iMessage needs to be enabled error after 26.1 update

Updated to IOS26.1 and now can only text via iMessage with select members of my contacts. Getting "iMessage needs to be enabled when it is already enabled. I have followed all protocols listed to solve this issue and nothing has worked. If someone texts me, then I can text them back but with many of these contacts, I cannot initiate communication. This occurred only after updating to 26.1. Are there any solutions or must we wait for an OS update?


Posted on Nov 29, 2025 12:16 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 1, 2025 12:13 PM

Do this, can't do harm, often fixes, do it exactly as stated


1.    Settings, Apps, Messages, turn off iMessage,


2.    Settings, Apps, Facetime, turn off Facetime,


3.    Power down the phone.


4.    Turn it on again.  


5.    Settings, Apps, Messages, turn on iMessage,   


6.    Settings, Apps, Facetime, turn on Facetime


 

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 1, 2025 12:13 PM in response to JCG24diving

Do this, can't do harm, often fixes, do it exactly as stated


1.    Settings, Apps, Messages, turn off iMessage,


2.    Settings, Apps, Facetime, turn off Facetime,


3.    Power down the phone.


4.    Turn it on again.  


5.    Settings, Apps, Messages, turn on iMessage,   


6.    Settings, Apps, Facetime, turn on Facetime


 

iMessage needs to be enabled error after 26.1 update

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