Several users have reported that they are unable to activate FaceTime or iMessage and they receive the following message on the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max:
Unable to contact the iMessage server. Try again.
This problem indicates a problem communicating with the server. Are you having this problem? It is important that you fix this issue. Because you wonāt be able to use, and sign in to, FaceTime or iMessage until you address the problem. Please try the steps below:
FaceTime, iMessage server error
1. Ensure that your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max has the latest version of iOS. You can check for iOS update by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If there is an update available, follow the on-screen instructions.
2. You need a cellular or Wi-Fi connection to activate iMessage or FaceTime. Please ensure that your iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max has a Wi-Fi connection or a cellular connection.
If you are trying to use iMessage or FaceTime over Wi-Fi, try a different Wi-Fi connection if possible. Furthermore, you can restart your router and cable modem by unplugging the devices and then plugging them back in.
If you are trying to activate iMessage or FaceTime over cellular, ensure that the Use Cellular Data option on your device is on for FaceTime and iMessage. You can check this option by going to Settings > Cellular, scrolling down to the list of apps and services, and turning on FaceTime and Messages.
Please also try the following tips:
- Turn on Airplane mode, wait five seconds, and then turn it off (Settings > Airplane Mode).
- Reset your network settings by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Please note that this will erase all of your network settings such as Wi-Fi passwords etc.
- If you are using a VPN service, turn it off and try again.
3. Ensure that your time zone setting on your iPhone is correct. You can check this by going to Settings > General > Date & Time. Review and ensure that the date and time are set correctly for your time zone. You may also want to turn on Set Time Automatically.
4. Ensure that Appleās iMessage and FaceTime servers are up and running. You can find this out by going to Appleās system status page. This page will let you know if these services are down or not. If everything is green then everything is running. This means that you, your device, are having this problem. If they are not green, it means that the problem is on Appleās side. If this is the case, try again later.
5. Please follow these steps:
- Turn off iMessage or FaceTime (Settings > Apps > Messages or Settings > Apps > FaceTime).
- Now restart your device.
- And then turn on iMessage or FaceTime.
If iMessage is on and a spinning gear appears next to your phone number, your device automatically attempts to verify your phone number ā 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.
6. Force restart your iPhone. Here is how:
- Press and quickly release the volume up button.
- Press and quickly release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
