If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime on iPad, Mac or Apple Vision Pro
When you turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime, your device may say that it couldn't sign in or couldn't contact the iMessage or FaceTime server.
If the issue is occurring on your iPhone, follow the iPhone instructions instead.
Check your internet connection
Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or your wireless network provider's mobile data network, and that you can access the internet.
Check for a service outage
Check our System Status page to find out whether iMessage or FaceTime is experiencing a service outage.
Check for software updates
Check for the correct date, time and time zone
On your iPad, check in Settings > General > Date & Time.
On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences), then check Date & Time settings.
On your Apple Vision Pro, check in Settings > General > Date & Time.
Find out what to do if you can't change the time or time zone.
Check your Apple Account
Go to account.apple.com and sign in with same Apple Account you’re using on your device. If you’ve forgotten your account name or forgotten your account password, resolve that before continuing.
If the issue is with iMessage:
On your iPad, go to Settings > Apps > Messages. If iMessage is turned on, turn it off.
On your Mac, open the Messages app. From the menu bar, choose Messages > Settings, then click iMessage. If you're signed in to iMessage, click Sign Out.
On your Apple Vision Pro, go to Settings > Apps > Messages. If iMessage is turned on, turn it off.
If the issue is with FaceTime:
On your iPad, go to Settings > Apps > FaceTime. If FaceTime is turned on, turn it off.
On your Mac, open the FaceTime app. From the menu bar, choose FaceTime > Settings (or Preferences), then click General. If you're signed in to FaceTime, click Sign Out.
On your Apple Vision Pro, go to Settings > FaceTime. If FaceTime is turned on, turn it off.
Restart your device:
Return to the same settings screen to turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime. If you’re signing in, use the same Apple Account that you used in step 1.
Check for VPN and security software
Check for VPN and security software. If you installed such software, it could be blocking network ports used by iMessage and FaceTime. If you're not sure, it may help to try again while connected to a different network.
If you still need help
If you receive a message that your email address hasn’t been verified, sign in at account.apple.com and verify the email address. Find out what to do if you can't verify because you aren't receiving your verification email.
If you still need help, the issue may be unrelated to activation or sign-in. Other solutions:
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