Can’t Receive or Send Messages on iPhone 7 Plus? Here’s how to fix it!

There are times that even the high-end smartphones stop working properly for unknown reasons. All of a sudden, you can’t receive or send messages on iPhone 7 Plus. Since one of the reasons why you purchased your smartphone is to communicate, not being able to use the Messages app properly can definitely lead to frustration.

There are several factors that lead to this issue, but do not fret anymore as you are not alone in this problem. Many iOS users had experienced this technical glitch but you can easily fix it with the tips below.

How to Fix Can’t Receive or Send Messages on iPhone 7 Plus Issue

Before we start, make sure that you are running the latest iOS version of your device. You can check it by going to Settings app, tap General and select Software Update. If there is an update available, tap Download and Install.

Also, make sure to update your carrier settings and you checked your network connection. Sending MMS or iMessage requires Wi-Fi or Cellular Data connection, while SMS requires cellular network connection. If you want to send MMS group messages, check if MMS messaging is on. Contact your carrier if you do not see the option Group Messaging or MMS messaging.

Here are the solutions that you can try if you can’t receive or send messages on iPhone 7 Plus.

1. Reset Your Device

One of the basic solutions that can solve most problems is a simple restart. Press and hold down the Power button and Home button of your iPhone at the same time. Keep on holding down the two buttons until the screen blacks out. Do not let go until the Apple logo appears. Now, check if you can already send or receive messages.

2. Check Waiting for activation

To check if there is Waiting for activation:

1. Open Settings app and tap Messages.
2. Check if there is an alert “Waiting for activation…” under iMessage.

If you see this alert, make sure that your Date and Time settings is correct. If not, change it. Then, follow these:

1. Go to Settings and select Messages.
2. Toggle off the switch next to iMessage.
3. Wait for at least ten seconds before you turn it back on.

3. Red Exclamation Point

Do you see a red exclamation point (!) next to the messages that you want to send? This alert means that the messages are not sent.

1. Open Settings app and turn off Cellular or Wi-Fi.
2. Reset your device by following the steps above.
3. After resetting your iPhone, turn on Cellular or Wi-Fi.
4. Open your Messages
5. Tap the red exclamation point (!) and select Try Again.
6. If still not working, select Send as Text Message.

4. Disable LTE or Use Data Only

If you still can’t receive or send messages on iPhone, you can try to disable LTE or use it only for data. To do this:

1. Open Settings app and select Cellular.
2. Tap LTE.
3. Select either Off or Data Only.
4. Reset your device by following the steps above.
5. Once your device finishes resetting, open Messages.
6. Try to send the message again.

If you still can’t receive or send messages, keep reading.

5. Check Send & Receive

You can check where others can reach you by iMessage in Settings. You have the option to select only your number or email address.

1. From home screen, open Settings app.
2. Select Messages and tap Send & Receive.
3. Check if your phone number and Apple ID are registered.
4. Tap your Apple ID and select Sign Out.
5. Close the Settings app by pressing the Home button twice and swipe Settings app up.
6. Open Settings app and tap Messages.
7. Select Send & Receive. Sign in again with your Apple ID.

Now, check if you can already receive or send a message. Make sure that your Apple ID and phone number are registered under “You Can Be Reached By iMessage at.”

6. Reset Network Settings

If none of the solutions worked, you may have to reset network settings and see if this solution will fix the problem.

1. Open Settings app and select General.
2. Scroll down and tap Reset.
3. Select Reset Network Settings.
4. Tap again to confirm. Your iPhone will restart on its own.
5. Check if you can send or receive messages again.

After resetting your network settings, you should be able to receive and send messages again. If you still can’t receive or send messages on iPhone 7 Plus, you will have to contact Apple Support to see what is wrong with your device or your carrier.

Did any of the solutions above work for you? Share your experience with us in the comments section below!