Fix iMessage Need to be Enabled to Send this Message Today

Liam Miller
Jun 30, 2025 / Updated by Liam Miller to iPhone

There's nothing as frustrating as trying to send a message to a friend only to be met with the iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message error. Don't fret; while this error may leave you scratching your head, it is a common glitch that is fixable. Whether you're a tech wizard or not, this article will share with you the eight effective solutions that are easy to follow to resolve iMessage waiting to activate, and get your conversations going smoothly again.

What Does "iMessage Needs to Be Enabled to Send This Message" Mean?

Before starting your way to solve the iMessage needs to be enabled message, the error iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message you've been receiving typically shows when your iPhone is trying to send an iMessage, but the service is either turned off or not functioning correctly.

Since iMessage is used to send messages over the internet for Apple users, the alert appears if iMessage is disabled in Settings. Still, other reasons could be that your phone is not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, a temporary glitch on the iMessage server is causing the issue, or your Apple ID is not signed in.

How to enable iMessage? Otherwise, what can you do to resolve the issue? Proceed to the following part.

8 Ways to Fix iMessage Needs to Be Enabled to Send This Message [with Reasons]

Whether your iMessage is not set up properly, or not connecting to Apple servers, or there's a system-related glitch, here are the eight effective ways to fix iMessage need to be enabled to view this message error. Each has reasons behind why it might help.

1. Enable iMessage in Settings

Sometimes, you might have accidentally disabled iMessage, or an update may reset settings that lead to iMessage needs to be enabled to view this message error. Here's how to enable iMessage:

1. Open the "Settings" app, then tap "Messages" (for some versions, tap "Apps" followed by "Messages").

2. Here, toggle the "iMessage" option to ON, then wait for a few seconds for activation.

Enable Imessage In Settings

2. Check Internet Connection

iMessage depends on a strong internet connection to function. If your connection is poor, messages may fail to be sent or received.

1. For this solution, you can open Safari to search for any speed test website.

2. Alternatively, switch between Wi-Fi and Cellular to inspect which one works better for you to send iMessages.

Check Internet Connection

3. Sign out and back into Apple ID

Sync errors may occur, preventing iMessage from working properly. It would be nice if you could give our Apple ID a fresh start to resolve the iMessage needs to be enabled error message.

1. Do so by going to "Settings" then "Messages".

2. Locate the "Send & Receive" section, tap on your Apple ID, then "Sign Out".

3. Sign back in using your Apple ID details.

Sign Out And Back In To Apple Id

4. Restart iPhone

Restarting your iDevice can clear out temporary glitches. It can also reset network-related issues that cause the problem.

1. Simply press and hold the "Power" button and "Volume" buttons on iPhone, then slide to power off.

2. Wait for a while before turning it back on.

Restart iPhone

5. Reset Network Settings

Next is resetting networking settings. Doing so can eliminate all saved networks and revert them to their default configurations, often resolving connectivity issues that block iMessage from connecting to Apple's servers. It may also /fix-imessage-not-syncing-on-mac/.

1. From "Settings", head to "General". Scroll down and tap "Transfer or Reset iPhone".

2. Then tap "Reset" and select "Reset Network Settings" from the list.

Reset Network Settings

6. Reset iMessage Settings

Turning off the iMessage resets the service on your device. This method usually helps resolve activation errors, getting rid of the iMessage needs to be enabled to view this message error you've been getting.

1. Open "Settings", scroll down to "Messages", then turn the "iMessage" option to OFF.

2. Now, restart your iPhone, then return to "Settings" to "Messages" and enable "iMessage".

Reset Imessage Settings

7. Update iOS to the Latest Version

Since Apple releases software updates that fix bugs, improve system features, and more, running into an outdated version could result in compatibility issues. Don't forget to get the latest updates.

1. Head to "Settings", then "General", to "Software Update".

2. From there, check if there's the latest iOS version available, and tap on "Update Now".

Update Ios To The Latest Version

8. Contact Apple Support

If all else fails, contact Apple Support for assistance. They can assist you with more serious issues that cannot be fixed through basic troubleshooting.

1. Search for support.apple.com on your chosen browser.

2. Describe the issue you've been facing and follow their troubleshooting process.

Contact Apple Support
Method When to Use
Enable iMessage in Settings The service is turned off or was disabled after an update or device restart.
Check Internet Connection Your iPhone has no internet access, which makes the iMessage fail to send.
Sign out and back into Apple ID Having Apple ID issues, or the iMessage is not syncing properly.
Restart iPhone Your device is glitchy, or iMessage stops working suddenly.
Reset Network Settings The network is unstable; it could be your Wi-Fi misbehaving.
Reset iMessage Settings iMessage is stuck during activation or is not functioning consistently.
Update iOS to Latest Version You’re using an outdated iOS that affects the iMessage service.
Contact Apple Support None of the above ways work, or your Apple ID has deeper issues that need to be fixed.

Bonus Tip to Transfer Messages and Contacts from iPhone

While fixing the 'iMessage needs to be enabled to view this message' error, it is also a good idea to back up or transfer your important messages and contacts. Whether you'd do it because you're switching to a new phone or doing a system reset, AnyRec PhoneMover will make your life much easier. It is a friendly and efficient tool made for a smooth data transfer between iOS, Android, and computers. It also lets you organize your iPhone data without any data loss. Plus, it does not rely on iTunes or iCloud, giving you more control and fewer restrictions.

AnyRec PhoneMover
PhoneMover

Easily transfer messages, contacts, call logs, photos, and more between iPhones.

Guarantees that your data is moved safely without quality loss and corruption.

Can handle large volumes of iPhone data quickly, saving you a lot of time.

Let you preview all selected files before transferring to double-check.

Free DownloadFor Windows

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Step 1.

iCloud Download Selected Photos

Step 2.

iCloud Download Selected Photos

Step 3.Next, select the "Messages" widget tab, and click the boxes of your chosen messages that show up. And, click the "Export to PC" button to transfer it. In this way, you can transfer videos from iPhone to computer.

iCloud Download Selected Photos

Conclusion

Dealing with the 'iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message' is indeed frustrating, but it is something you can fix on your own. From learning how to enable iMessage and checking your connection to updating your iOS, each fix can resolve common glitches that prevent iMessage from functioning. If this issue goes on, contacting Apple Support is the best step. As a final tip, for backing up your data safely, such as messages and contacts, use AnyRec PhoneMover. With its fast transfer speeds, friendly interface, and support for multiple data, this tool makes managing your phone simple and stress-free.

Free DownloadFor Windows

Secure Download

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