If you can’t send or receive iMessages on your iPhone 6s Plus, you’re not alone. Even though iOS 10 added a ton of fun new messaging features, some users have run into frustrating issues. This guide will walk you through all the possible fixes to get iMessage (and regular texts) working again.
Check Your Account Status
First, make sure your mobile account is active and in good standing.
- Contact your carrier to check if there are any issues like unpaid bills or service restrictions that could be blocking messaging.
- Some carriers suspend outgoing services if your account is past due.
Check for Network Outages
If messaging suddenly stopped working, your carrier might be experiencing a service outage.
- Visit your carrier’s website or call customer support to check for any network disruptions in your area.
Verify Your Network Settings
iMessage needs Wi-Fi or cellular data to work. Standard texts (SMS/MMS) need a cellular connection.
- To check Wi-Fi:
Go to Settings → Wi-Fi and make sure you’re connected to a network.
Or swipe up on the Home screen to open Control Center and tap the Wi-Fi icon. - To check Cellular Data:
Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and ensure it’s turned on.
If you’re traveling, enable roaming under Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Data Roaming.
Make Sure You Have Enough Storage
If your iPhone is nearly full, incoming messages (especially photos or videos) might not come through.
- Check your storage under Settings → General → Storage & iCloud Usage.
- If you’re low on space, delete unused apps, photos, videos, or move files to iCloud.
Check Your Blocked Contacts List
If you can’t receive messages from certain people, they might be accidentally blocked.
- Go to Settings → Messages → Blocked Contacts.
- Swipe left on any contact you want to unblock and tap Unblock.
Turn On MMS Messaging
If you can’t send or receive picture messages, make sure MMS is turned on.
- Go to Settings → Messages → MMS Messaging and toggle it on.
- If you don’t see the option, contact your carrier to activate MMS on your account.
Correct Your Date and Time Settings
Incorrect date and time can prevent iMessage from activating.
- Go to Settings → General → Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically.
- Then toggle iMessage off and back on under Settings → Messages.
Restart the Messages App
Sometimes, apps just need a quick refresh.
- Swipe up from the bottom of your screen and swipe away the Messages app.
- Wait a few seconds, then reopen it and try sending a message.
Reboot Your iPhone
A simple restart can fix a lot of weird glitches.
- Hold down the Sleep/Wake button until you see “slide to power off.”
- Power it down, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
Recheck iMessage Settings
Make sure your iMessage is properly set up.
- Go to Settings → Messages → Send & Receive.
- Confirm that your phone number and/or email address are checked.
- If nothing is listed, tap to add your number or Apple ID.
Delete and Restart the Conversation
If the problem is only happening with one contact:
- In Messages, swipe left on the conversation and tap Delete.
- Reboot your phone, then start a new conversation.
Remove and Reinsert Your SIM Card
If you’re seeing errors like “No SIM” or “Invalid SIM,” your card could be loose or faulty.
- Turn off your iPhone.
- Use a SIM eject tool or paperclip to remove the SIM tray.
- Check the card for damage, then reinsert it securely.
Reset Network Settings
If you recently changed settings and now messaging is broken:
- Go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
- This will erase Wi-Fi passwords, VPNs, and cellular settings, so you’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward.
Update Carrier Settings
Your carrier might have pushed an update that you haven’t installed yet.
- Go to Settings → General → About and wait a few seconds.
- If there’s an update available, you’ll get a prompt to install it.
Update Your iPhone’s Software
An iOS update could fix bugs that are breaking iMessage.
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update and install any available updates after backing up your device.