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Mobile Troubleshooting: Unable to turn on or sign in the iMessage or FaceTime
Mobile Troubleshooting: Unable to turn on or sign in the iMessage or FaceTime
Updated over a week ago

We're sorry to hear that you are having issues using iMessage or FaceTime . Let's perform some quick troubleshooting to see if this fixes your issue.

Check your device settings

  1. Ensure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network.

  2. If you're using an iPhone, you require SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.

  3. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that your time zone is set correctly.

Turn off and restart iMessage and FaceTime

  1. Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage.

  2. Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime.

  3. Restart your device.

  4. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.

It might take up to 24 hours to activate iMessage and FaceTime

If the issue continues after 24 hours, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

  2. If you're using an iPhone, contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive SMS messages.

  3. Make sure you can send and receive SMS. If a prompt appears stating "Your carrier may charge for SMS messages used to activate FaceTime and iMessage", tap "OK" to allow possible SMS charges.

  4. Contact Apple Support.

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