So, you have the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max and iMessage is not working. That hurts and makes you worried. After all, you did pay a high price for this coveted device!
Just like others, you too, are asking the same question – how to fix iMessage not working on iPhone 12 series?
We have a couple of troubleshooting tips for you that could help! Let’s find out what you can do!
Tips to fix iMessage not working on iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
iOS 14 added a couple of add-on features as well as system enhancements, making it more stable and fun to use. In case you’re having trouble using iMessage on your new iPhone, I’ve lined up a few handy tweaks you can use. Read on to find out what to do if all of a sudden, you can’t send or receive iMessages because iMessage just stopped working on your iphone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max.
Diagnosing the Issue with iMessage on Your iPhone 12
You might have noticed that when you send a message through iMessage on your iPhone, the color of the bubble could be green or blue. If it’s blue, that means that you sent the message using iMessage. If it was green, that means that you sent it through a cellular plan. That could be either using SMS or MMS. SMS is traditional text messaging, while MMS stands for multimedia messaging. iMessage can use data to send messages instead of the text messaging plan offered by your cell service provider.
If you are having a problem with the iMessage functionality on your iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, or 12 Pro max, then it can be one of two things. The first possibility is that you’re having a problem sending and receiving texts from a single entity. The other is that you can’t send or receive texts from anybody.
If iMessage does not work with just one of the contacts on your list, then likely the issue is something happening on their end. If you cannot communicate through iMessage with anyone, then the problem is with your iPhone.
Do a Test with iMessage to Further Narrow Down What’s Happening
Find someone on your contact list who you know has an iPhone or iPad. Then, try sending them a message. If the bubble that you send out is blue, then you know your iMessage is working. That would mean that if you’ve been having trouble getting or sending messages with a single person, then the problem is definitely with their Apple device.
If, on the other hand, the bubble that you send out is green, then you will know that iMessage is not working on your iPhone 12. You can still send messages; it’s just that you are using your cellular plan rather than data, which is not ideal.
Turn iMessage Off for Your iPhone, then Back On
Let’s say that you have determined the problem to be with your iMessage rather than with someone else’s device. What can you do about it? The first thing that is worth trying if for you to turn off iMessage on your iPhone. Then you can reboot, and finally, you can turn iMessage back on.
Head over to Settings, then Messages. Toggle the switch next to iMessage to the off position. Now, hold down the side button together with any of the volume button until the Slide to Power Off slider appears on the display. Drag it to from left to right, turning off the iPhone. Turn the device back on by pressing the Power button again until The Apple logo appears on the screen. Once the iPhone reboots, head over to Settings, then Messages. Toggle the switch next to iMessage back to the on position.
This works to fix problems with your iMessage functionality most of the time.
iMessage on Your iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro or 12 pro max Still Not Working? Make Sure It Is Set Up Correctly
The next thing you can try is to go to Settings, then Messages. You should see an option to Send and Receive. Tap that to open the menu. There will be a list of phone numbers and email addresses for your contact list. There will be a section called Start New Conversations From. There should be a checkmark next to your phone number. If there isn’t one, that means that your number has not been set up for iMessage.
Tap your phone number. When you see the checkmark, that should solve the problem.
Your Internet Connection Could Be What’s Wrong
iMessage will only work for you if you have a steady Wi-Fi connection or you are using a cellular data connection. You need to make sure that you are connected to the internet. Launch Safari on your iPhone and check to see if you can access any website. If you get a message saying that you’re not connected, or the site will not load, then your iMessage will not work either.
Try turning off Wi-Fi and then sending your iMessage. If that works, then the problem was with your Wi-Fi, and not with iMessage.
Sign Out of iMessage on the iPhone, and then Back In
Head over to Settings, then Messages. Tap where it says Send and Receive. Tap where it says Apple ID, and then hit Sign Out. Sign back in with your Apple ID and password. Try sending an iMessage to a friend who has an Apple device.
If it works, then the problem is solved. If you’re still not having any luck, then proceed to the next solution.
An iOS Update for the iPhone Could Make a Difference
If there is an iOS update available, that might restore your iMessage capability if a software glitch is the problem. To check on this, head to Settings, then General. Go to Software Update. If there is one, tap it, so that it downloads. Once the new version has successfully installed, see if that makes any difference.
Reset the Network Settings for Your iPhone
Resetting the network settings for your iPhone would be another move for you to try. Restoring the network settings to their factory defaults can sometimes fix minor iMessage issues.
Head over to Settings, then General, and then Reset. Next, tap on Reset Network Settings. Make sure you have all your Wi-Fi passwords handy before you do this, though. When the iPhone reboots, you will need to type in the passwords both for your home and also your work, if you use your iPhone there. Remember that your Bluetooth and VPN settings will also be reset.
iMessage Still Not Working on the iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro or 12 Pro max? Time to Call in the Reinforcements
If the above troubleshooting steps didn’t fix iPhone 12 iMessage not working issue, now would be the time to contact Apple Support. You can talk with them over the phone or online via Live Chat. You could also take your iPhone to an Apple Store with a Genius Bar. There could be something more unusual happening with iMessage that is beyond your power to fix. Apple Genius bar should be able to try some troubleshooting methods that are more advanced than what we have explained here.
Conclusion
One of the above methods will surely fix iMessage not working issue on your iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max. Try them and continue chatting with your friends through iMessage.