Why do iPhone iMessage only work on Wi-Fi, but not on cellular data?

iphone imessages only work when on wifi, othrwise no imessages and no ability to connect to safari or waze etc

My phone has data etc, it just will not work right






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iPhone 7, iOS 15

Posted on Apr 27, 2025 2:45 PM

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Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 27, 2025 2:59 PM

First confirm that the Messages app has Cellular Data turned on. This is different can the Cellular data setting under the Settings->Cellular menu. Cellular Data must be turned for Messages separately before it can use your connection.


Settings->Apps->Messages->Cellular Data


Then confirm that SMS and MMS Messaging us turned on.


If everything is turned then the only explanation is that your cellular connection is wonky of your cellular carrier is blocking you. Have you called your carrier yet?

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Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Apr 27, 2025 2:59 PM in response to meir18

First confirm that the Messages app has Cellular Data turned on. This is different can the Cellular data setting under the Settings->Cellular menu. Cellular Data must be turned for Messages separately before it can use your connection.


Settings->Apps->Messages->Cellular Data


Then confirm that SMS and MMS Messaging us turned on.


If everything is turned then the only explanation is that your cellular connection is wonky of your cellular carrier is blocking you. Have you called your carrier yet?

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Why do iPhone iMessage only work on Wi-Fi, but not on cellular data?

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