Personal Home Support Centre Device Guides Apple iPhone 16 Pro Messaging & email I can't send and receive iMessages

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

iOS 18
Back to section Messaging & email

I can't send and receive iMessages

There are problems activating iMessage

Set up your phone for iMessaging

Press Settings.
Press Apps.
Press Messages.
Press the indicator next to
Press the indicator next to
Slide your finger upwards starting from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen.
  • 1
    Find "Messages"
    • Press Settings.
    • Press Apps.
    • Press Messages.
  • 2
    Turn on iMessage
    • Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.
      If you're an Unlimited SMS customer, you need to turn off iMessage.
  • 3
    Turn text message alternative on or off
    • Press the indicator next to "Send as Text Message" to turn the function on or off.
      If you turn on the function, your iMessages will be sent as text messages if the service is unavailable.
  • 4
    Return to the home screen
    • Slide your finger upwards starting from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen.

Did this solve your problem?

Yes
No
Time zone, date and time aren't correctly set on your phone
There's an error at the receiving end
Your phone hasn't been correctly set up for iMessaging

Can you make a voice call?

It's important to find out if you can make a voice call. If you can't make a voice call, you need to solve this problem first. When the problem is solved, you will most likely also be able to send and receive iMessages.

No