iMessage Signed Out Error on iPhone: How to Fix It

iMessages are texts, photos, or videos sent to other Apple users. They’re free, encrypted, and native to Apple devices. When iMessage is being buggy, though, it’s a problem. 

An iMessage Signed Out error means you can’t send or receive iMessages. Possible culprits include wrong settings, wi-fi issues, iMessage server outages, or even problems with your mobile data connection or SIM. We have 15 ways to troubleshoot this error, and all the steps to go along with them.

Why Is My iMessage Signed Out?

If you didn’t purposefully sign out of iMessage, here are three possible causes:

1. Wi-Fi Connection Issues: iMessage requires an active Wi-Fi connection to function. Poor Wi-Fi connection can cause the error.
2. Cellular Data Connection Issues: iMessage also uses cellular data, so connection issues can be a cause.
3. Other Factors: These include software glitches, wrong iPhone or iMessage settings, issues with Apple servers, etc.

How to Fix iMessage is Signed Out Error

Here are some troubleshooting options:

1. Restart Your iPhone

The first thing to try is restarting your iPhone. Restarting can fix most in-app or connectivity issues by terminating all pending tasks and applications, and restarting on a clean slate.

2. Check If iMessage Is Enabled

Confirm that iMessage is actually enabled. It could have been disabled by mistake.

1. Go to Settings > Messages
2. From here you can see if iMessage is enabled. The toggle switch should be green with your phone number underneath.
   

3. Disable and Re-enable iMessage

Try a soft restart by disabling and re-enabling iMessage:

1. Go to your iPhone Settings > Messages
2. Disable iMessage
3. Restart your device, and enable iMessage
   

4. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection and Credentials

You could be getting the Signed Out error if your internet connection is poor. Confirm that your Wi-Fi connection is enabled:

1. Go to Wi-Fi via Settings
   
   

2. If your Wi-Fi is connected and you’re still seeing the error, check whether your Wi-Fi network settings (name and password) are correct
3. If you recently changed your Wi-Fi name or password, go to Settings > Wi-Fi
4. Tap on your Wi-Fi name and view your credentials

5. Reset Network Settings

If you reset network settings, it will reset your phone’s saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth connections to factory default. Be sure to write down your Wi-Fi network credentials beforehand.

To reset network settings:

1. Open Settings
2. General
3. Transfer or Reset iPhone
4. Reset
5. Reset Network Settings
6. Rejoin your Wi-Fi network upon reboot to see if iMessage works
   
   

6. Check Your Mobile Data Connection

Poor internet connection from your cellular network can be at fault. See if you have active mobile data and that your service provider is online by checking the signal bar for signal strength. If you’re in a rural area or there are heavy weather conditions, you’re more likely to not have a signal.

7. Check Your SIM Card 

If you have issues with your cellular data connection but your network provider is active on other nearby iPhones, try removing and re-inserting your SIM card, also checking for damage and improper alignment.

8. Check Your Apple ID Settings

Your Apple ID gives you access to everything Apple, including iMessage. Check that your ID is correct, especially if you’re having issues with other Apple services.

1. Go to Settings
2. Messages
3. Send and Receive.
4. Tap on Use Your Apple ID for iMessage and sign in to iMessage if your Apple ID isn’t listed
   
   

9. Change Your Password

Another cause could be your password, if someone is trying to hack your account.

If so, try changing your Apple ID password: 

1. Go to Settings
2. Name/profile
3. Apple ID
4. Change Password
5. Sign in to iMessage again to see if it helps.

10. Activate Two-Factor Authentication

If a hacker is attempting to access your account and is logging you out of iMessage, enabling two-factor authentication can prevent them.

1. Go to Settings
2. Your Apple ID
3. Password & Security
4. Toggle on Two-Factor Authentication.

11. Check Your iMessage Server Status

Apple has a System Status Page that shows the current status of its services. If the server is down, it could cause the error.

To check, go to Apple System Status page, tap on the All Services… plus (+) sign, and confirm that iMessage is available with a green dot. It turns red if unavailable.

12. Update iOS

It’s important to update your iOS to the latest version. Apart from keeping you safe from the latest cyber threats, software updates let you try new features. If iMessage gets a bug fix and you don’t update your iOS, you could have issues signing in. To check for and install new updates:

1. Go to Settings
2. General
3. Software Update
4. Tap Install if available
   
   

13. Check Your Date and Time

Verify that your system date and time are accurate.

1. Go to Settings
2. General
3. Date & Time
4. It should be set to Set Automatically. This can also help with troubleshooting FaceTime sign in issues
   
   

14. Reset iMessage Region

iMessage is supported globally so a glitch in your region settings may prevent you from signing in.

To fix this:

1. Go to Settings
2. Message
3. Send & Receive
4. Apple ID link
5. Change Location
6. Region
7. Current Region
8. Save.

15. Contact Apple Support

If none of these fixes work and you still receive an Imessage signed out error, contact Apple Support.   

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Joy Okumoko

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