Phone Number Is Not Registered With iMessage, Fix

Several users have reported that they are unable to send text messages using iMessage on their iPhone, iPad or Mac. When they attempt to send an iMessage, an error popup appears. The error message says:

Your message could not be sent. +1 217 555 5555 [phone number] is not registered with iMessage.

If you are experiencing this problem, this article explains how you can troubleshoot it.

Why do you see this message?

You may see this message on your iPod touch, iPad or Mac. You see this message because the recipient cannot accept iMessages because the recipient does not have an iPhone or does not have iMessage enabled.

To give more background, iMessage is Apple’s messaging service. And iMessage can only be sent to another iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac.  For example, you cannot send an iMessage to an Android phone. You can, however, send a regular text message. This does not mean that you cannot send messages from your Mac or iPad. Here is how:

Fix

To fix this problem, you will need to set up text message forwarding. Doing so will enable you to send and receive SMS and MMS messages from your Mac, iPod touch or iPad. This will let you use your iPhone to send and receive any type of message (iMessage, SMS, MMS) on your other Apple devices. This means that you can send and receive messages to and from non-Apple devices. Here is how you can do this:

Before you do the following steps, make sure that you are using the same Apple ID on all of your devices. You can check what Apple IDs are being used:

• On your iPhone: Tap Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.
• On your Mac: Open the Messages app and then click Messages > Preferences. Then click the iMessage tab. Then you will be able to use your Apple ID.

See also: How To Remove A Device From Your Apple ID Device List

iPhone

On your iPhone:

• Tap Settings > Messages.
• Tap Text Message Forwarding.
• Select your other devices.
• Note: if you are not using two-factor authentication, you will be shown a code. Follow the onscreen instructions. If you are using two-factor authentication, you are done.

Troubleshoot

Still having issues?

• In some cases, you may not see the “Text Message Forwarding” option in Settings. If you are having this problem also, on your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage. Wait one minute. Then turn it on. Wait until it activates.
• Make sure that your Apple ID and your phone number is selected in Settings > Messages > Send & Receive:
  • There are two sections here: (1) “you can be reached” section and (2) and “start new conversations” section. Please ensure that your phone number and your Apple ID is selected in the “you can be reached” section.
• When you go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and If you see “Use your Apple ID for iMessage,” select it.
• Ensure that you sign in with the same Apple ID on your other devices (e.g., your Mac).
• Make sure that your Mac and iOS devices are running the latest version of the iOS or macOS software:
  • To update your Mac: Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update. If there is an update available, click Download to install it.
  • To update your iOS device: Tap Settings > General > Software Update. if there is an update available, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.
• Make sure that iMessage is turned on on your iPhone. You can check this by going to Settings > Messages.
• Restart your devices.
• If you see Your Carrier May Charge For SMS Messages Used To Activate iMessage.