iOS 16 introduces redesigned, customizable Lock Screens with widgets, the ability to edit and delete messages, improved Focus modes, an iCloud Shared Photo Library for families, significant improvements for apps like Mail, Home, and Wallet, and much more.
iPhone and iPad users can send texts, documents, photographs, videos, contact information and group conversations using iMessage as an alternative to SMS and MMS communications with other iOS users. Since iOS 16 was introduced, there has been a growing trend of iOS 16 iMessage not working on iPhone and iPad devices. After updating your phone to the latest operating system, such issues arise, causing considerable frustration.
Fix “Cannot Message Me” in iOS 16:
There are many causes for iMessage not working, including issues with the Messenger App, the Apple iMessage server, or your phone’s Settings. The first thing to do to troubleshoot the iMessage not working issues is to figure out whether the problem is with a specific contact or all your contacts.
The following are a few troubleshooting tips to help you solve the issue; different solutions work for other users depending on the problem. One of them will undoubtedly work for you, so try them individually.
Set Primary Phone Number
If you have saved more than one phone number for your contact, set the one you are interacting with as the primary one. You could do the same from Settings > Messages > Send and Receive.
Disable and Re-Enable iMessage
Re-enabling the iMessage on your device will refresh its underlying settings and could well rectify the underlying issue. To reset iMessage, below are the steps:
- Go to Settings > Messages.
- Then, turn off the toggle next to iMessage and restart your device.
- Â Once your device boots up, re-enable iMessage from Settings > Messages.
Delete Duplicate Contacts
Sometimes, your phone number might have two categories in your contact: iPhone and Others. You should make sure to remove such duplicates.
Turn Off Send As SMS:
Sometimes, you may find that iMessage doesn’t work when you’re in a low-reception area. Fortunately, you can switch to regular SMS texting.
1. Go to settings.
2. After that, go to Messages > Send as SMS.
3. Turn off the toggle next to Send as SMS.
Add Country Code to fix iMessage not working.
A few users resolved this issue after adding the country code to their phone number before sending an iMessage. For example, UK users add +44, Pakistani users add +92, and German users have to add +49 before typing in their phone numbers.
Log out and then log in to iCloud.
Resetting the iCloud by signing out and then signing in on iCloud could help you solve the iMessage not working issue.
Reset Network to fix iMessage on iOS 16:
If the stored network data gets corrupted, it could mean trouble for the entire network configuration on your device. Therefore, resetting the Network Settings to their factory default state is the only way out. Remember that doing so will erase all the saved WiFi networks, passwords, cellular settings, VPN and APN settings, so make sure they are synced with your Apple account.
1. To begin with, head over to Settings > General.
2. Then go to Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
3. After that, tap on Reset Network Settings.
4. Reconnect to your WiFi network and check if you can send an iMessage to yourself in iOS 16.
Downgrade to iOS 15
The issue is because of the new iOS update. So, if the case persists in the latest version of iOS, the only way to solve it is to either go back to iOS 15 or wait for the next update to fix the issue.
If you have any other questions or queries regarding the guide on fixing iOS 16 iMessage not working, write to us in the comments below.
