8 Best Fixes for iMessage Apps Not Working on iPhone

iMessage is a fun way to stay connected with your loved ones. You can send photos, videos, documents, and more using the messaging service. The Messages app integrates various apps for iMessage so you can share content without opening those apps individually. Such apps include YouTube, IMDB, Zoom, Google Maps, OneDrive, and more.

However, some users complain that they are unable to use iMessage apps while chatting with their contacts. If you also face some issues, this post shares the best ways to fix iMessage apps not working on iPhone. These solutions also apply if you can’t send or play iMessage games.

1. Check if the iMessage App Is Enabled

If your iMessage apps or games are not showing up, you first need to check whether the app has been enabled in the Messages app. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and select Messages.

Step 2: Tap on iMessage Apps.

Step 3: Check if the toggle for app that you want to use is enabled.

Step 4: Close Settings and open the Messages app to check if the problem is solved.

2. Enable MMS Messaging

Since you want to share some form of media using an iMessage app, you need to have MMS messaging enabled on your iPhone. Here’s how to check the same.

Step 1: Open the Settings app, scroll down, and tap on Messages.

Step 2: Tap the toggle next to MMS Messaging to enable the feature.

Step 3: Close Settings and open the Messages app to check if the problem is solved.

3. Login Again to the App Separately

If you are still facing the issue, you can check whether you have logged in separately in the app on your iPhone. You might have been logged out from the app because of staying inactive. Once you log in again, open the Messages app and check if the problem is solved.

4. Switch From Mobile Data to Wi-Fi

Some apps might require a stronger internet connection for sharing content via iMessage. If you are relying on mobile data, you might not be getting good speeds at your current location. Therefore, we suggest switching from Mobile Data to a Wi-Fi network. Connecting to a 5GHz frequency band would be the best way to ensure the best connection speeds.

5. Disable Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi

Low Data Mode for Wi-Fi on your iPhone helps when you have data limits on your internet plan. But in the case of iMessage apps and games not working, we suggest disabling this feature on your iPhone. Doing this might solve the issue.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Tap the Info icon next to your connected Wi-Fi name.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap on Low Data Mode to disable the feature.

Step 4: Close Settings and open the Messages app to check if the problem is solved.

6. Force Quit and Relaunch Messages App

A simple force quit, and relaunch is a basic yet effective solution to fix many in-app issues. Doing this will give the Messages app a fresh start on your iPhone.

Step 1: On the home screen, swipe up and hold to reveal the background app windows.

Step 2: Swipe right to look for the Messages app and swipe up to remove it.

Step 3: Relaunch Messages and check if the problem is solved.

7. Activate iMessage Again

You enable iMessage again on your iPhone if none of the solutions have worked for you so far. This will download all your messages on your iPhone and restore all the features.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and select Messages.

Step 2: Tap on iMessage to disable it. Wait for some time and then enable iMessage again.

Step 3: Relaunch the Messages app and check if the problem is solved.

8. Update iOS

The last solution that we recommend is to update the iOS if you have delayed installing the latest updates. There might be some glitch in the current version that’s causing this issue with iMessage apps.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and select General.

Step 2: Tap on Software Update and install the update if one is available.

Step 3: After the update is installed, check if the problem is solved.

Use iMessage Apps

These solutions will help fix the issue of iMessage apps and games not working on your iPhone. You can also read our post if message reactions are not working in iMessage on your iPhone.