How to fix iMessage that is not working on your Apple iPad Pro 2018 [Troubleshooting Guide]

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Owners of Apple devices can make use of Apple’s very own free and unlimited messaging service called iMessage. For the service to work, your Apple devices must be connected to Wi-Fi. Hence, there’s no need to subscribe to a text messaging plan or use cellular data. However, iMessages are not available to non-Apple devices. When Apple rolled out iOS 12, several new features were added to the Messages app including new Animoji, layout changes and camera effects.

These new features are likewise available for iMessage, hence allowing Apple device owners to send and receive more attractive messages. In case you will bump into some trouble when using iMessage on your iPad Pro, I’ve mapped a few potential solutions below. Feel free to refer to this walkthrough whenever you need help troubleshooting iMessage problems on your iPad Pro (2018) device.

ALSO READ: iMessage not working on iPhone. Here’s how you fix it…

For owners who are looking for a solution to a different problem, drop by our troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common problems with this device. Browse through the page to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work or if you need further assistance don’t hesitate to contact us by filling up our iPad issues questionnaire.

How to troubleshoot iPad Pro 2018 with iMessages that’s not working

Before troubleshooting, check and ensure that your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi and the Internet connection is stable. Note that iMessage works over Wi-Fi instead of cellular data, so make sure that your iPad is online. To test your Internet connection, open a browser app then navigate to different websites. Or you can also launch online apps and see if they’re able to work. It’s also imperative to check the current status of iMessage server by heading to Apple’s status page. If iMessage server is currently unavailable, then there’s not much can be done on your end but to wait until the service is back up and running again. Otherwise, troubleshoot software-related issues on the iPad that might have caused conflict to iMessage. Don’t forget to create a test message to send and receive through iMessage after performing each method to determine if the problem is solved or not. Proceed to the next applicable solution if needed.

First solution: Turn iMessage off and on.

To clear out random iMessage errors, you can start by carrying out the simplest possible solution and that is to restart the iMessage service on your iPad Pro. Just refer to these steps:

  1. Tap Settings from the Home screen.
  2. Tap Messages.
  3. Then tap the switch to turn iMessage off.
  4. After a few seconds, toggle the switch to turn iMessage back on again.

Wait until iMessage is activated and then create a sample iMessage to send and receive.

If it’s still not working, perform a soft reset on your iPad Pro to clear out random software glitches and to refresh iOS. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Press and hold the Side/Power button and either Volume buttons simultaneously for a few seconds.
  2. Release the buttons when the Slide to Power Off command appears and then drag the power off slider to the right.
  3. After 30 seconds, press and hold the Power/Side button again until the iPad reboots.

Launch Messages and try creating a sample message to send and receive to your other Apple device via iMessage.

ALSO READ: How to fix slow browsing issue on Apple iPad Pro 2018, websites load very slowly via Safari

Second solution: Turn iCloud Messages off and then back on again.

Another possible solution to problems affecting the iOS messaging platform including iMessage is to refresh the Messages app itself. Doing so will eliminate random glitches that impede the iMessage functions. Here’s what you should do then:

  1. Tap Settings from Home screen.
  2. Tap on your Apple ID profile.
  3. Select iCloud.
  4. Tap on Messages under apps using iCloud.
  5. Toggle the switch next to Messages OFF and then ON again.

Restart your iPad then test to see if iMessage is working fine already. Continue to troubleshoot, if it isn’t.

Third solution: Manage Date & Time settings and iMessage settings.

Incorrect date and time settings on your iPad can also cause conflict since messaging services likewise rely on current date and time. To make sure that this isn’t causing trouble to your iPad’s messaging system, check and set the date and time settings to automatic. Here’s how:

  1. From the Home screen, tap Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Tap Date & Time.
  4. Then select the Set Automatically option.

This will prompt your device to use the current date and time information based on your current time zone.

Also make sure that your phone number is set or enabled for iMessage. Sending and receiving of iMessages won’t work as intended if your phone isn’t configured to do so. So here’s what you should do next:

  1. Tap Settings from the Home screen.
  2. Tap Messages.
  3. Tap on Send & Receive.
  4. Make sure that your phone number and Apple ID (email address) is present and enabled or checked under You can receive iMessages to and Reply From section. If it’s not checked, simply tap to check it.

After making necessary changes, soft reset your iPad Pro to apply the recent changes and refresh its memory.

ALSO READ: How to fix Messenger app that won’t load properly, keeps crashing on an Apple iPad Pro 2018

Fourth solution: Reset network settings.

Network errors in general often require a network reset, especially if the initial procedures aren’t able to rectify them. This reset will erase your current network settings including invalid options and network settings configuration. Take note of your Wi-Fi passwords because you will need to re-enter them later to reconnect to Wi-Fi. Just follow these steps when you’re ready:

  1. From your Home screen, tap on Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Scroll down to and then tap on Reset.
  4. Select the option to Reset network settings.
  5. If prompted, enter your passcode then follow the onscreen instructions to confirm all settings reset.

The phone will restart when the reset is finished. After it boots up, you can re-enable Wi-Fi, network options and relevant features you want to use on your iPad Pro again.

Fifth solution: Update iOS and carrier settings.

Network-related issues that might have halted network-related apps and services can also be resolved by updating carrier settings and/or iOS to the latest version available. Updates usually embed dedicated fix patches to clear out system bugs that trigger stubborn symptoms. If your iPad is connected to the Internet and has ample of battery life and storage space, follow these steps to check for new iOS update to download and install:

  1. Tap Settings from the Home screen.
  2. Select General.
  3. Tap Software Update.

If an update is available, you will see a notification. Just follow the onscreen prompts to begin updating your iPad.

Aside from iOS update, also check for any pending carrier update for your iPad Pro. That update may contain the required fix patch to clear out Messages bug that caused conflict to iMessage.

To check for new carrier update, head over to Settings-> General-> About section on your iPad Pro. Then see if a new carrier update is available. You can view this information from the Carrier section.

If a new carrier update is available, simply follow the onscreen instructions to update carrier settings on your iPad Pro. Just ensure that your iPad has stable connection to the Internet.

After installing new updates, restart your iPad Pro to refresh its memory and implement all new system changes.

Other options

System reset and iOS restore can be considered among the last resorts if none of the previous methods produces positive results. This is often needed if stubborn system errors are at fault. At this point, you may opt for a factory reset or system restore via recovery mode or DFU mode. But please note that while these methods offer a higher chance of fixing the problem, they also cause permanent data loss. That said, back up all your critical files from your iPad Pro storage to iCloud or iTunes drive beforehand.

For more advanced solutions, relay the issue to your service provider or contact Apple Support to escalate the problem directly.

I hope that we’ve been able to help you fix the problem with your device. We would appreciate it if you helped us spread the word so please share this post if you found it helpful. Thank you so much for reading!

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