Device Guides
I can't send and receive iMessages
This troubleshooting guide will take you through a number of possible causes to help you find a solution to your problem.
Possible cause 5:
Your iMessage isn't written correctly: See how to write and send an iMessage.
List view
1. Create new iMessage
Tap the message icon.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-db0d1013-54a0-4782-b2ec-c4e9e84eef40.png?width=210&height=458)
Tap the new message icon.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-aeb75915-9c3e-4b70-9f21-29e744473976.png?width=210&height=458)
2. Select recipient
Tap To: and key in the first letters of the recipient's name.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-1140fcde-8e0e-49d4-b98c-a9fbfabc0d3b.png?width=210&height=458)
Tap the required contact.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-c5cc95a4-4db8-4f9a-9996-ad73d2a5bfc8.png?width=210&height=458)
If the recipient can receive iMessages, iMessage is displayed in the text input field.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-c98f19ec-c588-4a6c-9e6a-ff02075696e4.png?width=210&height=458)
3. Send iMessage
Tap the text input field and key in the required text.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-c98f19ec-c588-4a6c-9e6a-ff02075696e4.png?width=210&height=458)
Tap the send icon.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-0ac9988a-4433-4dcf-a44f-8265035a93c0.png?width=210&height=458)
You can also send pictures, video clips, audio files and different effects in your iMessage. Follow the instructions on the screen to send your iMessage with the required content.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-df4c5ff2-3b5a-4024-a7ef-a08b625298ff.png?width=210&height=458)
4. Return to the home screen
Slide your finger upwards starting from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-aeb75915-9c3e-4b70-9f21-29e744473976.png?width=210&height=458)