When you turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime, your device might 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.
Make sure that your device is connected to Wi-Fi or your wireless carrier's cellular data network, and that you can access the internet.
Check our System Status page to learn whether iMessage or FaceTime is experiencing a service outage.
On iPad, open Settings, tap General, then tap Date & Time to check.
On Mac, choose System Settings (or System Preferences) from the Apple menu , then check Date & Time settings.
On Apple Vision Pro, go to Settings, tap General, then tap Date & Time to check.
Learn what to do if you can't change the time or time zone.
Go to account.apple.com and sign in with the same Apple Account that you're using on your device. If you forgot your account name or forgot your account password, resolve that before continuing.
If the issue is with iMessage:
On iPad, open Settings, tap Apps, then tap Messages. If iMessage is turned on, turn it off.
On Mac, open the Messages app. From the Messages menu in the menu bar, choose Settings (or Preferences), then click iMessage. If you're signed in to iMessage, click Sign Out.
On Apple Vision Pro, go to Settings, tap Apps, then tap Messages. If iMessage is turned on, turn it off.
If the issue is with FaceTime:
On iPad, open Settings, tap Apps, then tap FaceTime. If FaceTime is turned on, turn it off.
On Mac, open the FaceTime app. From the FaceTime menu in the menu bar, choose Settings (or Preferences), then click General. If you're signed in to FaceTime, click Sign Out.
On Apple Vision Pro, go to Settings, then tap 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.
Go to apple.co/IMFT-mac.
Under Enable Apple Account, tap or click Get Started.
Sign in to your Apple Account and follow the onscreen instructions. If you use a phone number with FaceTime or iMessage, make sure to enter it.
You will receive an email if your account is ready for iMessage or FaceTime use.
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 might help to try again while connected to a different network.
If you get a message that your email address isn't verified, sign in at account.apple.com and verify the email address. Learn what to do if you can't verify because you aren't receiving your verification email.
If you still need help, the issue might be unrelated to activation or sign-in. Other solutions: