“An error occurred during activation. Try again“, is that the message just encountered on your iDevice? Well, if so, you’re not alone! Whether you’ve got the same message on FaceTime or iMessage, don’t worry because we got you covered up. We already wrote a guide on how to fix Message or FaceTime Activation Problems on Mac.

However, the message could be difrent depending upon the iOS version you use, it looks like:

• Waiting for activation
• Activation unsuccessful
• An error occurred during the activation
• Could not sign in, please check your network connection

Here’s everything you need to know about fixing the FaceTime or iMessage Waiting for Activation issue. Without further ado, let’s get started.

What I can do to activate FaceTime or iMessage?

Here’s what you can do from your end to activate services on your device.

Wait 24 Hours

Activation may take up to 24 hours to finish. So it is advised to leave iMessage or FaceTime as it is, do not toggle it off and on. If it doesn’t work, call your mobile phone carrier support team, it might be from their end.

For iPhone users

iPhone users must make sure to activate SMS messages on their devices. Visit Settings > Messages and toggle on MMS Messaging and Send as SMS as shown in the image below.

Check Apple’s System Status

It might possible that FaceTime and iMessage service are under maintenance. Visit Apple’s system status to verify.

Here, yellow dot indicates the servcie is under maintainence. The only thing we can do is to wait service get back on.

How to Fix FaceTime or iMessage that says waiting for activation?

To fix the issue, users need to do the following:

Set correct Date & Time

Make sure that your device is set on correct Date and Time.

• Visit Settings > General > Date and Time and set it correctly.
• Toggle off and on Set Automatically option.

Turn Off and On FaceTime and iMessage services

Simply turn off FaceTime and iMessage, wait for 20-30 seconds and turn it back on. If this won’t help you, restart your device and give it a shot again.

Airplane Mode

Just toggle off and on Airplane mode, and see if this works.

Restart your device

Visit Settings > General > Shut Down.

Verify your phone number

Make sure that your phone number is correct in My Number, and restart your phone. Visit Settings > Phone > My Number.

Sign out of Apple ID in iMessage

Step 1: Visit Settings > Messages > Send & Receive, tap on Apple ID and sign out.

Step 2: Toggle WiFi off and on once signe out.

Step 3: Return abck to iMessage and toggle it on.

Step 4: Sign in with your Apple ID again.

Check Restrictioins

• Visit Settibngs > Screen Time > Privacy % Content Restrictions > Account Changes.
• For iOS 11 and below: General > Restriction > Accounts
• Make sure to “Allow Changes” to enable FaceTime to work.

Reset Network Settings

Visit Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Reset all settings

To reset all settings, visit Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. Here, you need to reconfigure this setting once your iDevice restarts. Resetting your device settings might resolve the issue.

Unable to Activate iMessage or FaceTime on Mac?

Follow the steps, if you’re facing issue on Mac.

iMessages: Choose Messages > Preferences > Accounts. Select your iMessage account, then click Sign Out. And sign in again.

FaceTime: Choose FaceTime > Preferences > Settings. Tap Sign Out. Then sign in again

Reset NVRAM

Step 1: Restart your Mac, and press and hold these Option + Command + P + R keys together, while the system is turning on.

Step 2: Release the key when you hear second startup chime (depends on model). For iMac Pro, releae the key after Apple logo shows up.

Disbale firwalls or third-party softwares

Mac’s firewall, VPN, or third-party security software might be the culprit. Disable the services temporarily, now check if this works.

Alternate combination of steps

Step 1: Toggle off both iMessage and FaceTime

Step 2: Turn on Airplane Mode

Step 3: Turn on WiFi (with Airplane Mode on)

Step 4: Toggle iMessage back on

Step 5: Then, toggle on FaceTime

Step 6: Turn Airplane Mode off

Step 7: Tap Okay to allow carrier charges (if you see this message)

This has worked for many users.

Read next: How to Delete Texts and iMessages on Mac