Fixing iMessage Verification Issues: Simple Solutions

Are you struggling with iMessage getting stuck on verifying your phone number? You would be surprised to that around 15-20% of iPhone users report the same issue – which causes you to miss out on features like read receipts, messaging from other Apple devices, and so on. So, we’re going to provide you with some simple tricks to get your iMessage up and running again.

How To Speed Up Verifying Your Number On iMessage

Waiting around for iMessage to verify your number feels like forever, right? Luckily there are some high-tech hacks you can use to help with the process. Apps like Network Analyzer let you troubleshoot your connection on the fly because you need a stable internet connection for the verification process. There’s also Speedify which bonds together your WiFi and data for ultra-fast internet. 

Reasons That Cause Delays In Verifying Your Number

Network Connectivity

Poor cellular or WiFi connection can slow down the verification process as the device attempts to communicate with Apple’s servers. Moving to an area with better signals may help.

Apple’s Servers

High server load or unexpected technical issues on Apple’s end can cause delays verifying numbers as requests line up. Retrying verification at less busy times or after server maintenance periods may help avoid problems.

Transferring Phone Numbers

When changing a number from one carrier to another, it may take up to 48 hours for the change to reach across networks fully. Verification is blocked during this time.

Other Delays

Glitches in the communications pathway between devices and servers, like temporary DNS failures or packet loss, could cause verification requests to error or time out. Repeating verification may resolve temporary errors.

Possible Fixes

Let us walk you through some verification fixes you can try right from your iPhone:

Restart Your Device

Even though it’s an old trick – it always works! A reboot clears caches and helps apps like iMessage communicate swiftly.

Check Date & Time Settings

If time settings are off, verification timestamps go unstable. Make sure both are set automatically.

Reset Network Settings

This wipes stored network data for a totally fresh start. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Network Settings.

Toggle iMessage On/Off

If your iMessage is stuck at the verification process then turn iMessage off, wait a bit, then turn back on to force a new verification attempt.

Contact Your Carrier

Double-check if your account info is correct and that service hasn’t changed recently.

Update iOS

Outdated iOS versions often lack fixes and security updates needed for verification.

Contact Apple Support

If everything else fails, an Apple support technician may see if something went down on their end.

Why is Your Phone Number Not Verifying for iMessage?

There are several potential reasons why a phone number may fail to verify for use with Apple’s iMessage service. Here are some causes why:

Incorrect Apple ID

The Apple ID tied to the device must match exactly the one associated with the phone number, including correct spelling and uppercase/lowercase characters. An incorrect or mistyped Apple ID is a major verification blocker.

Limitations or Restrictions 

Carriers can impose limits like maximum devices allowed per number, simultaneous login blocks, or restrictions on ported numbers until an activation period passes. Contact your provider to uncover any limitations in place.

Incompatible or Older iOS Version

Numbers may fail to verify on very old iOS versions no longer supported by Apple. Keeping devices updated to the latest iOS release helps ensure compatibility. So, if your iPhone 12/13 is stuck on verifying the phone number – it’s probably because the software is below iOS 10.

Regional Restrictions 

Certain regions or countries have number verification availability constraints due to local policies. Using a VPN or traveling elsewhere may allow activation.

Disabled or Inactive Phone Number

A number change, or account suspension case leaves the stated number in an unverified state until processed by carriers. Waiting 1-2 billing cycles helps re-establish your number validity.

iCloud Activation Lock

With a locked device, the ability to confirm a new, different number for iMessage is blocked for security reasons. Unlocking requires the original owner’s iCloud info.