iPhone: iMessage Stuck “Waiting for Activation”

If you have a problem with iMessage getting stuck “Waiting for Activation” on your Apple iPhone, give these steps a try to fix the error.

Fix 1 – Toggle Airplane Mode

1. Open “Settings” and set “Airplane Mode” to “On” (green).
2. Wait about 10 seconds, then toggle “Airplane Mode” back to “Off“, wait a few minutes, then give iMessage another try.

Fix 2 – Toggle Several Settings

1. Go to “Settings” > “Facetime” and switch it “Facetime” to “Off“.
2. Go to “Settings” > “Messages” and switch “iMessage” to “Off“.
3. Open “Settings” and set “Airplane Mode” to “On” (green).
4. Go to “Settings” > “Wi-Fi” and turn it “On“.
5. Go to “Settings” > “Facetime” and switch it “Facetime” to “On“.
6. Go to “Settings” > “Messages” and switch “iMessage” to “On“.
7. Enter your Apple credentials if prompted.
8. Open “Settings” and set “Airplane Mode” to “Off” (white).
9. Wait a few minutes, then give iMessage another try.

If these steps do not work the first time, repeat them, but restart the iPhone after step 7.

Fix 3 – Check VPN Settings

1. Open “Settings” > “General” > “VPN” (if it exists).
2. Look for an option called “Profiles“.
3. Clear anything you have listed in the “Profiles” section.
4. Power down, then restart the phone.