Messages app not working on iPhone 13? Try these fixes

Despite many modern alternatives, SMS messaging apps are still a standard tool. This is why we can understand how frustrating it can be when you’re having issues with iPhone 13 Messages app not working. Thankfully, most problems can be solved with a bit of troubleshooting, and we’re here to help with that.

Note information in this article apply to iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

1. Outages and reception

While very uncommon, there is a chance your carrier network is having an outage. This could be why you have problems with your iPhone 13 Messages app not working. Some carriers may have status pages, and they often send announcements when there are any widespread issues.

Another way to check is by using an online tool like DownDetector.com. Just enter the website and search for your carrier name. This website collects user reports and lets you know if there is an outage. You can even check out their live maps, which show if any local outages are going on.

There’s also a chance you have no service. This is a common issue when you are driving through country areas or inside a concrete building with no reception.

2. Is Airplane mode on?

It may seem like a silly suggestion, but you have no idea how often we accidentally switch settings on and off. Maybe you turned Airplane mode on, which will obviously stop Messages (and pretty much any other app) from working.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Toggle Airplane mode.

3. Restart your iPhone

This is a very common troubleshooting tip. While it may sound a bit silly, it very often works! We don’t know what kind of magic happens when you restart a phone, but it’s worth a shot. You can do this by pressing and holding on to the Side and either of the volume buttons. Then drag the power off slider.

4. Check your mobile plan

There is always a chance you forgot to pay your monthly cellphone bill. It happens to the best of us. Additionally, automatic payments can sometimes be declined for no apparent reason. This may have happened to you. If the tips above didn’t work, it doesn’t hurt to head into your carrier’s website and see if your account is in good standing.

5. Close And Reopen The Messages b App

The next thing to do when the iPhone 13 Messages app is not working is close and reopen the Messages app. It’s possible the app is not working because of a minor software glitch, which can usually be fixed by closing the app.

1. First, open up the app switcher by swiping up from the bottom of the screen to the center of the screen and pause there until the app switcher opens.
2. Now, swipe Messages up and off the top of the screen to close it on your iPhone.

6. Inspect the SIM card

SIM card – Is your iPhone 13 Messages app not working?
Sometimes SIM card pins can get out of line. It’s a good idea to check the SIM card and see if that gets the Messages app up and running again. Pull it out and reinsert it. Maybe try to clean it a bit? It won’t hurt to try!

7. Turn iMessage Off And Back On

Your iPhone 13 Messages app may not be working because of an error with iMessage, the special messaging system that can be used between Apple devices. We can try to fix a minor glitch with iMessage by turning it off and back on, like we did when we restarted your iPhone.

To turn iMessage off and back on, open the Settings app and tap Messages. Tap the switch to the right of iMessage to turn it off. You’ll know iMessage is off when the switch is white and positioned to the left. Tap the switch again to turn iMessage back on.

8. Reset the network settings

Sometimes resetting the network settings may fix any issue with iPhone 13 Messages app not working. This is because SMS messaging operates directly through your carrier network instead of mobile data. Resetting the network settings will get everything back to default and undo any discrepancies.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select General.
3. Go into Transfer or Reset iPhoneHit Reset.
4. Tap on Reset network settings.

9. Update Your iPhone

The iPhone 13 Messages app may not be working because of a software glitch that’s patched up by a new software update. You may be able to fix the problem by updating to the latest version of iOS.

Open the Settings app and tap General > Software Update. If an iOS update is available, tap Download and Install. After the new iOS update has downloaded, your iPhone will install the update and restart.

10. Factory reset your phone

This is an extreme measure, but it fixes most issues, and it might get the Messages app back in working order. A factory data reset will wipe your device clean and bring it back to the way it was when you first turned it on. All your files and apps will be deleted, so make sure to backup all your important data before going on with this.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select General.
3. Go into Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Hit Erase all content and settings.
5. Follow instructions to finish the process.

11. Seek professional help

If you’re still having issues with iPhone 13 Messages app not working, maybe it’s time you let a professional help you out. The best option is likely to go with your carrier. They will provide both network and hardware support, and also have access to their systems, which probably have more in-depth information that could help.

You can also contact Apple support or your insurance provider if you have one.

Now that you’ve fixed Messages app not working on iPhone 13 issue, consider checking out 8 of The best iPhone 13 hidden features you didn’t know. You might also find our guide on 20 iPhone 13 settings you need to change right now helpful, as well as 8 handy iPhone 13 gestures you may not know.