What to do When iMessage is Stuck on Waiting for Activation Error [2024 Updated]

Part 1. Introduction to iMessage Waiting for Activation ErrorPart 2. Top 6 Effective Fixes for iMessage Stuck on Waiting for ActivationPart 3. Prevent Data Loss- RecommendedPart 4. SummaryVideo Guide: How to Fix iMessage Stuck on Waiting activation Error Issue

Part 1. Introduction to iMessage Waiting for Activation Error

IMessage is easy to setup and activate which usually run up to 24 hours. However, during iOS updates, there comes a time when apps start to experience some bugs and issues. With the recent 11.3 update, a large group of users reported having experienced the ‘iMessage waiting for activation’ error.

iMessage has some common known issues which can affect the way you use the mobile device. Check if your problem is listed below:

• Waiting for activation
• Activation unsuccessful
• An error occurred during activation
• Could not sign in, please check your network connection

If you are stuck on the activation part, well this post is perfect just for you. In this article, we will give you the different methods on how to fix iMessage waiting for activation error. Read along to find out.

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Part 2. Top 6 Effective Fixes for iMessage Stuck on Waiting for Activation

Don't know how to fix iMessage waiting for activation problem???

If you are among the affected users who are suffering from iMessage stuck on activation, you must be ready for all the things you need for troubleshooting. This issue is so easy to fix which you can even do all by yourself.

All of the troubleshooting methods we will give are self-help so there is not much requirement for an expert to help you with this issue. Carefully follow the steps and surely you will get the iMessage fixed in no time.

As we went along searching for the best solution to fix iMessage waiting for activation error, we have gathered and tested the top 6 fixes that will surely resolve any types of iMessage errors.

Tip: Activating iMessage usually takes a provisioning timeframe of 2 hours to 24 hours. If you are within this range we suggest waiting a little longer before you do any of the recommended steps.

Get your iPhones ready and follow these guides to fix iMessage Stuck on Waiting for Activation error:

1. Setting Date and Time.
2. Checking Internet Connection.
3. Toggling Airplane mode on and off.
4. Signing out of Apple ID.
5. Checking VPN.
6. Resetting All Settings.

Solution 1: Setting Date and Time

Before you activate iMessage and FaceTime on the iPhone, make sure you have set the date and time correctly. This is to avoid any system confusion upon download and install.

Go to your settings and find General, tap Date and Time and toggle on ‘Set automatically’. Also, verify the time zone settings if it matches the date and time settings.

Solution 2: Checking Internet Connection

Another possible scenario for iMessage waiting for activation error is a weak internet connection.

We highly suggest that you do the activation when you are connected to Wi-Fi to ensure signal stability and speed. Mobile data could work but of course, the signal strength is unreliable.

Solution 3: Toggling Airplane mode on and off

One of the quick fixes that were proven by most users is by toggling the airplane mode on and off. Here’s the complete trick that will do the fix:

• First turn off iMessage
• Turn on Airplane mode
• Reboot the iPhone
• Turn off Airplane mode
• Turn on iMessage

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Solution 4: Signing out of Apple ID

Some say that when they tried to sign out and sign back in with their Apple ID, the iMessage waiting for activation error was gone. Follow these steps on how to do it correctly:

• Open the Messages app
• Tap Send & Receive under Settings
• Tap on your Apple ID and then Sign out
• Turn off iMessage
• Reboot the iPhone
• Turn on iMessage
• Re-enter the Apple ID

This should activate the iMessage and will be working normally.

Solution 5: Checking VPN

Other users say that checking the VPN (Virtual Private Network) have resolved the iMessage stuck on activation issue. This is if the VPN is available on the device.

• Open Settings and tap General
• Find VPN
• Tap Profiles
• Clear all the lists

Restart the iPhone

Solution 6: Resetting All Settings

When you have performed the basic fixes above and it seems that iMessage waiting for activation error is still there, consider resetting the iPhone. This will give the entire device a system refresh back to its defaults.

However, it might cause you some data loss so we strongly recommend backing up your phone files before doing any reset.

• Open Settings on the phone
• Tap General
• Tap Reset

Find and tap Reset All Settings

Reboot your device and everything is back to normal just like the first time.

Part 3. Prevent Data Loss- Recommended

We could not afford that you lose your phone data just because of a certain app that is not working. In case you are trapped within this web of confusion, use a safe and secure program to recover important files. iMessage Recovery from Fixing activation error helps you recover files such as text messages, phone contacts, pictures, videos, and more. It has three effective recovery methods that will suit everyone’s needs.

• Recover from iOS device
• Recover from iTunes backup file
• Recover from iCloud backup file

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How to Use ? ? ?

Simply download the program and plug in the iOS device and follow the onscreen instructions. This software is user-friendly that even beginners can perform the recovery.

• Launch the program FoneDog Toolkit- iOS Data Recovery
• Plug in the iPhone using a USB cable
• Choose desired Recovery Method
• Allow Scanning
• Preview and Select Files
• Recover completed

FoneDog Toolkit- iOS Data Recovery allows preview and selective recovery for better results. It also lets you retrieve data from iTunes and iCloud without the need to extract the entire backup contents!

Part 4. Summary

We have just presented to you several ways to fix iMessage waiting for activation error. We hope you found the right solution for your needs.In cases of data loss, do not fear! We have FoneDog Toolkit- iOS Data Recovery to help you get back any types of files in less time! Download your free version now.

Video Guide: How to Fix iMessage Stuck on Waiting activation Error Issue

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