11 Tips to Fix iMessage Is Signed Out Error on iPhone

User Concern

“Help, I have the notification that my iMessage is signed out of my Apple ID so I can not receiving messages. I have gone into settings, turned on iMessage, and then it says there is an error signing in my number. How do I fix this?”

Do you keep seeing the frustrating “iMessage is Signed Out” alert every time you open a conversation in the Messages app on your iPhone? You’re not alone - this is one of the most common iMessage problems that confuses many users. In short, this error stops you from sending or receiving iMessages and forces your chats to switch back to regular SMS.

The good news is that it’s usually easy to fix. In this guide, we’ll explain why the “iMessage is Signed Out” error appears and walk you through the most effective ways to resolve it on your iPhone.

Why Is My iPhone Saying iMessage is Signed Out?

Although the iMessage signed out error is often related to the Apple ID, there are many other things that can cause it:

• Incorrect iMessage Settings: If your Apple ID has been changed or there's an issue with your account settings, iMessage may automatically sign out.
• Network Problems: Weak or unstable Wi-Fi or mobile data connections can interfere with iMessage, causing it to disconnect.
• Wrong Date & Time: If your iPhone’s date and time don’t match Apple’s servers, iMessage may stop working properly.
• Server Outages: When Apple’s iMessage servers experience bugs or downtime, the service may become temporarily unavailable on your device.
• iOS Bugs or Update Issues： Occasionally, software glitches or recent iOS updates can cause iMessage to log out without warning.

What to Do When Your iPhone Says iMessage Is Signed Out?

No matter why iMessage signs you out, the following troubleshooting tips can help you fix the issue.

1. Ensure iMessage is Enabled

One of the most common reasons behind the “iMessage is Signed Out” error is that iMessage has been accidentally turned off. To fix this issue, you should check whether iMessage is enabled on your iPhone or iPad.

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone, then scroll down and tap Messages.
• Look for the iMessage toggle - if it’s turned off, switch it on to enable iMessage.

You can also turn iMessage off if it’s already on, and then turn it back on. This disabling and re-enabling can freshen things up and help resolve the iMessage signed out problem.

2. Check iMessage Server Status

Another thing you should do is to check whether the problem is from Apple’s end. When the Apple servers are temporarily unavailable, then it’s likely to lead to iMessage signed out error. You can check Apple’s service status on their System Status page. Look at the iMessage entry to confirm if it’s down.

If you see a yellow dot next to iMessage, it means there’s a problem or the service is under maintenance. In that case, you’ll need to wait for Apple to fix it. If the dot is green, iMessage is working fine, and the issue is likely on your iPhone.

3. Restart the Message App & iPhone

If you’ve had the Messages app and your iPhone running for a long time, small glitches can build up. To fix this, try force-closing the Messages app and reopening it. If that doesn’t help, close all background apps and restart your iPhone. This can clear out minor software bugs and reset temporary settings, giving your device a fresh start.

4. Check Your Internet Connection

Unlike regular text messages, iMessage needs a steady internet connection - either Wi-Fi or mobile data - to work. If your connection is weak or not working, you might see the “iMessage is Signed Out” error.

To check your internet connection, open Safari and try visiting a website. If it doesn’t load and shows “iPhone is not connected to the internet,” that’s likely what’s causing the problem. You can try the following to fix it:

• Toggle between Wi-Fi and cellular data to see if one provides a more stable connection.
• Restart your Wi-Fi router to refresh your network.
• Enable Airplane Mode for about 10 seconds, then disable it to reset your device’s network settings.

5. Check Your iMessage Settings

The next step to fix the “iMessage is Signed Out” error is to check your iMessage setup. Make sure that your phone number or Apple ID is correctly selected, as this is essential for iMessage to function properly.

• Open the Settings app, go to Messages, and ensure iMessage is turned ON.
• Now, tap the Send & Receive option under iMessage.
• Check if you’re already signed in to iMessage with your Apple ID.

If not, there would be an option to Use your Apple ID for iMessage. Click on this option to sign in to your Apple ID. You’ll be prompted to enter the password, so enter it to log in successfully.

If your Apple ID is already connected with your iMessage, you can then reset it. To do so;

• Locate your Apple ID link (the one in blue letters) just under the Start New Conversations From option and click on it.
• From the pop-up, select Sign Out, and you’ll be logged out of your Apple ID from iMessage.

Once that’s done, restart the iPhone and sign in again to the Apple ID following the above steps.

6. Disable VPN on iPhone

Using a VPN on your iPhone can interfere with iMessage connecting to Apple’s servers. Sometimes, VPNs block the connection to Apple’s servers, which stops iMessage from working. Try turning off the VPN to see if that fixes the issue.

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Go to General and select VPN & Device Management.
• Disable VPN section by switching off the green toggle.

7. Set Date & Time to Automatic

Incorrect date and time settings on your iPhone can lead to the “iMessage is Signed Out” error. If your device’s time zone doesn’t match your actual location, it can disrupt communication with Apple’s servers. To fix this:

• Open the iPhone Settings and navigate to General.
• Click the Date & Time option and check if the time zone is set correctly. If not, you can manually set the right time zone.
• Alternatively, you can enable the Set Automatically slider/toggle to get it to adjust. This will guarantee better results.

8. Update Your iPhone

Apple regularly releases iOS updates, which usually come with fixes for various bugs. So, if your iPhone hasn’t been updated in a while now, then this is what might be getting your iMessage signed out.

• Open the iPhone Settings and navigate to General.
• Click on the Software Update option. Check if there are any pending system updates.
• If any, click the option for Download and Install or Install Now. When the update is done, your iPhone will restart; just open iMessage and confirm if the problem is fixed.

9. Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can often fix the iMessage signed-out issue. Keep in mind, though, this will erase all your saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, Bluetooth connections, and VPN settings. So, make sure to jot down any important Wi-Fi passwords before proceeding. Here’s how to do it:

• Go to iPhone Settings and click on General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Now, choose the Reset option. From here, click on the Reset Network Setting.
• Put your iPhone’s password when prompted to confirm the action.
• Again, click the Reset Network Settings on the confirmation pop-up, and your network will immediately be reset.

Go to your iMessage once you are connected to your WiFi network and see if you can sign in.

10. Fix iOS Issues with 3rd-party Tool

Sometimes, the “iMessage is Signed Out” error happens because of serious iPhone system problems. In these cases, using a reliable repair tool is the best choice. FoneGeek iOS System Recovery can fix many iPhone issues without deleting your data. It works well for problems like iPhone freezing, app crashes, update errors, and more. It supports the newest iOS 18 and iPhone 16models, and you can fix your device in just a few easy steps.

• Download and install FoneGeek iOS System Recovery on your computer.
• Open the program and connect your iPhone to the computer. Then, choose Standard Repair.
• Check that your device information is correct, then click Download to get the right firmware.
• After the download finishes, click Fix Now to start repairing your iPhone.

11. Contact Your Carrier and Apple Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and still see the error, it’s a good idea to contact your phone carrier. They can check if there are any message restrictions or issues on their side that could be causing the problem. If your carrier confirms everything is fine, then contacting Apple Support would be the next best step. Be sure to inform them of the troubleshooting you’ve already performed to help speed up the process.

The Bottom Line

The troubleshooting tips above should help you resolve the “iMessage is Signed Out” error. While it may take some time to try each solution, they are proven to be effective. For a faster and more reliable fix, FoneGeek iOS System Recovery is your best choice to repair iPhone system issues. With its high success rate and simple process, fixing your iOS system becomes easy and stress-free.