Why does iMessage need to be enabled for some contacts but not others?

When I try to send an iMessage it says it needs to be enabled to send a message, but I am able to iMessage three contacts without problem.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 13, iOS 18

Posted on Jun 1, 2025 11:13 PM

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1 reply

Jun 1, 2025 11:28 PM in response to Mochikat

Mochikat wrote:

When I try to send an iMessage it says it needs to be enabled to send a message, but I am able to iMessage three contacts without problem.


This could happen when your contact has not enabled their device for iMessage. See the steps Apple describes in the section of Set up Messages on iPhone - Apple Support labelled Turn on iMessage.


The first part of this video shows you how this is done.

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Why does iMessage need to be enabled for some contacts but not others?

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