How to fix iMessage not sending over cellular data on iPhone

Are you experiencing issues with iMessage on your Apple devices? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! This post will help you explore common problems with iMessage and provide simple solutions to help you get it up and running smoothly again.

Do you need help with iMessage? We’ll address issues with iMessage, such as messages not being delivered, activation problems, syncing errors, etc. Discover troubleshooting steps, from adjusting settings to resetting network configurations, to ensure a seamless iMessage experience across your Apple devices.

If you’ve been struggling with iMessage on your Apple devices, this article will guide you through practical solutions to get it back on track. From troubleshooting common issues to optimizing settings, we’ll help you regain the smooth functionality of Apple’s messaging app so that you can stay connected with friends and family effortlessly. Get ready to tackle iMessage problems head-on and enjoy seamless communication across your Apple ecosystem.

Check if iMessage is down.

First, you should check the status of iMessage services on the Apple status page. Sometimes, iMessage outages occur due to server issues. 

iphone imessage wont send over cellular data 1

To verify if iMessage is down, check Apple’s System Status page or use third-party tools like Down Detector. 

Social media platforms like Twitter can also provide insights into widespread iMessage problems.

If the status page indicates a downtime schedule for iMessage, then there’s little that can be done on your end but to wait until the iMessage server is back up and running again. In this case, the problem is from within the Apple server that’s affecting iMessage services.

Ensure a stable connection.

iMessage requires a data connection to function properly. You have to ensure your device has a stable 3G, 4G, or 5G network connection or access to a reliable Wi-Fi network.

iphone xs cannot connect to wifi

If you’re experiencing poor cellular reception, toggle Airplane Mode on and off to refresh wireless functions. If the Airplane mode trick doesn’t work, restart your device. 

A simple restart can clear out minor software errors, including those that might have caused problems with iMessage.

Also, ensure that you have sufficient data available for sending messages.

Verify iMessage settings

Ensure that iMessage is enabled and properly set up on your device. To do this, go to Settings > Messages and check if iMessage is turned on. 

4 iMessage toggle

If you encounter activation issues, refer to our separate guide on troubleshooting iMessage activation on your iPhone.

Restart Messages and your iOS device

Restarting the Messages app or your device can resolve various software-related issues. 

force close messages app ios 13

So, try force-closing the Messages app and relaunching it. If the problem persists, restart your iPhone. 

You can also try signing out of your Apple ID and signing in again within the Messages settings. This can help clear out any problems attributed to expired or corrupted login sessions with your iMessage account.

Delete unnecessary messages

If your Messages app contains many photos and videos, it might impact its performance. Consider deleting some messages, especially those with multiple media attachments. 

Can't Delete Text Messages from iPhone

You can swipe to delete individual messages or use the Edit button to bulk-delete messages. 

Furthermore, adjust the iMessage retention settings in Settings > Messages to free up space.

Update iOS

Ensure that your iOS is up to date, as outdated software may cause compatibility issues. 

remove virus malware iphone update

To do this, go to Settings > General > Software Update and allow your device to check for and install any available updates.

Keeping your device’s software current helps resolve known bugs and improves overall performance.

Reset network settings

If the previous steps haven’t resolved the issue, you can try resetting your network settings. This action will remove saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections, so be prepared to reconfigure those after the reset.

reset network settings iphone rns

To reset the network settings on your iOS device, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. 

Follow the rest of the onscreen instructions to complete the reset process.

Contact Apple Support

If none of the troubleshooting steps have resolved the problem, it’s advisable to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide specialized guidance and address any hardware or software issues causing iMessage to malfunction.

Indeed it can be frustrating when iMessage is not working on your iPhone. But with these troubleshooting tips, you can likely identify and resolve the issue. 

From checking for server outages to ensuring a stable connection and verifying iMessage settings, there are various steps you can take to fix the problem. 

Also, remember to keep your iOS up to date and manage your message library to prevent performance issues. And if all else fails, contacting Apple Support is recommended for personalized assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How can I check if iMessage is down?

    You can check if iMessage is down by visiting Apple’s System Status page or using websites like Down Detector. You can also search for the word “iMessage” on Twitter to see if others are experiencing similar issues.

  2. What should I do if iMessage isn’t sending messages?

    If iMessage fails to send messages, you can try switching to regular text messages by enabling the “Send as Text” option. This will send the message as a green bubble SMS instead of a blue bubble iMessage.

  3. Why is iMessage not working even with a good network connection?

    If iMessage is not working despite a good network connection, you can try turning Airplane Mode on and off or restarting your device. Additionally, check if you have enough data or Wi-Fi connectivity for iMessage to function properly.

  4. How can I fix activation issues with iMessage?

    If you encounter activation issues with iMessage, such as “Waiting for activation” or “Activation unsuccessful,” you can follow the troubleshooting steps in articles specific to iMessage activation problems.

  5. What should I do if my iMessage app is slow or unresponsive?

    If the iMessage app is slow or unresponsive, you can try force-closing it and relaunching it. If the issue persists, you can reboot your device or sign out and sign back into your Apple ID in the Messages settings.


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