iMessage Not Working on iPhone XS? Here’s How to Fix It

iMessage is one of the most convenient features of the iPhone—until it stops working. If you’re dealing with iMessages not sending, failing to activate, or arriving out of order on your iPhone XS, don’t worry. These problems are usually tied to network settings, Apple ID issues, or system glitches that you can fix yourself.

Here’s a complete guide to help you troubleshoot and fix iMessage issues on your iPhone XS.

1. Make Sure iMessage Is Turned On

Start with the basics:

Go to Settings > Messages
Toggle iMessage ON (it should be green)

If it’s already enabled, try turning it OFF, restarting your phone, and turning it back ON again.

2. Check Date and Time Settings

Incorrect date or time settings can interfere with iMessage activation or delivery.

To fix:

Go to Settings > General > Date & Time
Enable Set Automatically
Also go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services, and ensure Set Time Zone is enabled

Try sending an iMessage afterward.

3. Sign Out and Back Into iMessage

Your Apple ID might need to be refreshed.

Steps:

Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive
Tap on your Apple ID at the bottom
Choose Sign Out
Restart your iPhone
Sign back in using the same Apple ID

Then test iMessage again.

4. Reset Network Settings

Sometimes network configurations get corrupted and block iMessage functions.

To reset:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset
Tap Reset Network Settings
Enter your passcode and confirm

⚠️ This will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so reconnect afterward.

5. Update iOS

Make sure you’re running the latest iOS version. Apple regularly fixes bugs—including iMessage-related ones—in system updates.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Tap Download and Install if an update is available

6. Perform a Factory Reset (Last Resort)

Still having problems? A full reset can clear out deep system bugs—but be sure to back up your data first.