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-53d3d32c-6409-4d3a-b59d-0626c0108b77.png?width=208&height=454)
Tap the new message icon.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-3d369e37-1594-4b71-a3b2-b7d66b42a432.png?width=208&height=454)
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-6a233723-d2c8-4eb5-9da9-fae4c44d1efb.png?width=208&height=454)
Tap the required contact.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-7dbbe9a9-675e-412a-95ba-9a0cd7c5abe3.png?width=208&height=454)
If the recipient can receive iMessages, iMessage is displayed in the text input field.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-a56b8d24-1bfb-46b3-8ff8-a7d9ee531d89.png?width=208&height=454)
3. Send iMessage
Tap the text input field and key in the required text.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-79873442-ea88-4f32-ab0d-910fbb0b11b4.png?width=208&height=454)
Tap the send icon.
![](https://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/6270624-f-8ca44852-92b9-4c2f-a073-ffc9ea63d1a8.png?width=208&height=454)
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-8b390fa3-166b-4d40-835b-cc2fe53774cd.png?width=208&height=454)
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-3d369e37-1594-4b71-a3b2-b7d66b42a432.png?width=208&height=454)