Apple iPhone 12

Apple iPhone 12

iOS 17

iOS 17 iOS 16.0

I can't send and receive iMessages on my Apple iPhone 12 iOS 17

Cause 3 of 4: Your phone hasn't been correctly set up for iMessaging

To send and receive iMessages, you need to set up your phone correctly for iMessaging.

Solution: Set up your phone for iMessaging.

Step 1 of 5

Find "Messages"

Press Settings.

Step 2 of 5

Find "Messages"

Press Messages.

Step 3 of 5

Turn on iMessage

Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.

Step 4 of 5

Turn text message alternative on or off

Press the indicator next to "Send as SMS" to turn the function on or off.

Step 5 of 5

Return to the home screen

Slide your finger upwards starting from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen.

1 Find "Messages"

Press Settings.

Press Messages.

2 Turn on iMessage

Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.

3 Turn text message alternative on or off

Press the indicator next to "Send as SMS" to turn the function on or off.

If you turn on the function, your iMessages will be sent as text messages if the service is unavailable.

4 Return to the home screen

Slide your finger upwards starting from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen.