How to Fix iMessage is Signed Out on iPhone: 8 Quick Fixes

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Helpful ways to troubleshoot "An error occurred" or "Waiting for Activation" notification for iMessage
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Are you getting signed out of iMessage without your permission? If you see a notification on your iPhone that says you're being logged out of iMessage, this doesn't necessarily mean you've been hacked. This error can be caused by a faulty SIM card, a software bug, or your device settings. This wikiHow will show you how to fix your iPhone when it keeps signing out of iMessage.

Things You Should Know

  • Toggle off "iMessage" and restart your iPhone or iPad. Toggle on "iMessage" again.
  • Make sure your SIM card or eSIM is up to date. Contact your provider for a new one or activate it again.
  • Go to "Settings" → "General" → "Transfer or Reset iPhone" → "Reset" → "Reset Network Settings". Try to log in again.
1

Turn off and restart iMessage.

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    Disabling and re-enabling iMessage on your iPhone or iPad will often clear up errors about iMessage being signed out. [1]
    • Open your iPhone's Settings.
    • Tap Messages .
    • Toggle off "iMessage."
    • Restart your iPhone or iPad .
    • After your device is on again, return to Messages in Settings and toggle on iMessage .
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2

Update iOS.

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    Software updates include important bug fixes. Be sure to update the iOS on your iPhone or iPad, and then try to sign into iMessage again. [2]
    • Open Settings → General → Software Update . If there's an available update, tap Install .
3

Check your SIM card.

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    Recently, T-Mobile and AT&T merged into one provider. If you have an old SIM card from either company before the merge, you should have been given a new SIM card to install on your phone. Contact your phone provider to make sure your SIM card is up to date.
    • If you have an eSIM activated on your iPhone, you may want to switch over to a physical SIM card. Otherwise, contact your provider to reactivate your eSIM. [3]
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4

Check your internet connection.

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    If you see an error message when activating iMessage, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or a cellular network. [4]
5

Make sure the time and date is set automatically.

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    Go to Settings → General → Date & Time , and toggle on Set Automatically . [5]
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6

Reset your network settings.

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    If you're still signed out of iMessage, this trick will completely reset your network settings. Keep in mind that performing this action will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections. [6]
    • Open the Settings app.
    • Go to General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset
    • Tap Reset Network Settings .
    • Once your network settings have been reset, try to log into iMessage again.
7

Change your Apple ID password.

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    Change your password . You may be entering the wrong password for your Apple ID. Begin the reset process and enter a new, secure password . Log in again with your new password. [7]
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8

Enable two-factor authentication.

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    If you suspect you're being logged out of iMessage due to a hacker on your phone , enabling two-factor authentication can block them from seeing sensitive information. [8]
    • On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings → your Apple ID → Password & Security → Turn On Two-Factor Authentication . You'll need to provide a trusted phone number.
    • On your Mac, click the Apple menu → System Settings/System Preferences → your Apple ID → Password & Security . Click Turn On next to Two-Factor Authentication.

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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/119859
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118575
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/118669
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/119859
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/101619
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/111786
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102656
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/102660

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