Hi ​@Maisiecat 
 

Having Trouble with iMessage or FaceTime on Your iPhone?

If you’re experiencing any of the following issues:

Your iMessages or FaceTime calls are coming from a temporary mobile number
You see activation error messages such as:
“Waiting for activation”
“Activation unsuccessful”
“An error occurred during activation”
“This Phone Number Cannot Be Used by iMessage and FaceTime”

Don’t worry — we’re here to help. Please follow these steps carefully:

 

Step 1 – Update Your Software

Keeping iOS up to date ensures you have the latest features, security updates, and bug fixes.

1. Open Settings → General → Software Update
2. If an update is available, tap Download and Install
3. If your iOS is up to date, you’ll see iOS is up to date

Step 2 – Check Date & Time

iMessage will only activate if your iPhone has the correct date and time:

1. Open Settings → General → Date & Time
2. Ensure Set Automatically is switched ON

Step 3 – Re-enter Your Mobile Number

1. Open Settings → scroll down and tap Phone
2. Tap My Number
3. Enter your mobile number using +44 instead of the first 0
4. Tap Save

Step 4 – Reset iMessage and FaceTime

1. Go to Settings → Messages → switch iMessage OFF
2. Go to Settings → FaceTime → switch FaceTime OFF
3. Restart your iPhone completely
4. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back ON
5. Check Settings → Messages → Send & Receive to ensure your number has a tick next to it

Step 5 – Remove Old or Inactive SIM/eSIM Profiles

• If you previously used a physical SIM, ensure only your iD Mobile SIM is installed
• If you previously used an eSIM, go to Settings → Mobile Service, delete any old eSIM profiles
• If you have a replacement iD Mobile eSIM, delete the old profile if possible

Step 6 – Deactivate iMessage and FaceTime

This will unlink your number from your Apple ID:

1. Go to Settings → Messages → Send & Receive → tap your Apple ID → Sign Out → switch iMessage OFF
2. Repeat for FaceTime

Step 7 – Force Restart Your iPhone

• Physical SIM: remove SIM, then reinsert the tray
• eSIM: go to Settings → Mobile Service, select your eSIM, and toggle Turn On This Line OFF

Force restart:

1. Press Volume Up, then release
2. Press Volume Down, then release
3. Press and hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears

• Reconnect to Wi-Fi and wait 30 minutes
• Re-insert your iD Mobile SIM or toggle your eSIM back ON

Check your Apple ID under Settings → Sign-In & Security → Email & Phone Numbers to confirm your number has updated.

Step 8 – Reactivate iMessage and FaceTime

1. Go to Settings → Messages → turn iMessage ON → tap Use your Apple ID for iMessage
2. Repeat for FaceTime

Activation is usually instant but can take 24–48 hours. Do not toggle them off and on during this period, as this may reset the timer.

Step 9 – Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

1. Open Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings
2. Note: This will erase saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN settings but will not delete personal data

-Owethu