"I cannot send messages all of a sudden, and it says iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message, how to fix this problem?" As the built-in messaging service on iOS devices, iMessage allows you to send and receive texts, photos, videos, voice messages, and more with someone else who uses an iPhone or iPad too. This guide helps you fix the error of not sending iMessage quickly.

Part 1: What Does iMessage Need to Be Enabled Mean

After setup, you can send and receive iMessages on your iPhone through an internet connection. While iMessage doesn’t use your cellular plan, you need to associate your phone number and email address with the messaging service. If anything is wrong, you will encounter the problem that cannot send a message and iMessage needs to be enabled.

Part 2: How to Fix iMessage Needs to Be Enabled to Send This Message

Solution 1: Enable iMessage

What does iMessage need to be enabled mean? As the error says you need to enable iMessage before you send and receive them. If you have turned it on, you’d better re-enable the feature.

Step 1. Run the Settings app from your home screen.

Step 2. Find and choose Messages.

Step 3. Toggle on the iMessage option. If it is already enabled, toggle it off, and then turn it back on.

Solution 2: Check Phone Number

If you stop using the phone number or email address associated with iMessage, the error that iMessage enabled but not working will appear. You should check and update the Send & Receive information.

Step 1. Choose Messages in your Settings app.

Step 2. Tap Send & Receive under the iMessage option.

Step 3. Check and select accessible phone numbers and email addresses under the YOU CAN RECEIVE IMESSAGES TO AND REPLY FROM and START NEW CONVERSATIONS FROM headings.

Solution 3: Check Internet Access

As mentioned previously, iMessage works through an internet connection. If your network is poor, the messaging service is not working after you enable iMessage on iPhone 15/14/13 and other models.

Step 1. Go to the Settings app.

Step 2. If you are using a Wi-Fi network, tap Mobile Data, and toggle on the Mobile Data option.

If your mobile data coverage is poor, tap WLAN, toggle on WLAN, and connect to a Wi-Fi network.

Solution 4: Re-sign into Your Apple ID

If you have changed your password or information about your Apple ID, you’d better update it on your iMessage. Moreover, when your Apple ID isn’t connected to your device, the error iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message will occur. If you forget your Apple ID password, you can use your phone number to reset it easily.

Step 1. Tap on your profile in your Settings app.

Step 2. Press the Sign Out button at the bottom, and hit Sign Out at the upper right corner again.

Step 3. Next, back to the Settings screen, and tap Sign in to your iPhone. Enter your Apple ID and password.

Solution 5: Disable Proxy

Some people use Proxys on their iPhones to encrypt the internet connection and hide internet activities. However, it may lead to iMessage enabled but not working. You can disable the virtual private network.

Step 1. Enter your Control Center. If you see the Proxy label, run the Settings app.

Step 2. Tap the Proxy option, and toggle off Proxy Status.

Step 3. Next, try sending iMessage again to check if it works.

Solution 6: Update Software

Outdated software can lead to various problems on iOS devices. When the problem of iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message happens, you’d better update your iOS to the latest version.

Step 1. Go to the Settings app.

Step 2. Navigate to General and Software Update.

Step 3. If iOS detects an available update, tap Download and Install and follow the instructions to get it.

Solution 7: Check Apple Server Status

iMessage goes through Apple’s servers so that you can send and receive it. If your iMessage is enabled but not working, you need to check the status of Apple servers involved in iMessage.

Go to www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/ in a browser, and check the status of all servers on the list. If any of them is down, you have to wait for it to work again, and try your iMessage again.

Part 3: Ultimate Solution to Fix iMessage Not Working

The common solutions are a bit complex for average people. Plus, they may not work at all. From this point, we recommend Apeaksoft iOS System Recovery. It is a one-stop solution to fix iMessage enabled but not working.

How to Fix iMessage Not Working on iPhone

Step 1. Link your iPhone and computer

Launch the best iMessage fixing software after installing it on your computer. Next, link your iPhone and computer with a Lightning cable. Once your device is recognized, click the Start button to move on.

Step 2. Quick fix iPhone

Click the Free Quick Fix link to perform a quick fix. This feature is completely free to use. If it is not working, click Fix. It can also fix the iPhone keyboard not working and many other simple questions.

Step 3. Fix iMessage not working

Select the Standard Mode or Advanced Mode depending on the status of your device, and hit Confirm. Then check and correct your device information, and click Next to download the firmware. When it is done, the software will do the rest of the work.

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