iMessage is super handy for keeping in touch with other Apple users, and it’s become a go-to for quick chats that don’t need a whole phone call.
But it can be a real pain when your messaging grinds to a halt because of an “iMessage is Signed Out” error. You can’t send or receive anything, and that could mean missing important messages.
So, you’ve checked all the usual suspects. You’re connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, and iMessage is enabled in your settings. Yet, this error keeps popping up.
Even though it seems like it’s all about your Apple ID, sometimes it’s not. It can happen even when you’re signed in, and weirdly, sometimes just removing and reinserting your SIM card can cause it.
Luckily, there are a few things you can try to get iMessage back up and running.
Method 1: Check your Apple ID and iMessage settings
This is usually the most effective method to fix the issue. It involves making sure your Apple ID is correctly signed in and also resetting the connection if needed.
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Go to your iPhone settings and scroll down to “Messages.” Tap to open it.
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Under iMessage, tap “Send & Receive.”
- Make sure you see your Apple ID. If not, you’ll see “Use your Apple ID for iMessage”. Tap it and enter your password when prompted.
- If you are signed in, try resetting the connection. Tap your Apple ID shown in blue under “Start New Conversations From”.
- Choose “Sign Out”
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Restart your iPhone and then follow steps 1-3 to sign back into your Apple ID.
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Check the Messages app again.
Method 2: Check the iMessage Server Status
Before you go any further, it’s a good idea to check if the issue is on Apple’s end. iMessage relies on a server, and if that server is down, there’s not much you can do on your end except wait.
Go to Apple’s System Status webpage. If the dot next to iMessage is red, it means there’s a server problem and it’s not just you. Everyone is having the same issue. You can’t do much except wait, and maybe call the person if something is urgent.
If the dot is green, the server is fine, and you need to look at troubleshooting your own device.
Method 3: Restart your iPhone
The classic “turn it off and on again” solution often works wonders.
Here’s how to restart different iPhone models:
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iPhone X and newer models (no Home button): Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power slider appears. Drag the slider, wait for it to power down, then hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.
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iPhone SE (2nd gen), 8, and older models (with Home button): Press and hold the sleep/awake button (side or top, depending on your model) until the power slider appears. Drag it to power off the phone, and then hold the sleep/awake button again until the Apple logo shows up.
After your phone restarts, see if the problem is gone. If not, move on to the next step.
Method 4: Restart the iMessage Service
Sometimes the issue can be caused by corrupted files, and restarting the iMessage service might solve it.
- Go to your iPhone settings and scroll down to find “Messages”. Tap it.
- Turn off the “iMessage” toggle.
- Wait a few seconds, then turn the toggle back on again.
- See if this solved the issue.
Method 5: Reset iMessage Region
Resetting the region for iMessage has been known to work for some users.
- Open “Messages” in your iPhone settings and go to “Send & Receive” under iMessage.
- Tap the blue link for your Apple ID.
- Tap “Change Location”.
- Tap “Region”.
- Select your current region from the list.
- Tap “Save”.
Check if this worked.
Method 6: Check Your Time Zone
It may sound strange, but date and time settings can sometimes cause problems with iMessage.
- Go to your iPhone settings, and select “General”.
- Tap “Date & Time”.
- Enable the toggle for “Set Automatically.” If it was already enabled, disable it and then enable it again.
Method 7: Check for Software Updates
Make sure your iPhone is running the latest software, as Apple often includes bug fixes in updates.
- Go to “General” in your iPhone settings.
- Select “Software Update.”
- If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”
After your phone restarts, check iMessage.
Method 8: Reset Network Settings
If all else fails, try resetting your network settings. Keep in mind that this will erase all your saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, cellular settings, VPN settings, and Bluetooth devices.
- Go to “General” in your iPhone settings.
- Scroll down and tap “Reset”.
- Tap “Reset Network Settings”.
- Enter your passcode if prompted, and then tap “Reset Network Settings” to confirm.
After your network settings are reset, connect to your Wi-Fi or cellular network and check iMessage again.