Those of us who have Apple devices know that iMessage is a good way to contact other Apple users while avoiding text messaging fees. However, unlike your standard SMS, when iMessage encounters a problem, you will have to attempt to fix it. When all of your messages begin to appear in green instead of blue bubbles, iMessage isn’t working. If this is happening on your iPhone, iPod, or iPad, here are some ways that you can troubleshoot the issue.
iMessage isn’t working on your iPhone Plus and you can’t figure out why. All the texts you send and receive are in green bubbles, or are just failing to send altogether. In this article, I’ll explain why you can’t send or receive iMessages on your iPhone and show you how to fix the problem using a step-by-step guide.
What Is iMessage And How Does It Work?
iMessage was Apple’s answer to Blackberry Messenger, and it is fundamentally different than traditional text messaging (SMS) and multimedia messaging (MMS). iMessage is a great feature because it allows iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Macs to send messages that transcend the traditional 160-character limit of text messages and data limits associated with MMS messages
Why is iMessage not working Today?
There are lots of reasons why iMessage can stop working Today: it could be an issue with Apple’s iMessage server, a problem with the Messages app, or your settings could need adjusting. Before we move on to specific difficulties, let’s work through nine simple troubleshooting steps that will solve the most common issues with iMessage.
Best Solution to iMessage Not Working – Here’s how to fix it on your iPhone
Solution # 1 Update Your iPhone 14 Software
Apple says the simplest way to resolve these issues is to update your iPhone 14 to iOS 16.0.1. The update is now available for all iPhone 14 models. To update your device, follow these steps. If you get a notification on your device that says an update is available, tap Install Now. You can also follow these steps:
- Plug your device into a power outlet using a Lightning cable and power plug, and make sure you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network.
- Launch the Settings app.
- Tap General, then tap Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode if prompted to do so.
Solution # 2 Make sure iMessage is on and set up correctly
Make sure you have a working internet connection.Anytime you’re not sure if an internet service is working properly, the first thing you should do is double-check your connection. In principle, iMessage should “fall back” to cellular if your Wi-Fi isn’t working, but it’s always possible something went awry.
Step 1. Start the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi.
Step 2. Turn Wi-Fi off by swiping the button to the left, wait a moment, and turn it back on with a swipe to the right.
Step 3. Tap the Back button at the top left.
Step 4. On the main Settings page, tap Cellular.
Step 5. Turn your cellular data off by swiping the button to the left, wait a moment, and turn it back on with a swipe to the right.
Step 6. Make sure you see both Wi-Fi and cellular symbols at the top of your iPhone’s home screen.
Solution # 3 Restart iMessage
If all your settings are correct, toggling the entire iMessage service off and back on again might solve the problem.
Step 1. Start the Settings app and tap Messages.
Step 2. Turn iMessage off by swiping the button to the left.
Step 3. Shut down your iPhone, then turn it on again.
Step 4. Go back to the Settings app, tap Messages, and turn iMessage on by swiping the button to the right.
Solution # 4 Try Different Send and Receive Options
If iMessage still isn’t working on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, try using different options in the Send & Receive settings. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. On a Mac, open Messages and go to Messages > Preferences > iMessage.
Solution # 5 Reset iMessage and Reboot Your Device
On your Mac, you likely end up rebooting about once a week, but this is less common on an iPhone or iPad. A reboot can help, but there’s another step you’ll want to take to resolve iMessage issues. You’ll want to turn off iMessage, reboot, then turn it back on.
Solution # 6 iMessage Not Working: Red Exclamation Mark Error
When you send a message, and you see a red exclamation mark beside it, this means that you are having internet connectivity issues. It is an alert sign that means the message is not delivered. Solution: Reset your internet connection, then go to the message and tap ‘try again’. If the issue persists, then tap the red mark and choose ‘send as a text message’.
Solution # 7 Recapping the Troubleshooting Methods for iMessage Issues
The following are some general solutions that you can use when facing issues with iMessage applications.
Toggle on and off to refresh your iMessage app. Settings -> Messages -> iMessage
Restore network settings
Open Settings -> General -> Go to Reset -> Reset Network Settings
turn off your Wi-Fi and turn it on again to refresh your internet settings. Otherwise, use 3G/4G.
Solution # 8 Check Your Internet Connection
Remember that iMessage only works with a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection, so let’s make sure your iPhone or iPad is actually connected to the internet. Open up Safari on your device and try navigating to any website. If the website doesn’t load or Safari says you’re not connected to the internet, your iMessages won’t send either.
Solution # 9 Fix iPhone Message/iMessage Not Working Using Tenorshare ReiBoot
Should above methods are still not able to solve iPhone messages iMessage not working? Get blank/white message screen whenever a message is received? You can put your iOS device into Recovery Mode and reboot it with free Tenorshare ReiBoot, which is capable to enter Recovery Mode within 1-click instead of holding the combination of buttons for a long time.
Solution # 10 Sign Out and Back Into iMessage
If your Internet connection isn’t causing problems, try signing out and back into your Apple ID. To do so, go into Settings, Messages, and Send & Receive. Once you are signed back in, send a message again to a contact with an Apple device. If your message comes up blue, iMessage is working.
