Mac iMessage Not Sending from Phone Number: Troubleshooting Guide

If you're unable to send iMessages from your phone number and are stuck with a spinning wheel next to it in the 'You can be reached by' menu, you're not alone. Many users have reported this issue, and despite trying various troubleshooting steps, they haven't been able to resolve the problem.

The first step is to ensure that your Apple ID password is correct and up-to-date. If you've recently changed your password, try signing out of all devices and apps, then sign back in with your new credentials. This may seem obvious, but it's a crucial step that many users overlook.

If changing your password doesn't resolve the issue, you can try toggling iMessages on and off, as well as resetting your network settings and location settings. These steps are often recommended when troubleshooting issues with Apple services.

However, if these basic fixes don't work, there may be a more complex problem at play. One possible cause is an issue with your phone number being associated with your Apple ID. When you log in to manage your Apple ID, ensure that your phone number is correctly displayed and not greyed out or disabled.

Another potential solution is to perform a restore of your iPhone, erasing all content and settings. This will remove any corrupted data that may be causing the issue and give your device a fresh start. Keep in mind that this will delete all of your data, so make sure you have backed up your important information before proceeding.

It's also worth noting that some users have reported success by changing their Apple ID password again and then signing out and signing back in to all devices and apps. This may seem counterintuitive, but it's possible that the issue is related to a temporary glitch with your account.

In addition to these troubleshooting steps, you can try turning off iMessage on your iPhone and then turning it back on. When you do this, you may see a 'Waiting for activation' message, which is normal. However, if this message persists, it could indicate a deeper issue that requires further investigation.

If none of these steps resolve the issue with iMessages not sending from your phone number, it's possible that there's a more complex problem at play. In this case, you may want to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and potentially resolve the problem.

Finally, if you're unable to send iMessages using your phone number, you may be able to use FaceTime instead. This feature allows you to make audio and video calls using your Apple ID email address. While it's not a substitute for iMessage, it can still help you stay in touch with friends and family.

In conclusion, if you're unable to send iMessages from your phone number, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and resolve the issue. From changing your Apple ID password to performing a restore of your iPhone, these steps can help you identify and fix the problem. With patience and persistence, you should be able to get iMessage working properly again.

Mac imessage not sending from phone number