Top 8 Ways to Fix iMessage Needs to be Enabled to Send This Message Error

Apple’s iMessage is the private messaging service that distinguishes iOS from Android. That said, there is WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal available for everyone on Android and iOS. Still, Messages users swear by it’s tied to their Apple ID and phone number. However, iMessage could not send a message from your iPhone. This can be frustrating.

Also, you cannot identify a specific reason for getting this error. There can be multiple factors affecting iMessage error on iPhone. However, there are a bunch of methods you can use to fix iMessage can’t send message error.

1. Enable/Disable Airplane Mode

Using this method, you can easily fix annoying network related problems on iPhone. If you have network problems on iPhone, you will have a hard time sending iMessage to the other person.

On iPhone, you need to enable Airplane mode and then disable it. Here’s how to do it.

Stage 1: Open Control Center on iPhone.

Those with iPhone X or newer models should use the swipe-down gesture from the top-right corner.

If you have an iPhone with a physical home button, you can invoke the Control Center from the bottom-up swipe.

Step 2: Enable airplane mode, leave it on for a few seconds, and then disable it.

Then open iMessage and try sending the message again.

2. Make Sure iMessage Is Enabled

If for some reason your iPhone has iMessage functionality, it’s time to activate it. Follow the steps below.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.

Step 2: Go to Messages.

Stage 3: Make sure iMessage toggle is enabled in the menu below.

Open the Messages app and try to compose an iMessage to your friend.

3. Delete Stuck Messages

This is another method that can help you fix iMessage must be enabled to send this message error on iPhone. From time to time, messages that get stuck for a while in advance interfere with those that follow.

You need to remove these stuck messages and then try sending iMessages again. Open the Messages app, identify failed message sending attempts, and you can start using iMessage again.

4. Sign Out and Sign In With Your Apple ID

As we mentioned earlier, your iMessage is linked to the Apple ID on the iPhone. Logging out and back in still works for many users.

Go through the steps below.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.

Step 2: Tap your profile picture.

Stage 3: Select Sign Out at the bottom.

Step 4: Sign in using the same Apple account details and now iMessage should work as intended for you.

5. Restart iPhone

If you have tried the methods mentioned above, restart your iPhone. Press the volume up/down button and the power button at the same time and restart the iPhone. Try sending iMessage again. If it still doesn’t work, move on to the next solution.

6. Reset Network Settings

If there is a glitch with the default network settings on the iPhone, it’s time to reset it. Apple provides a handy Reset Network Settings option in the Settings app.

Users can reset the network settings as is without messing with the menus and options. Here’s what you need to do.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.

Step 2: Go to General > Reset.

Stage 3: Tap on Reset Network Settings and it will revert to default network settings on iOS device.

Try sending an iMessage again and see if the issue persists.

7. Check iCloud Service Status

Like many other online services, even those from Apple are experiencing interruptions and issues. That’s why it’s a good idea to check the iCloud Service status to see if there is a major outage.

You cannot send or receive iMessages on iPhone if there are some glitches with iCloud servers. How then do you control or approve of anger?

Apple provides a useful system status webpage to check the current status of all Apple services. You can visit the page and check if iMessage has a green indicator.

Visit Apple System Status

8. Update iOS

If you’re keeping iOS updates for your iPhone, it’s a good idea to install any pending updates. The latest updates tend to bring various fixes and improvements under the hood.

You need to go to Settings > General > Software Update and update iPhone to the latest iOS version available.

Use iMessage on iPhone

With stickers, notes, a custom store, and new additions in the iOS 15 update, iMessage is gaining traction among users. iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message, this error might spoil the mood for you.

Follow the above troubleshooting steps and fix the error without going to the nearest Apple store.

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