How to Solve iMessage Waiting for Activation Issue on iPhone?

Part 1: Why iMessage Waiting for Activation error happens?

iMessage activation error is a common problem faced by many iPhone users across the globe. However, there is no need to panic if you face such a problem when your iMessage won’t activate, but it is important to understand the reasons behind such a glitch.

There are various speculations as to why the iMessage activation error pops-up, and no one can come to a concrete conclusion for its occurrence. Here is a list of some of the possible causes.

• Unstable internet connection, WiFi connectivity, or poor signal strength may cause a hindrance in the iMessage activation process.

• When you own contact details are not registered on your iPhone, i.e., on opening contacts, if you do not see your name with your contact number, e-mail ID, etc., iMessage won’t activate unless you visit “Settings” and under the “Phone” option feed in your personal details.

• If the “Date & Time” are set appropriately on your iPhone, iMessage may show an error when you try to activate it. Its always advised to choose “Set Automatically” and then select your time zone to prevent any confusion.

• Not keeping your iPhone updated to the latest iOS may also be a reason behind iMessage activation error to pop-up.

The above-listed reasons are simple to understand, which we tend to ignore when we use our device on a day-to-day basis. Make sure you do not overlook these points while trying to activate iMessage on your iPhone.

Now let's move on to the solutions to fix the iMessage activation error.

Part 2: 5 Solutions to fix iMessage Waiting for Activation error on iPhone

There are many ways to overcome the problem. They are simple and can be used by you at home to fix the error without seeking any technical assistance.

Below is a list of five of the best ways to fix iMessage Waiting for Activation error o iPhone.

1. Log out of your Apple account and Sign-in again

This method sounds tedious and time-consuming, but it is actually very easy and solves the problem in no time. All you need to do is sign-out and sign-in with your Apple account in “Messages”.

Follow the steps given below to use this method to solve the iMessage activation problem:

• Visit “Settings” and select “Messages” as shown in the screenshot below.

• In this step, under “Send and Receive” select the Apple account and choose to Sign-Out.

• Now under “Messages” switch off iMessages and wait for a minute or two before turning it back on.

• Now sign in with your Apple ID again.

Hopefully, your message will now activate without a glitch, and you will be able to use it smoothly.

2. Update Carrier Settings

It is important to keep your iPhone’s carrier settings updated at all times. To check for updates:

• Visit Settings and select “About”.

• If you are promoted to update carrier settings, select “Update” as shown below.

When you update your iOS, carrier settings are automatically updated, but it always advisable to check the version of settings in “Carrier” in “Settings”.

3. Using WiFi on Airplane Mode

This may sound like a home remedy, but it works wonders to solve the iMessage activation error.

Here is what you need to do:

• Visit “Settings” and under “Messages” switch off “iMessage”.

• In this step, open Control Center and tap on the plane icon.

• Now turn on WiFi and go to “Messages” again to turn back on “iMessages”.

• Feed in your Apple ID if prompted. If not, switch off the Airplane Mode.

• Finally, if you get a pop-up saying something about carrier charges for SMS, tap on “OK”, if not, go back to “Messages”, switch off “iMessage” and switch it on again after a while.

This method solves the iMessage Waiting for Activation error and activates your iMessage service shortly.

4. Check with your Network Provider

If the above-mentioned methods do not help you in activating your iMessage App on the iPhone, try reaching out to your Carrier company and verify whether or not they support such a service.

Many-a-times network providers do lay a condition against your iMessage service. The best remedy in such a situation is to change your network and switch to a better Carrier that supports iMessage.

5. Check your network connection

Finally, if nothing works and you are still confused about what to do in case your iMessage won't activate, do not worry; there is another tip for you which you must try. It is to check your internet connection. iMessage works well on both WiFi and cellular data. However, signal strength and stability play a crucial role.

Carefully follow the steps given below to activate your iMessage smoothly:

• Visit “Setting” on your iPhone.

• Now select “WiFi” if you are on a WiFi network or “Mobile Data” as the case may be.

• Turn off “WiFi”/ “Mobile Data” and restart your device.

• Switch on “WiFi” or “Mobile Data” and see whether iMessages activates or not.

The methods listed above have helped many users to get rid of the iMessage activation error. They are simple and can be tried by you at sitting at home.