Status Bar, iPhone

[SoundObsession]

Today I just noticed a new item on my iPhone status bar. Right next to the battery, there is an icon of a lock with a circle around it clockwise from 5 o'clock to the 3 o'clock position. What ever it is, it seems to affect iMessages. After I noticed the item on the status bar I have been unable to send iMessages. When I go to Settings, then messages I turn ON iMessages, but when I exit Settings it automatically turns off.

Can't find anything about it in the user guide and was hoping someone here can help.

 

[Chuckoir]

That's the orientation lock, and shouldn't be affecting your messages.

To turn off the lock, double press the home button, so that the multitask bar comes up at the bottom, scroll to the left, and you'll see that icon. Tap that, and it will remove that icon from your status bar.

 

[SoundObsession]

Thanks icon went away. Any idea why iMessages automatically turns off.

 

[Chuckoir]

Ummm, do you have iCloud enabled?

 

[SoundObsession]

Yes, this is the issue
Wi-Fi works, can access mail, but not iMessages. Moved to Settings, tapped messages - slide iMessage switch to ON - not prompted to enter password - selected Receive At - selected Use Apple ID for iMessage - entered Apple ID - received "Could not sign in. Please check your network connection & try again"