topic Re: iMessage not activating after converting to eSIM in Apple Devices

iMessage not activating after converting to eSIM

azing — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:24:29 GMT

Hi,

In anticipation for the iPhone Air on Friday I thought I’d get ready for eSIM by following the “convert to eSIM” instructions in the settings app on iOS. I think it was successful as I’m able to make calls without the physical SIM card in now and my number is showing as an eSIM in my settings.

However, iMessage won’t activate for my number. It keeps popping up saying iMessage activation unsuccessful. I’ve tried restarting my phone a few times. Any ideas?

Re: iMessage not activating after converting to eSIM

Gareth43 — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:49:52 GMT

Turn iMessage and FaceTime off and then go on settings then phone and check correct number shows then turn mobile data off. Then turn off phone and then restart phone and turn mobile data back on and then iMessage and FaceTime back on. This exact thing happened to me when I changed from eSIM to normal sim this morning and the steps I mentioned worked for me. But this is how apple say to do it

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/119859

Re: iMessage not activating after converting to eSIM

azing — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:36:19 GMT

Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately, that hasn't fixed it for me

Re: iMessage not activating after converting to eSIM

Michael_D — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:47:37 GMT

Hi @azing

If you are still struggling with activating iMessage, there are some handy hints on the Apple website, some of which @Gareth43 has already covered above.

If that doesn't help, I'd recommend reaching out to our tech guides so they can look into it further for you.

Michael

Re: iMessage not activating after converting to eSIM

azing — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:42:35 GMT

Hi Michael,

Thanks for getting back to me. The tips on Apple's website didn't help. In the end, I requested a replacement eSIM and iMessage and FaceTime worked straightaway.

Re: iMessage not activating after converting to eSIM

Leanne_T — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:02:47 GMT

Hi @azing

Thanks for coming back and letting us know how you got this sorted 🙂

Have a lovely weekend.

Leanne.