iMessage doesn’t allow me to contact some people why is that?

When I try to send some people a text it comes up as ‘Can’t send message. iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’. I have asked those individuals to see if their iMessage is enabled and it is.

Also, their contact number is correct as I have been texting them on iMessage for ages but recently with those specific contacts my messages doesn’t go through and they can’t message me back either.

Posted on Oct 27, 2025 10:00 AM

Reply
1 reply

Oct 30, 2025 9:08 PM in response to Coutinho03

Re: " iMessage doesn’t allow me to contact some people why is that?

‘Can’t send message. iMessage needs to be enabled to send this message’. "


There are a few different possible causes, so it is hard to guess in your case,


(1) iMessages go by wi-fi between Apple to Apple devices, yet sending SMS between Apple and Andriod devices requires cellular-data to be turned on (NB: charges may or may not apply depending on your provider)

See: View or change cellular data settings on iPhone - Apple Support


(2) Wondering whether there are parental controls in place, or restrictions set in ScreenTime.

If needed: See how to: Use Screen Time on your iPhone and iPad - Apple Support


Else: (3) You could check whether you have blocked messages from those not listed in your Contacts app,

See: Screen, filter, report, and block text messages on iPhone - Apple Support

and

check whether or not you have a "Contacts" card for the individuals you can not send to or receive from.

See how to: Add and use contact information on iPhone - Apple Support

iMessage doesn’t allow me to contact some people why is that?

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