While iMessage is incredibly user-friendly, it has a lengthy history of unexpected problems, such as the infamous “iMessage waiting for activation” message.
The “iMessage has to be enabled to send this message” problem still appears, despite the fact that iMessage has been set up correctly.
When this happens, you may start to wonder what changed to trigger the app’s misbehaviour.
There’s no need to freak out, though, because one of these ten solutions is sure to work for fixing the “iPhone’s iMessage service must be turned on before sending this message” error.
Fix ‘iMessage Needs to be Enabled to Send This Message’ Error
Many iFolk are having trouble sending texts after upgrading to the newest version of iOS on their iPhones.
This message appears in place of the more common “Message Sent” confirmation: Error sending message: iMessage must be turned on for this to be sent.
Apple has yet to publish a statement in reaction to this. However, we’ve included several approaches that worked well for us below.
Solution 1. Delete Stuck iMessage Conversation
You can start a new discussion in iMessage if you get the “iMessage needs to be enabled” message when trying to send one.
Several people have also reported success in resolving this issue by erasing the most recent iMessage sent or received before the glitch began.
Solution 2. Enable and disable Airplane mode
Before attempting more involved approaches, this is a simple and fast option to consider.
The Settings menu can be accessed by swiping down from the upper left corner of the display. To get the Home screen on an iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the display.
Then, select the Airplane button. It’ll turn orange eventually. To turn it off permanently, tap again in 30 seconds.
Solution 3. Force Quit the Messages App
Once you’ve tried turning Airplane mode on and off as suggested above, you’ll need to force-quit the Messages app. Access the App Switcher on your iPhone to accomplish this.
Swipe up from the bottom and hold on an iPhone equipped with Face ID. Double-tap the Home button twice as fast as you can on your iPhone.
As soon as you open this, you will be able to view all running programmes. To exit Messages, raise its card to its maximum position.
Please wait 15 seconds and then relaunch the Messages app to retry sending the message.
Solution 4. Check iMessage Server Status
Occasionally, Apple could be at fault instead of you. If the iMessage icon on their System Status Page is green, then everything is working as it should.
iMessage is experiencing issues and Apple is working to restore service if the status is yellow or red.
A few minutes to a few hours is about all the time it could take for things to get back to normal.
Solution 5. Restart your iPhone
For issues like “iPhone won’t let me send a message because iMessage isn’t turned on,” this easy fix is a lifesaver.
Putting your iPhone into “Dock” mode and holding down the power button for a full minute will allow you to restart it.
Conclusion
Nowadays, a quick text message or iMessage may be sent with the click of a button, making communication much more straightforward and time-efficient.
The opposite end of the line gets it instantaneously and can respond in kind. In contrast to email, which requires periodic checking, you only need to do so occasionally.
It has been reported that when Apple users try to send a message, they are met with the prompt “iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message.”
