How to fix the ‘Waiting for activation’ error in iMessage and FaceTime – Guide
iMessage and FaceTime are two Apple-exclusive services that allow users to text and video chat with their friends on their iOS devices. If you use these services, you need to enable them on your device. In some rare cases, you may not be able to use iMessage or FaceTime because you have not activated them yet. This is because activating these services can sometimes require a new iPhone or iPad.
If you have an iPhone that has been updated to the latest iOS version or changed carriers, you may see one of the following error messages when trying to use FaceTime: “Waiting for activation”, “An error occurred during activation”, or “Cannot log in, please check your network connection”. To use FaceTime, you need to turn it on.
Fix iMessage and FaceTime Activation Error
Check Apple Server Status Page
When you use Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime services, your devices will contact Apple’s servers to see if you are using a legitimate Apple ID. If the servers are not working, your apps will not be activated. However, if the FaceTime and iMessage tabs have a green dot next to them, then the servers are in good shape. Make sure that FaceTime and iMessage are active on your devices by checking their tabs in the App Store’s Appearances section.
Make sure you are connected to the Internet
Unlike regular text messages and phone calls, iMessage and FaceTime use the internet, not cellular signals. So if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi or a data plan, they won’t work. If you can’t, or they load incredibly slowly, you’ve found the culprit. Link up with a stronger internet connection and restart the device.
If you’re having trouble activating your Wi-Fi, reset your network settings and try again. Just be careful not to lose any of your Wi-Fi passwords.
Update your connections with iMessage and FaceTime
If you turn iMessage and FaceTime off, your devices will not be able to communicate with each other.
Scroll down to the bottom and select “Privacy.” Select “General.” Scroll down to the bottom and select “Usage.” Select “Location Services.” Select “Wake up to FaceTime.”
Scroll down and tap on Messages and then turn off the iMessage button.
Go back to the main Settings page and turn off FaceTime. ..
Settings > Messages and FaceTime > Enable iMessage and FaceTime
Log out of your Apple ID account
Apple has released a new update for its Apple ID that may fix the issue of FaceTime and iMessage not working. If you have an Apple ID, please update it to the latest version.
If you’re using an iPhone, select “iPhone” from the list of devices. If you’re using an iPad, select “iPad” from the list of devices.
To log out of your Apple ID, tap Sign Out at the bottom of the page. You may have to enter your password to completely log out. ..
After exiting the app, restart your device. ..
If you’re not signed in, open the Settings app and sign in using your Apple ID.
If you have not done so already, log in to your Apple ID account to reset your password. ..
Check that the time and date are correct
If your device’s time and date are wrong, it can mess up your connection to Apple’s servers. You can fix this through the Settings app.
In the Date & Time section, tap the three lines in the top left corner and select a time zone.
Make sure the Set Auto button is enabled on your device. If it isn’t, enable it and restart your device.
Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod
- Open the App Store on your device.
- Tap on the Updates tab.
- Scroll down and find the update for your device.
- Tap on it and install it.
If you’re using an Apple Watch, open the Apple Watch app and tap the three lines in the top left corner of the screen.
If your device has an update on hold, the page will tell you what it is and what it includes. Tap Download and Install or just Install to update.
Factory reset your device
Factory resetting your device can fix many issues. If nothing else works, resetting your iPhone, iPad or iPod to factory defaults should be the last fix you try. But if that doesn’t work, iMessage and FaceTime are almost guaranteed to be fixed.
Final note
If you’re having the “Waiting for activation” error in iMessage and FaceTime, here’s how to fix it. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us. And finally, please share this article with your friends!
