Fix: iMessage Needs To Be Enabled To Send This Message
iMessage is an Apple-exclusive instant messaging service allowing Apple users to communicate through their devices - iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
The messages have end-to-end encryption, and almost all Apple users are using this service.
When using iMessage, you can send messages containing photos, videos, voice memos, and even songs. All these messages can be decorated with effects as well.
In order to use Apple's instant messaging service, you need to enable iMessage when setting up your device.
However, Apple users are being prompted by an error - ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’, even when the service has been previously enabled.
There are several fixing methods that are proven to work, so if you too are struggling with Apple’s Messages app, check out the solutions below, and get back to sending text messages with no issues.
You might also like: How to Change iMessage Background.
Why am I getting this error?
According to multiple user reports, some of the most common reasons for the ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ error are:
- Not having iMessage enabled.
- Bad Internet connection.
- Temporary bug.
- Apple’s iMessage server is down.
Check out: iMessages: What Does it Mean when iMessages Doesn't Say Delivered and Other Explanations.
How do I fix the ‘iMessage needs to be enabled’ error?
Since it’s nearly impossible to say which one of the above-mentioned reasons are causing the problem in your case, check out the multiple possible solutions:
Method 1: Enable iMessage
Sending iMessages requires the device to allow the activation of the instant messaging service. If you haven’t previously allowed the feature, or you have reset your phone in the meantime, the feature will not be automatically activated.
Follow these steps to enable iMessage:
- On your iPhone, open ‘Settings’, and tap on ‘Messages’.
- Toggle the switch next to iMessage to enable it.
Method 2: Check your Internet connection
In order for iMessages to go through and the instant messaging service to function properly, you need to have an Internet connection.
If at the moment you were sending an iMessage, your cellular data was not working, or your Wi-Fi was unstable, you might get prompted with the ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ error.
Make sure to check the status of your Internet connection and reset the network.
Note: You can try turning off Wi-Fi and switching to cellular data and vice versa, or trying to open any page on Safari to check if your connection is stable.
Another method to test out your connection is using Speedtest.
Method 3: Reset iMessage Settings
If the issue you’re having is due to a temporary bug or glitch, resetting iMessage settings can help resolve it.
Follow these steps:
- Open ‘Settings’ on your phone and tap on ‘Messages’.
- Tap on ‘Send & Receive’.
- Uncheck the email address and phone number under ‘You can receive iMessages to and reply from’.
- Tap on your Apple ID, and choose ‘Remove’.
- Restart your device, and follow the same steps as above to reactivate iMessage again.
Method 4: Check Apple’s iMessage server
It often happens for the error to be on Apple’s end, not on the user’s end. If there was a problem with Apple’s iMessage server, you might get prompted with this error. You can check the server status on Apple’s System Status website.
Method 5: Reset Network Settings
Resetting network settings will erase stored Internet and network-related data on your iPhone. This can help to reestablish a connection, and might ultimately remove all bugs and glitches that might be causing your iMessage to stop working.
Follow these steps:
- Open ‘Settings’, and tap on ‘General’.
- Tap on ‘Reset’, and from the list of options, tap on ‘Reset Network Settings’.
Method 6: Resetting all settings
If nothing seems to be resolving the issue, consider resetting all settings on your iPhone. Make sure your backup is up to date since this method will delete all stored data on your iPhone.
Follow these steps:
- Open ‘Settings’, and tap on ‘General’.
- Tap on ‘Reset’, and from the options, select ‘Erase All Content and Settings’.
Set up your iPhone again using your latest backup.
Conclusion
Almost every Apple user loves the instant messaging service due to how well-developed it is.
However, with all major platforms, there are some issues from time to time. In this article, we covered six different fixing methods for the ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ error.
If you liked this article, check out: How to Sign Out of iMessage on MacBook and Fix: iCloud and iMessage Accounts are Different.
