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How to fix ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ Error on iPhone/iPad

Here’s a guide on how to fix ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ error on iPhone/iPad.

Apple has developed iOS and iPadOS to such an extent that iPhones and iPads are almost incomplete without them. Apps like iMessage and FaceTime can bind the users from using any similar third-party apps. But recently, users tend to have a few problems with these apps too. Many iOS and iPadOS users have reported an error on the iMessage app. In this guide, we will show you how to fix the ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ error on iPhone/iPad.

What is the ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ Error?

turn on and off airplane mode to fix imessage error

Have you been facing this error on your iPhone or iPad too? It is an error that does not allow users to send their messages through the iMessage App. It may be due to one or more reasons but considering how useful the iMessage app is, it is necessary to fix the ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ error.

How to Fix ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ error on iPhone/iPad

Below mentioned are some of the best methods to fix this error on your iPhone/iPad:

Re-enable iMessage

Since the error says that iMessage needs to be enabled, it is possible that if you disable and enable it again on your iPhone/iPad, the error may get fixed. Follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings > Messages on your iPhone/iPad.
  • Turn off the toggle for iMessage.
  • Restart your iPhone/iPad.
  • Turn on the toggle for iMessage again.

Try this fix and if the error doesn’t get solved, move on to the next one.

Turn Airplane Mode On & Off

The error can be caused because of unfavorable network conditions too which can be solved by following the steps given below:

  • Open the Control Center on your iPhone/iPad.
  • Tap the ‘Airplane’ icon to turn on Airplane mode.
  • Wait for a few seconds and tap the same icon again.

This may solve any trivial network issue and the iMessage error may get solved too. If this one didn’t work for you, try the next fix.

Delete Any Pending Message

If you have been trying to send a message using the iMessage app, delete any pending message that has not been sent. Sometimes a single pending message may create problems for newer messages too. Continue with the next method if nothing changes.

Update iOS/iPadOS

The error with the iMessage app can be a result of a bug in the UI too which can be solved by a software update. Update iOS or iPadOS on your device and see if the problem gets solved or else, you may carry on with the next fix.

Contact Apple Support

Who else can solve an iOS/iPadOS error better than Apple? Contact Apple Support and explain your issue to them.

Additional Fix

Though this is less likely to happen, it is possible that the problem might be at the recipient’s end. Try sending a message to someone else through the iMessage app. You will get to know if the problem is with your device or not.

So, we have talked about all the reliable fixes for the ‘iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’ error on iMessage. You can try all these methods and the problem may get resolved for you. While you are here, you may also check out some more of our guides: How to fix iMessage Activation Error, and How to Create a poll in iMessage group on iPhone and iPad.