iMessage Not Working on iPhone X After iOS 13 Update? Try These Fixes

Updated your iPhone X to iOS 13 only to find that iMessage no longer works? Whether your iMessages won’t send, you’re stuck on “Waiting for Activation,” or messages aren’t being received — the problem is usually tied to software conflicts or settings glitches from the update.

Here’s how to fix iMessage not working on iPhone X after iOS 13.


Before You Begin: Quick Checks

  • Make sure iMessage is enabled: Go to Settings > Messages and toggle on iMessage.
  • Check your internet connection: iMessage requires Wi-Fi or mobile data.
  • Set date & time to automatic: Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and enable Set Automatically.
  • Make sure your Apple ID is signed in: Under Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.

If all that looks good but it still isn’t working, follow the steps below.


🔄 1. Toggle iMessage Off and On

A quick refresh can fix minor glitches.

  • Go to Settings > Messages.
  • Turn iMessage OFF.
  • Wait 10 seconds, then turn iMessage ON again.

Send yourself a test iMessage to verify if it works.


🔁 2. Sign Out and Back Into Your Apple ID for iMessage

Your iMessage account may have desynced after the update.

  • Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.
  • Tap your Apple ID and choose Sign Out.
  • After a few seconds, tap Use Your Apple ID for iMessage to sign back in.

🧹 3. Delete Old iMessage Threads

Corrupted message threads can cause issues after an update.

  • Open the Messages app.
  • Swipe left on old conversations and tap Delete.
  • Or open a thread > tap and hold a message > tap More > Trash.

After deleting, restart your iPhone and test iMessage again.


🔁 4. Reset Network Settings

If iMessage can’t connect to Apple’s servers, a network reset may fix it.

  • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  • Enter your passcode and confirm.

Your phone will restart. Reconnect to Wi-Fi, then test iMessage.


🔄 5. Factory Reset Your iPhone (Last Resort)

This wipes everything and reinstalls iOS from scratch. Only do this if the issue persists and you’ve backed up your data.

  • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Confirm and enter your passcode.

Set your iPhone up again, reconnect to Wi-Fi, sign into your Apple ID, and test iMessage.


🧯 6. Restore in Recovery Mode (Advanced)

If the iOS update deeply corrupted iMessage services, recovery mode restore may help.

  1. Connect iPhone to your computer with iTunes or Finder.
  2. Force restart:
    • Press and release Volume Up
    • Press and release Volume Down
    • Hold Side button until the recovery screen appears.
  3. Choose Restore when prompted.

After restoring, set up your device and enable iMessage again.


Still Not Working?

If iMessage still doesn’t work after all steps:

  • Call your carrier to confirm your number is provisioned for iMessage.
  • Contact Apple Support — it could be an iOS 13 bug needing a patch.

Leave a Comment