[11 Ways] iMessage Needs to Be Enabled to Send This Message

You might see a popup saying “Cannot Send Message. iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message.” when trying to send a message from your iPhone - and yes, it can be really frustrating.

So, what does this message actually mean? It usually indicates that the iMessage feature is either turned off or not working properly on your device. In this article, we will discuss the most common reasons behind iMessage needs to be enabled popup and what you can do to fix it. Keep reading!

Why Does It Say iMessage Needs to Be Enabled?

When you encounter the error message "iMessage needs to be enabled," it means that iMessage is either not turned on or hasn’t been set up correctly on your device. However, the problem isn’t always just about the iMessage toggle itself. Here are four common reasons why this error might appear:

• If Apple’s iMessage servers are temporarily unavailable, you may run into issues sending or receiving messages.
• A weak or inconsistent Wi-Fi or cellular connection can interrupt iMessage delivery.
• If your iMessage is set up with the wrong Apple ID or if key message settings are misconfigured, you may encounter errors.
• Bugs or minor glitches in iOS can sometimes disrupt iMessage functionality and cause this error.

How to Fix iMessage Needs to Be Enabled to Send This Message?

To fix this error message, we’ll walk you through steps to check your settings, internet connection, and app functionality. Follow along to get iMessage working properly again.

1. Ensure iMessage Is Enabled

The first thing you should do is to make sure that iMessage is enabled on your iPhone. You can refer to the steps below to enable iMessage from Settings.

• Go to iPhone's Settings and then find Messages.
• Press the toggle bar behind the iMessage option.
• If it is turned on, disable it and turn it on again.

2. Check Internet Connection

iMessage requires a stable internet connection to work efficiently. Make sure that you are connected to a WiFi or cellular data while sending the message. If your network connection is weak, consider switching to a stronger one or resetting network settings.

This process resets all network settings on your iPhone, including saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, cellular settings, etc. It gives your device a clean slate for network connections, which can help fix iMessage issues caused by network glitches. Here's how to do it:

• Open Settings on iPhone and press General.
• Find and press on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Then select Reset > Reset Network Settings and proceed.

3. Enable and Disable Airplane Mode

Enabling and disabling the Airplane mode on your iPhone might also help to solve the issue. When you do this, all the network connections turn off and start again freshly, which can solve minor network-related problems.

• Swipe down the screen to bring the Control Panel (Swipe up from the bottom if the iPhone arrives with a home button).
• Now find the Airplane icon and tap on it to turn it on.
• Wait around 30 seconds and tap again to disable it.

4. Force Quit the Messages App

If the "iMessage needs to be enabled" alert appears, force quitting the Messages app might help. This quick action can clear temporary glitches or software hiccups that may be affecting how the app works, giving it a fresh start and potentially fixing the issue.

• On iPhones with Face ID: Swipe up from the bottom and pause in the middle of the screen. Find the Messages app. Swipe it up to close it.
• On iPhones with a Home button: Press the Home button twice quickly. Find the Messages app. Swipe it up to close it.

After 15 seconds, open the Messages app and try to send the message.

5. Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes, the error happens because of a small software glitch. Besides restarting the Messages app, restarting your iPhone can also help fix minor bugs and refresh the system.

• For iPhones with Face ID: Hold the Side button and Volume button until you see the power off slider.
• For iPhones with a Home button: Hold the Side (or Top) button until the power off slider shows up.

Slide to turn off your iPhone. Wait a few seconds, then hold the Side/Top button again to turn it back on.

6. Check iMessage Sever Status

The iMessage server can be down on rare occasions and prevent you from sending messages. Open Apple Status Page and find iMessages. If the server is okay, you will find a green dot beside it. If it is not green, then the server is down, and you have nothing to do but wait.

7. Delete Stuck Message & Start A New One

If you see the “iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message” error, try deleting the conversation thread and starting a new one. This trick has worked for some users - once they start a new chat, they’re able to send messages again. Give it a try!

8. Sign Out & Sign In iMessage Account

Signing out and then signing in iMessage again helped some users to solve the problem. You can also consider trying it. Here is what to do:

• Open Settings. Now find and open Messages, then go to Send & Receive tab.
• Under the You can receive messages to and reply from tab, uncheck the phone numbers and email addresses list.
• Now press on the Apple ID on top of the display and then tap on Sign Out. After signing out, restart the iPhone.

When the iPhone turns on again, sign in to the account. You will find a popup “use the Apple ID for iMessage?”. Just press Sign in and enter the login credentials.

9. Update iOS to Latest Version

To ensure your iPhone runs smoothly, it's essential to keep your operating system up to date. Updating iOS not only fixes bugs but also enhances performance, which can resolve issues like messages not being delivered.

• Simply go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Your iPhone will automatically check for any available updates and prompt you to install them if necessary.

10. Reset iPhone to Factory Settings (Data Loss)

If you are still unable to fix the issue, then your last resort will be factory resetting your iPhone. Note that it will erase all data, including media files, contacts, apps, etc. We strongly recommend you back up your iPhone before doing this. After backing up, follow these steps:

• Open Settings and go to General.
• Find Transfer or Reset iPhone and press on Erase All Content and Settings.
• Confirm the action and enter your password if needed.

11. Best Way to Fix iMessage Needs to Be Enabled

If the methods above don’t work, your iPhone might have a software problem. You can fix this using a third-party tool like FoneGeek iOS System Recovery. This reliable tool can repair software bugs that affect iMessage without causing any data loss. It’s a quick and easy way to solve the error. Follow these four steps to use it:

Step 1. Install and run the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery on your PC. Select Standard Mode and connect your iPhone to the computer via a USB cable.

Step 2. Once the program detects your iPhone, it will show your device details on the screen. Just click Download to get the right firmware for your iPhone.

Step 3. Once the download is complete, press Fix Now to start fixing the iOS device. If you have done everything correctly, the problem should be fixed now.

The Bottom Line

We hope that you have fixed the ‘‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’’ after trying the mentioned solutions. Make sure to try the FoneGeek iOS System Recovery if you cannot solve it following the other fixes. It is a safe and efficient way to solve any system error, including the iMessage error.