iMessage not working? How to fix it on iPhone (iOS 26)
iMessage problems usually come from the connection, a setting that got switched off, or activation after a new phone or eSIM. Here is how to fix each one.
How to fix iMessage on iPhone
The fix
Try these in order
- 1
Check your internet connection.
iMessage needs Wi-Fi or cellular data. Open a website in Safari to make sure it loads.
- 2
Check if iMessage is down.
Visit Apple’s System Status page. If iMessage is not green, wait for Apple to fix it.
- 3
Toggle Airplane Mode.
Turn it on, wait 10 seconds and turn it off. This forces the phone to reconnect.
- 4
Turn iMessage off and on.
Go to Settings › Apps › Messages (Settings › Messages on older iOS), turn off iMessage, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on.
- 5
Check Send & Receive.
In the same menu tap Send & Receive. Make sure your phone number is ticked, and under Start New Conversations From, choose your number.
- 6
Set the date and time automatically.
Go to Settings › General › Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically.
- 7
Restart the iPhone and update iOS.
Restart, then install any update in Settings › General › Software Update.
- 8
Sign out of your Apple Account in Messages.
In Send & Receive, tap your Apple Account at the top, choose Sign Out, then sign in again.
- 9
Reset network settings.
Go to Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset Network Settings. You will need to enter Wi-Fi passwords again.
Is it only one person?
If iMessage works with everyone except one contact, the problem is probably on their side. They may have switched to Android, turned iMessage off, or changed their number. Delete the conversation and start a new one, or ask them to check their settings.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my messages green instead of blue?
Green means the message went as SMS, MMS or RCS instead of iMessage. It happens when the other person uses Android, has iMessage turned off, or when either of you has no internet connection.
Why did iMessage stop working after I switched to eSIM?
On iOS 26, adding an eSIM after setup may leave iMessage linked to the old number or only your email. Turn iMessage off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on so it picks up your phone number.
What to try next
Related guides
AirPods not working on calls
People can’t hear you on AirPods, or calls sound bad? Pick AirPods as the call audio, reset the Microphone setting, clean the mics and try 5 more fixes.
App Store not working
App Store not working or saying Cannot Connect to App Store? Check Apple’s status, your connection, date and time, VPN and Screen Time with these 9 fixes.