iMessage is the best messaging app for iPhone users. It works flawlessly across all your Apple devices. However, occasionally, iMessage may display this error: “iMessage is signed out”.
It’s a frustrating problem since you cannot send messages through iMessage when you encounter this error. Luckily, it’s a fixable problem.
In this guide, we’re going to discuss some of the easy solutions to resolve the issue of the iPhone signing out of iMessage.
Why does my iPhone say iMessage is signed out?
The main thing that iMessage relies on is your Apple ID. If that is not linked the iMessage will likely not connect correctly.
The Apple ID can be disabled for a variety of reasons. So assuring that the device is linked up to it accordingly is the underlying key to any solutions aimed at tackling this problem.
1. Check iMessage Server
Before we get deeper into the fixes, check if the problem is from Apple’s end. You can visit Apple’s system status page to find out if iMessage is down. Additionally, Apple will let you know about any planned maintenance, recently resolved issues of its services.
A red dot means that the iMessage service is having issues. You’ll need to wait until Apple fixes the problem. A green dot next to iMessage means everything is working as it should. So, let’s move on to the next troubleshooting method.
2. Reboot Your iPhone
One of the best and simplest solutions for most iPhone errors is to restart the device. There is no harm in doing so, making this a no-brainer as far as solutions that should be tried first. For detailed instructions, check our “How to restart an iPhone” guide.
Even if this ultimately proves ineffective, it is a quick and easy option to knock off first from the troubleshooting checklist.
3. Check if iMessage Is Enabled
Sometimes iMessage is turned off due to another matter, whether it is a glitch in the software or a potential result of an iOS update-triggered change.
Even if the iMessage is not signed out, toggling it off and on is a simple troubleshooting step in getting the signed out message problem to be alleviated.
The steps to toggling the iMessage functionality are simple.
- Open the Settings app
- Go under the Messages header
- Assure that the iMessage option is active.
- If it is not, tap the slider to enable iMessage.
- If it is already active, deactivate it, give it about 20 seconds, then reactivate it.
4. Verify Apple ID Connection
As noted earlier, the Apple ID disconnect is at the heart of this problem most of the time. If rebooting the device did not work and iMessage is enabled, look under the Messages header in the Settings of your device for an option to “Use your Apple ID for iMessage.” Select this option to enter your Apple ID and link your phone to it.
If you are connected to an Apple account, click on the Send & Receive header in the Messages menu in the settings, and sign out of the Apple account. You can then sign back in to assure that you are using the account you need to use.
Another thing to look for under the main Settings menu is a notification of a need to Update Apple ID Settings. If there is a number next to this prompt in a red circle, it indicates an update that is needed to run.
This is harmless to your device and your account. You will just need to reenter your Apple ID information. The update will run, hopefully correcting your issue.
5. Location-Based Troubleshooting
You may also be having an issue due to regional settings. While your device typically keeps track of where you are located, you can use the Send & Receive header to change or update your current location. If your region is not on the list, you can add it via the Change Location menu option here.
Regional issues could also be time zone related. So another good troubleshooting tip to try is to go under the General tab in the Settings of your iPhone and find the Date & Time selection.
From here, you can manually alter the time zone, or enable the Set Automatically prompt to get it to adjust.
6. Network Settings
iMessage requires a cellular data connection or a Wi-Fi network connection. So if you are in a Wi-Fi zone, and your internet connection is not working properly or your iPhone is not connecting to it, the error could occur.
The latter could be for multiple reasons, but the former could simply be due to the Wi-Fi connection being poor.
Most of the time, this problem can be fixed by simply unplugging the router and plugging it back in. If the internet connection is operational, then you should check your device’s network settings.
- Enter device’s settings
- Find the General section
- Locate the Reset section
- Choose Reset Network Settings
Please note that this is a bit of drastic action. It will not harm your iPhones hard drive or personal data. However, it will detach Bluetooth connections of the previously saved devices, unset any VPN settings, and trigger you to either relog in your Wi-Fi password connection, or switch off to mobile data use.
7. Delete Old Messages
Old corrupted message threads may have triggered this problem, so think about the message thread you were on when receiving the error and delete that thread from your phone. Try opening a brand new chat and attempt the action again.
Wrapping Up
One of the above methods must have certainly addressed your iMessage signed out issue. If not, you may want to make a Genius Bar reservation to get expert service and support.
Explain the iMessage problem you have and the steps you’ve taken. The Geniuses will be happy to assist you.
If you have any other helpful tips about how to fix iMessage signed out, please let us know about them in the comments section.
