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What to do when iMessage won’t activate on your iPhone (2025)

by Kevin Hollington

If you are seeing an error message suggesting that iMessage on your iPhone is “Waiting for activation” or “Activation unsuccessful”, we have the solution here.

If you see any of the following error messages you may need to activate iMessage again. This may be the case if you have recently changed network supplier or got a new iPhone.

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

If you are having this problem, you won’t be able to send or receive iMessages on your iPhone. This is because this error prevents iMessage activation and you need to activate iMessage before using it. In general, activation is usually a very simple process. However, if you are seeing an error message suggesting that iMessage on your iPhone is “Waiting for activation” or “Activation unsuccessful”, we have the solution here.

Here’s what to do if you aren’t able to send text messages because iMessages isn’t activated.

How to fix iMessage activation problems on iPhone

1. Make sure that you’re connected to the internet

You can’t activate iMessage if your iPhone can’t reach the activation servers. To check if your iPhone is connected to the internet, open Safari and visit GeeksModo.com. If our website doesn’t load, you’ve found the culprit. Here’s what to do:

  • Turn on Airplane Mode, wait 10 seconds, and then turn it off (Settings > Airplane Mode)
  • If you are using a VPN service, disable it and try again (Settings > VPN)
  • Restart your iPhone (Settings > General > Shut Down)
  • Restart your Wi-Fi modem/router by unplugging it from the power outlet and then plugging it in again.
  • And if your issue persists, you may want to reset your iPhone’s network settings. Please note that when you reset your network settings, your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular settings will be erased. For example, your Wi-Fi passwords will be deleted. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset and then tap Reset Network Settings.

2. Check that your time and date are correct

If the time and date on your iPhone are incorrect, it can mess with your connection to Apple’s servers. Please ensure that the date and time settings on iPhone are set correctly for your time zone. Here’s how to check:

  1. Launch the Settings app and tap General.
  2. Tap Date & Time.
  3. If Date & Time are incorrect, change them.
  4. Also, make sure that the Set Automatically button is toggled on. If it’s not, swipe it to the right and restart your iPhone.

Once the iPhone restarts, check iMessage.

3. Update your iPhone

Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOs. Here’s how to check:

  1. Launch the Settings app and tap General.
  2. Tap Software Update.
  3. If an update is available, tap Update Now unfollowed the on screen instructions.

4. Turn iMessage Off, Reboot, And Then Back On

If you are still having this problem, turn off iMessage, restart your iPhone and then turn iMessage on again. Here is how:

  1. Launchthe the Settings app and tap Messages.
  2. Tap the button next to iMessage to turn iMessage off.
  3. Once I message a standoff, restart your iPhone.
  4. Now go back to Settings > Messages and turn on iMessage.
  5. You may have to wait a while while iMessage is activated This can take up to 24 hours.

5. Sign out and back into your Apple ID

iMessage is connected to your Apple ID account; this account is used to access iCloud and other Apple services that require ID. Refreshing your iPhone’s Apple ID might fix the issue.

  1. Launch the Settings app and tap your name at the top of the page.
  2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and tap Sign Out. You might have to enter your password to fully log out.
  3. Once you’re signed out, restart your iPhone.
  4. When it starts back up, return to the Settings app and sign back into your Apple ID.
  5. Again, you may have to wait up to 24 hours for iMessage to activate.

6. Check Apple’s server status page

When iMessage "activate," what it’s really doing is contacting Apple’s servers to see if you’re using a legitimate Apple ID. So if Apple’s servers aren’t working, your apps can’t activate. You can find out if iMessage servers are down. Here is how:

  • Launch Safari and visit Apple’s System Status page.
  • Locate iMessage in the list of services.
  • If you see a green circle next to it, iMessage servers are up and running.
  • If the dot is yellow or red instead, the iMessage servers are having issues. If that’s the case, just wait for Apple to repair the servers.

7. Factory reset your iPhone

Now that you’ve ensured all the most basic settings are properly configured, if iMessage still isn’t turning on, try resetting your iPhone. This can flush out any corrupted data, crashed apps and other digital debris.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Tap Erase all Content and Settings.

8. Contact your carrier

If you have tried all the steps above and you’re still getting an error message saying “Activation unsuccessful. Turn on iMessage to try again”, it could be that iMessage is failing to send that important activation SMS. Contact your carrier and make sure you’re able to send and receive SMS messages.

Once you’re able to send and receive SMS messages, you might get a pop-up that says "Your carrier may charge for SMS messages used to activate FaceTime and iMessage."

If so, tap OK.

Now wait and see if the iMessage will activate on your iPhone.

9. Contact Apple Support

If none of those troubleshooting steps solved the problem, you should contact Apple support for assistance.

Tag: iMessage
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How to identify a fake or counterfeit Magic Trackpad

by Moses Johnson

How can you tell fake Magic Trackpad from the real thing? Are you perhaps using fake Magic trackpad without knowing? Here’s how to find out.

  • The best way to tell if your Magic Trackpad is fake is by entering its serial number into Apple’s "Check Coverage" website.
  • This website will tell you if the Magic Trackpad is registered in Apple’s system, which all real Magic Trackpads are.
  • You should also look for typos on the packaging and material of the accessory, and check if it connects with your Mac in the right way.

Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology. Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content. It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favorite content more productive and comfortable than ever.

Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work right away. The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges, and it also includes a woven USB-C to Lightning Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.

Here are some tips on how to check if your Magic Trackpad is real.

How to tell a fake Magic Trackpad: Inspect the box and packaging

Fake Magic Trackpad boxes are often poorly made, with typos and grammatical errors. The packaging may also be missing important information, such as the serial number and model number.

How to know if Magic Trackpad is fake: Check the Design

The design of the Magic Trackpad can also signal to you whether it’s fake or genuine. You can compare the design of the Magic Trackpad in your hand with the one on the image provided below, and if you notice any extra ports, buttons, or shape differences, you’re holding a fake.

Magic Trackpad in White showing its large edge-to-edge glass surface area for easier scrolling and swiping.  

How to spot a fake Magic Trackpad: Try Charging it

When you connect your Magic Trackpad 2 to your Mac, it automatically charges. If it doesn’t get any power, it might be a fake.

How to Tell If Magic Trackpad is Fake: Check the Serial Number

The most foolproof way to tell if Magic Trackpad is fake is to go directly to the source: Apple. Apple has an online to check a product’s warranty status. Just enter the Magic Trackpad’ serial number and, if you find it there, it’s the real deal. If you don’t, you’ve spotted fake Magic Trackpad. Here’s what to do:

  1. In your web browser, go to Apple’s coverage checking tool.
  2. Find your Magic Trackpad’ serial number: The serial number of your Magic Trackpad is on the bottom surface of the device, along with other markings. It’s a string of 17 letters and numbers.
  3. Enter the serial number, the CAPTCHA and click Continue.
  4. If the tool returns information for that serial number (especially a valid purchased date), the Magic Trackpad is real.

How to Know If Magic Trackpad is Real: Try to Pair it

Another reliable way to tell if Magic Trackpad is fake is by doing something only authentic Magic Trackpad can do.

  • Connect the Magic Trackpad to your Mac using the cable provided with your accessory.
  • Slide the switch on your Magic Trackpad to on, so that the green is visible. Your Magic Trackpad then pairs with your Mac. That means your Magic Trackpad is the real thing.
  • After the Magic Trackpad is paired with your Mac, you can disconnect the cable and use the accessory wirelessly.
  • Your Magic Trackpad automatically connects to your Mac when Bluetooth is turned on. That means your Magic Trackpad is genuine.
  • If you follow these steps but your accessory doesn’t pair with your Mac, we’re sorry to tell you, but your Magic Trackpad is probably fake.

How to Spot Fake Magic Trackpad: bonus tips

Here are some additional tips to help you avoid buying a fake Magic Trackpad:

Only buy from trusted sellers

Avoid buying Magic Trackpad from online marketplaces or unknown retailers.

Be wary of low prices

The retail price for Magic Trackpad is $129.00. If Magic Trackpad is being offered at a significantly lower price than retail, it is likely a fake.

Do your research

Before you buy a Magic Trackpad, read reviews and compare prices from different sellers.

Tags: Fakes, Magic Trackpad
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How to spot a fake Apple Magic Mouse from a real one

by Dave Johnson

How can you tell fake Magic Mouse from the real thing? Are you perhaps using fake Magic Mouse without knowing? Here’s how to find out.

  • The most foolproof way to know if Magic Mouse is genuine or fake is to go directly to the source: Apple. Apple has an online to check a product’s warranty status. Just enter the Magic Mouse serial number and, if you find it there, it’s genuine. If you don’t, you’ve spotted fake Magic Mouse.
  • You should also look for typos on the packaging and material of the accessory, and check if it connects to your Mac in the right way.

Magic Mouse is wireless and rechargeable, with an optimized foot design that lets it glide smoothly across your desk. The Multi-Touch surface allows you to perform simple gestures such as swiping between web pages and scrolling through documents.

The rechargeable battery will power your Magic Mouse for about a month or more between charges. It’s ready to go right out of the box and pairs automatically with your Mac, and it includes a woven USB-C to Lightning Cable that lets you pair and charge by connecting to a USB-C port on your Mac.

Magic Mouse is a common targets for counterfeiters and some of them look exactly like the real thing — but they never work like it. Here’s how to be sure you’re getting the genuine article.

How to Tell If Magic Mouse is Fake by inspecting the packaging

Although scammers have become quite smart these days, they still make mistakes, which can help you spot fake Magic Mouse. Carefully look at the packaging of the Magic Mouse box, and if you notice spelling mistakes, double spaces, printing issues, and pixelation in photos, then the Magic Mouse isn’t genuine. Even the quality of the packaging material itself can reveal if it’s a fake. Apple pays really close attention to the packaging, so a subpar experience is a good sign of a fake.

How to tell if Apple magic mouse is fake by inspecting the mouse

The design of the Magic Mouse can also signal to you whether it’s fake or genuine. You can compare the design of the Magic Mouse in your hand with the one on the image provided below, and if you notice any extra ports, buttons, or shape differences, you’re holding a fake.

Magic Mouse in White, showing its curved design and Multi-Touch Surface.  

How to Tell If Magic Mouse is Fake by checking the Serial Number

If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a Magic Mouse, you can check its serial number to confirm it.

Apple runs a website that lets users check if their products are still under warranty. This is great for checking real products, of course, but it also has the added benefit of telling you when you’re using a fake product.

To use the site, you’ll just need your Magic Mouse serial number.

  • Find the serial number of your Magic Mouse. You can find it on the bottom surface of the Magic Mouse, along with other markings. It’s a string of 17 letters and numbers.
  • Once you’ve obtained the serial number of the Magic Mouse, head over to checkcoverage.apple.com. This webpage will show the relevant warranty and additional coverage details of the Magic Mouse. If your Magic Mouse is genuine, you’ll see proper results. If it’s fake, the website will throw up an error message.

Online purchases

If you’re ordering your Magic Mouse online, you won’t get your hands on it until it’s delivered. So you can check for a few things before placing the order to safeguard your money. Check seller reviews, read user reviews on the listing, and avoid suspiciously good deals. It’s also always better to buy from the Apple Online Store or reputed sellers from Amazon and other popular e-commerce websites.

The bottom line: Don’t act fast

While buying directly from Apple is the safest way to avoid counterfeit Magic Mouse, that’s not always an option for everyone. So, if you’re buying your Magic Mouse from another retailer or as a second-hand unit, make sure you properly inspect it, try to connect it to your Mac, verify the serial number on Apple’s website, and pretty much go through all the steps we listed above. Ultimately, you wouldn’t want to spend cash on a fake product, and scammers can’t mimic every Magic Mouse characteristic. So, if you’re dealing with a fake, then you’re bound to find one flaw or another, assuming you inspect and test it thoroughly. Once you’re confident that the product is real, then proceed to buy it.

Tag: Fakes
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Is your iPhone speaker muffled on calls? Here’s the real fix

by Dave Johnson

In this tutorial, we’ll share some troubleshooting tips to follow if the iPhone speaker sounds muffled on calls.

There are myriad reasons why your iPhone sounds muffled during phone calls. We’ll try to cover a few main aspects of why this happens, and then we’ll give you some tips on how to troubleshoot.

Why does my iPhone speaker sound muffled during calls?

Here are some reasons your iPhone speaker sound muffled when you call someone:

  • Dust may be obstructing the earpiece.
  • Your case may be obstructing the earpiece.
  • Your iPhone’s earpiece is damaged.
  • Poor cell reception

What to do if your iPhone speaker sounds muffled on calls

Clean iPhone earpiece

If you use your iPhone in a dirty environment, check the earpiece for obstructions like dirt and grime. These things can easily get into the speaker grille of your iPhone and muffle sounds on calls. One of the key indicators of a problem like this is when the caller’s voice is distorted or muffled rather than clear, and you don’t have a case on.

If necessary, carefully use a small, dry soft-bristled brush to clear away any lint, dirt, or grime around the earpiece.

Take off iPhone case

Some protective cases that you use with your iPhone may obstruct the sound and give it the effect of playing sound underwater since the sound waves have nowhere to go. Some highly protective cases are known for causing muffling during calls because you trade off your user experience for protection but never rule out that your case could be the problem.

To see if your case is causing the problem, remove it and then make a phone call again. If it still sounds muffled or distorted, then the dust idea above may be your culprit rather than the case itself. If this is the case, you either need to find a new brand or go caseless.

Move to an area with better cell reception

If the sound is muffled or crackles when you’re on a phone call, it could be because of poor cell reception. You can try calling later or move to an open area with a better cell signal. If you’re in an open area and still can’t get good reception, try moving away from tall buildings, trees, and anything else that could cause interference. If you’re in a rural area, try moving to a higher elevation.

Turn your iPhone off and on again

Restarting your device is a simple and effective way to fix common issues without much trouble. If your speaker sounds muffled on calls even after trying the above solutions, turn off your iPhone and turn it back on after a minute to restart it.

Update to the latest version of iOS

By this point, one or more of the above solutions should have fixed your iPhone sound muffled on calls. But in case you’re still having problems, make sure your iPhone is running on the latest iOS. To do that, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Use headsets

If iPhone sounds muffled on calls with the built-in speaker after trying all of the above steps, try using the headsets. If you are able to hear the caller clearly via the headset when a headset is connected, there could be a problem with your earpiece.

If you believe an issue is tied to the earpiece, then you will most likely have to visit an Apple Store to have your speaker serviced. If your iPhone is under warranty, it should be replaced for free. Otherwise, you may be facing a bench and labor charge.

Reset Network Settings

The last method you can try is to reset the network settings on your iPhone. This deletes network-related data and returns the settings to its default state. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Tag: Calls
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Why can’t anyone hear me when I call on my iPhone? Know here

by Moses Johnson
  • If people can’t hear you on your iPhone during phone or FaceTime calls, they are simple steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.
  • The first step to fixing the problem is identifying the cause.
  • Then, you can take steps to troubleshoot.

Why can’t anyone hear me when I call on my iPhone?

poor cell reception

It’s possible you are going through an area with poor cell reception. For example, if people can’t hear you when you call on your iPhone while you are inside your home or office, but can hear you whenever you go outside, there’s a good chance the building is impeding your signal.

It’s also common that crowds such as concerts, music festivals, or even downtown areas with major events in town can create stress on the wireless towers, limiting the cell signal on your iPhone.

Your iPhone microphone is malfunctioning

If people can’t hear you when you call on your iPhone, your iPhone’s microphones may be malfunctioning. For example, if your iPhone’s microphone is covered or dirty, people will have trouble hearing you during phone or FaceTime calls.

How do I fix my iPhone when people can’t hear me when i call?

Move to a location with a better cell signal

If people can’t hear you when you make a phone call on your iPhone, move to an open area with a better cell signal and then dial again. If you’re in an open area and still can’t get good reception, try moving away from tall buildings, trees, and anything else that could cause interference. If you’re in a rural area, try moving to a higher elevation.

Perform a signal refresh

Typically, your iPhone requires a simple signal refresh when it’s fighting to establish a stable connection from a nearby cell tower. There’s no need to stress; this process is easy. All you need to do is shut down your iPhone entirely and then start it back up. Here’s how:

  • iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15, : Press and hold the side button and the volume down (or up) button together until the “slide to power off” screen appears. Drag the slider to turn off the iPhone. Wait 30 seconds. Then press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.
  • Other iPhone with a Home button models: Press and hold the power button (sleep/wake button, it can be on the top or right side) until the power off slider appears. Move the slider from left to right. Then wait for your iPhone to turn off. And press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears.

Check for iOS update

If you are running an older version of iOS, you should update to the latest version. Perhaps, the new updates may include a fix for a bug involving this problem. You can update your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Software Update. This will check for updates. And if there is an update, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.

Disconnect any audio accessories

It’s possible that your iPhone is trying to use the microphone in an accessory like a headphone, earbuds, or portable speaker rather than the mic built into the iPhone, and that’s why people can’t hear you on calls. The easiest way to eliminate this possibility is to make sure that your phone is not connected to a wired or wireless headset.

  • Unplug any accessory connected to your iPhone.
  • Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to bring up the Control Center and then tap the Bluetooth icon to temporarily disable the Bluetooth radio on your iPhone.

Check for coverage issues in your area

Of course, it could be nothing to do with you at all. So before you drive yourself nuts trying all these steps, reach out to your carrier and ask if there are any coverage issues such as a downed tower or one under maintenance in your immediate area. You could also try your carrier’s Twitter account to see if others are experiencing similar issues.

Make sure your microphone isn’t blocked

Ensure that your iPhone’s microphone is not covered or dirty. Here is what you can do:

  • Try removing the phone case to see if that helps improve call quality.
  • Clear any debrCs from the openings of your iPhone. Use a compressed air can to blow air carefully into the microphone. This will remove any small debris that may be blocking the sound.
  • Make sure that your fingers don’t block the microphone when you’re on a call.

Test the microphone

Sometimes, your iPhone microphones can be at fault, so test them to see if they are working properly.

Test the microphone for phone and FaceTime calls: Open the Voice Memos app and record a short memo, talking into the microphone at the bottom. Play it back and see if it sounds clear.

If the audio is unclear, it’s likely you have a hardware problem with your iPhone, so contact Apple’s customer support for additional service.

Test the speakerphone mic. Open the Camera app and record a selfie video while speaking into the mic at the top of the iPhone. Play it back and see if it sounds clear.

If the audio is unclear, it’s likely you have a hardware problem with your iPhone, so contact Apple’s customer support for additional service.

Reset your network settings

If you are still experiencing this problem, try resetting your network settings. Note that by doing so, you’re also resetting Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings, so you’ll have to re-enter any previously stored Wi-Fi passwords.

  1. Open the Settings app and tap General.
  2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. In the pop-up menu, tap Reset Network Settings and then confirm this is what you want to do.

Contact Apple support

If all else fails, contact Apple Support to figure out the problem.

Tag: Calls
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Why is my iPhone not ringing when someone calls? 7 reasons

by Dave Johnson

If you’re iPhone doesn’t ring, there are a few reasons that might be happening — and a few tactics you can try to get things back where they should be. There is probably nothing wrong with your iPhone’s speaker and hardware. However, with so many settings and features, your iPhone may not be ringing due to your settings. For example, you may have set your iPhone to vibrate only or silent mode, or you may have turned on Do Not Disturb. In this article, I’ll explain why your iPhone won’t ring and I’ll show you exactly how to fix it. These tips will help you regardless of the call type, such as regular calls, WhatsApp, Skype, Instagram and so on.

Your iPhone’s mute switch is on

Most of the time, the reason your iPhone isn’t ringing for incoming calls is that mute switch is on. Make sure your iPhone’s mute switch isn’t on. On most iPhones Apple refers to this as the “ring/silent” switch, and on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, mute is one of the possible functions for the Action button. Needless to say though if the mute toggle is on, your phone is only going to vibrate for incoming calls, not ring.

To fix this, put your phone back in Ring mode by pressing the Ring/Silent switch towards the screen. You’ll find this switch on the top-left side of your iPhone, above the volume buttons.

When in Ring mode, the slider will be closer to your iPhone’s screen. In Silent mode, it displays an orange strip.

You can bring an iPhone 15 Pro out of silent mode by going to Settings > Sounds & Haptics, then turning off Silent mode.

The ringer volume level is all the way down

If your ringtone volume is too low, you may not hear a call coming in if your iPhone is in your bag. So, it may appear that your iPhone didn’t ring at all.

If the volume is too low to hear it ringing when a call comes in, you’ll want to make your iPhone louder. Open the Settings app, tap Sound & Haptics, and then drag the Ringtone and Alert Volume slider until it’s loud enough to be heard.

Silence Unknown Callers is turned on

If your iPhone is not ringing for calls made by callers who are not in your contact list (or from a number you have not called), this is the reason.

If you want your iPhone to ring for all calls, open the Settings app and tap Phone. Tap Silence Unknown Callers and then, on the Silence Unknown Callers page, swipe the button to the left to turn it off.

Call Forwarding is turned on

Another possible reason is that you turned on call forwarding on your iPhone. When call forwarding is enabled, your iPhone won’t ring when you receive a call, and the call will be directly sent to the forwarded number.

It’s easy to check to see if you have set up call forwarding on your iPhone and to turn it off. Open the Settings app and tap Phone. Tap Call Forwarding, and then turn off Call Forwarding by swiping the button to the left.

Focus mode is enabled

If Focus Mode is enabled, your iPhone won’t ring when you get a call. Focus feature is designed to silence calls, alerts, and notifications on your iPhone.

To check if you have Do Not Disturb or Focus turned on, swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone’s screen to open the Control Center. There, look at the rectangle next to your brightness controls — if it says Do Not Disturb, Driving, Sleep, or something similar, it’s turned on. Tap this button to disable your Do Not Disturb or Focus mode.

Auto-Answer Calls is turned on

Auto-Answer Calls is an accessibility feature that may cause your iPhone to not ring. Open the Settings app and tap Accessibility. Tap Touch followed by Call Audio Routing and ensure that Auto-Answer Calls is off with the button swiped to the left.

Communication Limits is enabled

One reason why you have an iPhone ringing problem may be because you’ve set up Communication Limits in Screen Time. You can set communication limits based on your contacts.

It’s easy to check to see if you have set up Communication Limits on your iPhone and to turn it off. Open the Settings app and tap Screen Time. Tap Communication Limits and check Everyone for During Screen Time and During Downtime.

Tag: Sound
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What to Do When Missed Call Notifications Won’t Go Away on iPhone

by Dave Johnson

You may not answer all of the calls you receive. Sometimes, you may want the call to go to voicemail, or sometimes you are too busy to talk. Your iPhone records these calls, and missed call notifications appear as a reminder to check for missed calls.

A missed call notification is a visual alert that notifies you when you’ve received a call but didn’t answer it. This notification serves as a reminder to check your recent calls and see who attempted to contact you to ensure that you never let an important call go unnoticed.

These missed call notifications stay on your phone until you view or clear them. On your iPhone, for instance, you might see the missed call notification on your Lock Screen, in the Notification Center, in the recent calls list, or as a badge on the Phone app icon. Once you check your missed calls or open the Phone app, these notifications are usually cleared. You can also clear them manually if needed.

Some users’ missed call notifications won’t go away even after they clear or acknowledge them. If you’re are also having this issue, you can try the following:

How to clear stuck missed call notifications on iPhone

Update

Ensure that your iPhone has the latest version of iOS. Updating may get rid of missed call icon on your iPhone. It is easy to check for updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for updates. If there is an update, follow the on-screen instructions to update.

Check voicemail

Some missed call notifications may not disappear until you check the associated call’s voicemail. Listen to your voicemail and see if the notification clears.

Restart

Restart your iPhone by following these steps:

  • Disable notifications. Go to Settings > Phone > Notifications and turn off Allow Notifications. If missed call badge won’t go away on third-party apps, then turn off their notifications, too. If, for example, WhatsApp missed call notifications are stuck, then turn off WhatsApp notifications.
  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Turn Notifications back on.

Reset all settings

Reset all settings on your iPhone. Doing so won’t erase your content, like photos, apps, or personal data. However, it will reset system settings to their default values. These system settings include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and more. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings and then follow the onscreen instructions.

Tag: Missed call. Phone
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iPhone speakerphone not working during calls? How to fix it!

by Dave Johnson

The iPhone includes several phone call options such as the ability to mute a call, place a person on hold or add another caller. The call interface also lets you activate the speakerphone. Once activated, your call transmits to your iPhone’s external speaker, greatly increasing the call’s volume. This comes in handy when you need to talk hands-free or additional people need to hear the call. If your iPhone doesn’t switch to speakerphone when you press the speaker button during a phone call, then it’s time to troubleshoot. In this article, I’ll explain why speakerphone is not working on your iPhone and show you how to fix the problem for good!

Why is my iPhone speakerphone not working during calls?

Software glitch

A lot of the time, a minor software glitch is the reason why speakerphone is not working on your iPhone. Thankfully, most software problems can be fixed at home. Unfortunately, the hardware is a different story.

Hardware problem

The iPhone speaker is one of the most damage-prone components on iPhones. Speakers make sound waves when a very thin piece of material vibrates very, very quickly. If the material is damaged in any way, your iPhone speakerphone can stop working entirely.

How do I fix my iPhone speakerphone?

Verify that your iPhone speakerphone is not working

Start by making sure your iPhone loud speaker is not working during calls.

  1. Make or accept a phone call on your iPhone. The call options open on the screen.
  2. Tap the "Speaker" icon to activate speakerphone. If the speaker is not available, tap Hide button.
  3. When you tap the speaker icon, does the audio still play through the earpiece, or does it disappear entirely?
    • If the audio disappears entirely, that means there’s probably an issue with your iPhone’s speaker and you should take a look at our article on how to fix iPhone speaker issues.
    • If audio still plays through the earpiece after you tap the speaker icon, then there’s probably a software issue causing the problem. The steps below will help you troubleshoot a software problem on your iPhone.
  4. If iPhone loudspeaker volume is low, follow the steps above and press the volume up button to increase the volume.

Close And Reopen The Phone App

It’s possible that speakerphone is not working on your iPhone because the phone app is experiencing a minor glitch. Closing and reopening the Phone app allows it to "shut down" and start again, which can sometimes fix a software glitch.

To close the Phone app, double-press the Home button. If your iPhone doesn’t have a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to the center of the screen.

This opens App Switcher, which displays all the apps currently running on your iPhone. Use your finger to swipe up on the Phone app. You’ll know the Phone app is closed when it no longer appears in the App Switcher.

Restart your iPhone

If the software is malfunctioning, your iPhone may not be sending the proper signals to the speaker, so the speakerphone doesn’t work at all. Restarting your iPhone will shut down all of its programs and functions normally, which can usually resolve minor software problems.

The process for restarting your iPhone depends on which model you have:

  • iPhone 8 and earlier models: Press and hold down the power button until you see _slide to power off _appear on the display. Swipe the power icon from left to right to shut down your iPhone. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button again to turn your iPhone back on.
  • iPhone X and later models: Simultaneously press and hold either volume button and the side button until slide to power off appears on the display. Then, swipe the power icon left to right to turn off your iPhone. To turn your iPhone back on, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

Check for software updates

If you’re not running the latest version of iOS, it could be the reason why your iPhone speakerphone is not working during calls. Software updates might not seem important when your phone is functioning properly, but they help prevent a host of problems and even improve performance.

Here’s how to check for an update on your iPhone and install it:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Tap on Software Update. Your iPhone will now start searching for the latest iOS update.
  4. If an update is available, tap Update Now.

Take your iPhone in for service

If you still can’t get your iPhone speakerphone to work, it’s pretty likely that your phone has a hardware problem. You should contact Apple or go to an Apple store for service.

Tag: Speaker
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Will a Text Message Be Delivered if You are Blocked on iPhone?

by Moses Johnson

When you send an iMessage to another iPhone user who blocked you, the iMessage won’t be delivered. From your end, the Message app will say "Sent as Text Message" underneath a green bubble, indicating it was sent as an SMS message. But was it really delivered?

What is message blocking on iPhone

You can block text messages on your iPhone from any number that you don’t want sending you messages.

Blocking in iPhone encompasses the FaceTime, Phone and Messages apps. In other words, it is a systemwide change excluding third-party apps with similar messaging capabilities. This means that when someone blocks your number on their iPhone, you can’t call, text, or FaceTime that person.

Here’s how to block messages on your iPhone.

  1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
  2. Open the text message from the number or contact you wish you block.
  3. Tap the number or contact at the top of the message.
  4. Tap the info icon, which is a blue "i" in a blue circle.
  5. Tap the words "Block this caller" at the bottom of the next screen.
  6. Tap the red words "Block Contact" on the pop up message to confirm.

If you’ve done it right, the contact will now have the words "Unblock this Caller" at the bottom of the screen, and your phone will prevent any calls or texts from coming through.

Will your messages be delivered if you are blocked on iPhone?

So the question is whether the recipient who blocked you in Messages on the iPhone would receive your iMessages or SMS messages. The answer is no, not via the Messages app. Even if you get a notification saying "Sent as Text Message," this is somewhat deceptive. Your message was sent but not delivered. When you text someone who has blocked your number on iPhone, your texts go nowhere. Your messages will still look like they’ve been sent. But the recipient won’t receive any of them, and so they can’t respond.

Will you get messages from the person who blocked you?

The blocker, however, will still be able to text you on their end, and youll receive their messages, assuming you did not block them.

When blocked, you won’t be informed that you’ve been blocked. However, if you’re used to seeing blue iMessage text bubbles but they are suddenly green, it can be an indication you’ve been blocked. Also, if you try calling the person and the call goes right to voicemail or rings once (or a half ring) then goes to voicemail, that’s further evidence you may have been blocked.

How to text or call someone who blocked your number

As I stated above, if you are blocked, you will not be able to call (regular phone and FaceTime), and your messages won’t be delivered if you are blocked on your iPhone. However, there are still ways to reach them if you really need to contact the person who blocked your number. You may want to do this if you think that your number was blocked accidentally or if there is something very important. And, lastly, before proceeding, think carefully if you deserved the blocking. If you deserve it, do not try any of the steps below.

Use other messaging apps

You can contact someone who blocked you on iPhone via third-party apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, or Instagram, assuming they haven’t blocked you there as well. They will see your message when they’re back online, but they may not respond. In that case, make the message you send them count, but be polite if you want to get to the bottom of why they blocked your texts and calls.

Mask your number

You can call someone who blocked your number on iPhone by hiding your number when calling them.

To do this, dial *67 before you type in the phone number.

Turn Caller ID off and try calling the number

Similarly, by disabling caller ID in your phone’s settings, you can call someone who blocked your number on iPhone.

On iPhone, you can disable caller ID (assuming your carrier allows it) by opening your phone’s settings and navigating to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and disabling it.

Try a different number or device

You may be able to call the person on a different number, or with a different phone entirely.

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15 Ways to Fix Safari Translation Not Working on iPhone and iPad

by Dave Johnson

Follow these simple troubleshooting steps to fix Safari web page translation feature if it isn’t working properly on your iPhone or iPad.

Safari now comes with a translation feature baked into the browser, making it easier than ever to translate a web page on iPhone and iPad.

Once enabled, text is translated in-line on the webpage that you’re viewing. It’s a handy tool if you want to read websites that are written in different languages, and it’s available right in the address bar in Safari. However, Safari is not immune to issues. Recently, several users have reported that Safari translation is not working on their iPhone or iPad. If you also find Safari unable to translate web pages, we’ll show you how to fix it.

Best Tips to Fix Safari Translation Not Working on iPhone and iPad

Here’s how you can fix Safari if it’s not translating web pages on iPhone and iPad.

1. What are the Requirements for Using Safari Translation?

You can use Apple’s native web page translation feature inside Safari on an iPhone, iPad, and Mac running iOS 14 or later, iPadOS 14 or later, or macOS Big Sur or later.

2. Safari Translation Supported Languages

If you don’t see the language for translation in Safari, make sure the language is supported. Safari web page translation supported languages include:

  • Arabic
  • Chinese (Simplified)
  • Chinese (Traditional)
  • Dutch
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Indonesian
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Polish
  • Portuguese (Brazil)
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Ukrainian
  • Vietnamese

3. Right Way to Enable and Use Safari Translation

  1. Launch Safari on your iPhone or iPad, then visit a webpage that’s in a language you’d like to translate and watch for the address bar to indicate that a translation is available.
  2. Tap the aA button in the far-left of the address bar, then select Translate to [Language] in the dropdown menu. If you don’t see the option, the webpage either isn’t compatible with Safari’s translation feature or the language isn’t supported.
  3. The first time you do this, Apple will ask your permission to process your request. Tap Enable Translation.
  4. To view the original non-translated webpage, select View Original in the address bar options panel. You also have the option to Report Translation Issue if you see one.

4. Add more language to Safari translation

Apple says that "the availability of translations and the number of languages that can be translated may vary by country or region."

With that in mind, you can have more options for Safari translation by adding that language to your system’s language settings.

Go to Settings > General > Language & Region > Add Language and select a language. Now, you can choose to set this new language as your primary system language for all menus, settings, and everything. However, if you only need to use it for translation, tap **Use English **(or your current system language). This will add the new language to your iPhone but still keep English as the primary system language.

Now go to Safari, and it should automatically refresh your open web pages. After that, follow the above steps, and you will see Translate Website instead of Translate to English. Tap Translate Website and pick a language.

5. Close Safari and then reopen it

Closing and reopening Safari can fix minor software bugs preventing the app from translating web pages.

If your iPhone has a Home button, double-press it to open the app switcher. If your iPhone doesn’t have a Home button, swipe up from the bottom to the center of the screen. Hold your finger in the center of the screen until the app switcher opens.

Then, swipe Safari up and off the top of the screen. You’ll know Safari is closed when it no longer appears in the app switcher.

Open Safari again to see if it can translate web pages. If it’s not, move onto the next step!

6. Update your iPhone

Apple frequently releases updates to fix existing bugs and introduce new features. Ensure that your iPhone has the latest version of iOS. Since Safari is part of iOS, updating will also update Safari if there are updates to Safari. You can check for updates by going to Settings > General > Software Update. If there is an update, follow the instructions and update your iPhone. Simply tap the Update Now button and follow the steps. After updating, open Safari and check if you can use the translate feature.

7. Restart your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone can fix a variety of small software issues, including one that may be preventing Safari translation from working.

  • iPhone X and later: Press the side button and the volume up button until the Power Off slider appears. Slide it, then wait 30 seconds. Press the side button until the Apple logo appears.
  • iPhone 6S, 7, 8 or SE(2nd or 3rd gen): Press and hold the side button until the Power Off slider appears. Slide it, then wait 30 seconds. Press the side button until the Apple logo appears.

8. Clear website data and cache

If your issue continues, delete website data in Safari to try to fix this problem. Following the steps below will erase history, cookies, cache and other web data. You should also note that when you do this, the data will also be erased from your other devices signed into the same iCloud account.

  1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Safari.
  2. Tap Clear History and Website Data.
  3. Tap Clear History to confirm.

9. Clear All Website Data

On many occasions, I have managed to fix issues related to Safari by clearing all website data.

  1. On your iPhone, tap Settings.
  2. Go to Safari and scroll all the way to down and tap Advanced.
  3. Tap Website Data.
  4. Tap Remove All Website Data.

10. Disable Safari Extensions

Your Safari extensions may cause this problem because one of your extensions may be causing a conflict. Turn off your Safari extensions to see if they are the problem.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Safari.
  3. Tap Extensions.
  4. Turn off all of the extensions.

Now, force-quit Safari and open again. If Safari is now working, this means that one or more of your extensions are causing your problem. What you can do is to turn on extensions one by one until you find the problematic one. When you find it, you can update or delete the associated app to fix your problem. If Safari is not working still, you can now enable your extensions.

11. Check that JavaScript is enabled

Should Safari translation continue to misbehave, check that JavaScript is enabled.

  1. Open Settings and tap on Safari.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Advanced.
  3. If JavaScript is off, toggle the switch to turn it on.

12. Disable/Enable Translation

If you still can’t translate in Safari, try turning it off and on.

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Tap the aA button in the far-left of the address bar, and deselect “Translate to [your language]”.
  3. Now, force quit Safari (swipe up from the Home Bar to bring up the App Switcher -> swipe up Safari).
  4. Next, launch Safari -> Tap the aA button in the far-left of the address bar, then select Translate to [Language] in the dropdown menu. If you don’t see the option, the webpage either isn’t compatible with Safari’s translation feature or the language isn’t supported.

13. Check for VPN and security software

Sometimes VPN can interfere with Safari functionality.

  • Open Settings, then tap on General.
  • Tap on VPN & Device Management, then tap VPN.
  • Look for any VPN that may be installed. If you have VPN software, you can delete it or contact the developer for more information about how the software could be affecting Safari web page translation feature.
  • Also, look at Settings > General > Profiles. If this option doesn’t exist, you don’t have any profiles installed. If you see something here, it may have been installed by the system administrator for your company, and you should talk to them.

14. Check if restrictions are turned on on your iPhone or iPad

It is possible you’ve turned on restrictions on your iPhone. Make sure that Web Content is not restricted. Here is how you can check this:

  • Go to Settings -> Screen Time -> Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  • Tap Content Restrictions, then Web Content.
  • Ensure that the “Unrestricted” option is not selected.

15. Reset All Settings

If you are still having this issue, reset all settings and then try again.

To reset all Settings on your iPhone or iPad, head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (iPad) > Reset > Reset all Settings.

Safari Translation: Working again

You’ve fixed the problem and Safari translation is working again. Now you can get back to translating your favorite websites! Make sure to share this article on social media, or leave a comment down below if you have any other questions about your iPhone.

Tag: Safari
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