue.

Here’s how to do it:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.Scroll down and tap Apps and there look for Messages.

Toggle off the slider next to iMessage.Wait for a moment, then toggle it back on.

This quick reset often resolves minor glitches and gets your iMessage working again.

Step 3: Sign Out & Sign In iMessage Account

Many users on Reddit and other support forums have shared that signing out and signing back into iMessage resolved their issue.

So first Open Settings on your iPhone and go to Messages.

Now Tap on Send & Receive. You will see your Apple ID and possibly a phone number if you have linked to your Apple ID.

Tap on your Apple ID, and a prompt will appear. Select Sign Out.

Restart your iPhone. After restarting, go back to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. Sign in to the same Apple ID account again.

This method helps refresh your iMessage connection and could fix the issue.

Step 4: Check Your Selected Number or Email in iMessage

If you’ve recently switched from a physical SIM card to an eSIM, it’s crucial to ensure that your phone number is properly set up for iMessage. After making the switch, check if your phone number is checked in the iMessage settings to avoid sending issues. Here’s how to verify:

Open Settings on your iPhone.Scroll down and tap on Messages.

Tap Send & Receive. In this section, confirm that your phone number is listed under “YOU CAN RECEIVE IMAGES TO AND REPLY FROM.”

If your phone number is not checked, simply select it, and this adjustment should help resolve any issues with sending and receiving iMessage.

Step 5: Network Reset

If the previous fixes didn’t resolve the iMessage issue, resetting your network settings could be the solution.

Important: Resetting your network settings will delete all network-related information, including saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings.

Go to Settings and tap General. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Tap Reset. Choose Reset Network Settings and enter your passcode.

After resetting, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and try sending an iMessage again. This step often resolves connectivity issues that may be affecting iMessage functionality.

Step 6: Force Restart

Try performing a force restart it often resolves temporary glitches affecting your device. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the side button.
4. Release the side button when the Apple logo appears.

This simple step might resolve the issue and allow you to send iMessage without any problems.

Step 7: Send images and videos separately

Try sending images and videos separately. Many users have reported that combining multiple images with a video can trigger the “iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message” alert.

To resolve this:

1. Send your images first: Select only the images you want to send and send them as a separate message.
2. Then send the video: After the images have been sent successfully, send the video by itself.

By doing this, you can avoid the error and successfully upload your media without any issues.

This approach has worked for others who encountered the same problem, so it’s worth a try!

Step 8: Delete the Thread & Start a New One

As a last resort, if you’re still seeing the pop-up saying, “iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message,” I recommend trying to delete the specific conversation thread and starting a new one.

Many users have found that this simple step can resolve the issue and allow them to send messages again.

To delete the thread:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Locate the conversation that’s causing the issue.
3. Swipe left on the thread and tap Delete.

After deleting the thread, start a new message and see if you can send it successfully.

Contact Apple Support

After trying all the troubleshooting steps, if you’re still encountering issues, it’s advisable to contact Apple Support.

They can offer personalized assistance and guidance tailored to your specific situation. You’ve done your part in attempting to resolve the problem, so reaching out to Apple Support will help ensure you get the expert help you need to get iMessage working smoothly again.

Wrapping Up

We’ve covered some handy steps to help you troubleshoot the issue, and I hope you find one that works for you.

If not, reaching out to Apple Support is always a good option. They’ve got the expertise to guide you through any lingering problems. Hope you solve the issue.