iMessage is Signed Out Error in Messages on iPhone 18 Pro, How to Fix

When you open the Messages app on your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max and try to send a message, you may see an error message saying, “iMessage is Signed Out.” This is an important problem you should address quickly. As the error says, you are signed out of iMessage, and you cannot use iMessage, but you might still be able to send and receive SMS, MMS, or RCS messages (green bubbles) if you use an iPhone with a cellular plan.

The full error message says, “An error occurred and your account (your number or Apple account ) is signed out of iMessage. You may miss messages as a result. Please go to settings to address this issue.” The message also includes two buttons: Settings and Ignore. If you tap Settings, you will be directed to your iPhone Settings. If you tap Ignore, the error message will be dismissed.

This issue may be more complex than it seems. You may think that if you sign back in to iMessage, the problem will be fixed. This can be true. However, you may also run into issues when you are trying to sign into iMessage:

• The first problem that you may run into an issue where iMessage is stuck on the “Waiting for Activation” screen during sign in. You may also see activation error messages saying, “An error occurred during activation” or “Activation unsuccessful.”
• The other problem you may have is that you may not be able to sign in for iMessage on your iPhone 18 Pro because iMessage is greyed out in Settings.
• And the last one, you may be able to sign in, but your iPhone may keep signing out of iMessage repeatedly. In other words, you may be having trouble staying signed into iMessage.

To fix this problem, try the steps below one by one until your issue is resolved.

Steps to fix

1. Tap Settings > Apps > Messages and turn on iMessage if it is disabled.
2. Update your device to the latest version of iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates.
3. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Messages. Turn off iMessage and then turn it on again. You may be asked to sign in.
4. Ensure that your iPhone shows the correct date and time, and that your time zone is set correctly. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Date & Time and ensure that your date and time settings are accurate. You may also want to turn on the “Set Time Automatically” option so that you can have iOS set the date and time automatically based on where you are.
5. Turn your device off and on. But follow these steps specifically:
   1. Tap Settings > Apps > Messages and turn off iMessage.
   2. Restart your iPhone.
   3. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages and now turn on iMessage.
6. If iMessage is on and a spinning gear appears next to your phone number, your device automatically attempts to verify your phone number. There is no need to repeatedly turn iMessage off and on. It might take up to 24 hours for your carrier to verify your phone number with Apple. If it still has not activated, then read on.
7. On your iPhone, go to Settings. Tap Apps, then select Messages. Make sure that iMessage is on. You might need to wait a moment for it to activate. Tap Send & Receive. Review the options below “You can receive iMessages to and reply from.” Is your iMessage number (the one you see on the error message) listed there? If not, tap to select it.

Check with your carrier

This step involves you contacting your cellular carrier (T Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Mint Mobile, etc.). If you’re using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS. Contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive international SMS messages.

After doing this, try to turn on and activate iMessage.

Reset your network settings

This will erase all of your network settings. Your content (photos, videos, emails, etc.) and other data will stay. However, all network settings are removed, and Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. To do this:

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Then, follow the onscreen instructions.