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.
- Connect iPhone to your computer with iTunes or Finder.
- Force restart:
- Press and release Volume Up
- Press and release Volume Down
- Hold Side button until the recovery screen appears.
- 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.