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Helpful ways to troubleshoot "An error occurred" or "Waiting for Activation" notification for iMessage
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Are you getting signed out of iMessage without your permission? If you see a notification on your iPhone that says you're being logged out of iMessage, this doesn't necessarily mean you've been hacked. This error can be caused by a faulty SIM card, a software bug, or your device settings.[1] This wikiHow will show you how to fix your iPhone when it keeps signing out of iMessage.

Things You Should Know

  • Toggle off "iMessage" and restart your iPhone or iPad. Toggle on "iMessage" again.
  • Make sure your SIM card or eSIM is up to date. Contact your provider for a new one or activate it again.
  • Go to "Settings" → "General" → "Transfer or Reset iPhone" → "Reset" → "Reset Network Settings". Try to log in again.
1

Turn off and restart iMessage.

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  1. Disabling and re-enabling iMessage on your iPhone or iPad will often clear up errors about iMessage being signed out.[2]
    • Open your iPhone's Settings.
    • Tap Messages.
    • Toggle off "iMessage."
    • Restart your iPhone or iPad.
    • After your device is on again, return to Messages in Settings and toggle on iMessage.
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3

Check your SIM card.

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  1. Recently, T-Mobile and AT&T merged into one provider. If you have an old SIM card from either company before the merge, you should have been given a new SIM card to install on your phone. Contact your phone provider to make sure your SIM card is up to date.[4]
    • If you have an eSIM activated on your iPhone, you may want to switch over to a physical SIM card. Otherwise, contact your provider to reactivate your eSIM.[5]
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6

Reset your network settings.

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  1. If you're still signed out of iMessage, this trick will completely reset your network settings. Keep in mind that performing this action will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections.[8]
    • Open the Settings app.
    • Go to GeneralTransfer or Reset iPhoneReset
    • Tap Reset Network Settings.
    • Once your network settings have been reset, try to log into iMessage again.
8

Enable two-factor authentication.

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  1. If you suspect you're being logged out of iMessage due to a hacker on your phone, enabling two-factor authentication can block them from seeing sensitive information.[10]
    • On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings → your Apple ID → Password & SecurityTurn On Two-Factor Authentication. You'll need to provide a trusted phone number.
    • On your Mac, click the Apple menu → System Settings/System Preferences → your Apple ID → Password & Security. Click Turn On next to Two-Factor Authentication.

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About This Article

Luigi Oppido
Reviewed by:
Computer & Tech Specialist
This article was reviewed by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been viewed 281,058 times.
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Co-authors: 7
Updated: August 10, 2025
Views: 281,058
Categories: Apple iOS
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 281,058 times.

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