iMessage activation

[Jake1111]

I’m currently in New Zealand and have switched to a Pay As You Go plan, topping up to keep my number active. The eSIM I’m using was previously on a SIM-only contract for several years. Since making the switch, iMessage and FaceTime won’t activate. I contacted Apple, and they advised me to reach out to my provider.

Do you have any advice on how to resolve this? I’ve read that some SIM cards can’t activate iMessage/FaceTime while abroad, but this is an active eSIM I’ve been using for years. Any help would be appreciated!

[XRaySpeX]

PAYG don't have eSIMs. So it's probably dead. You'll need to get a replacement physical SIM when you're back in UK. 

[Jake1111]

If PAYG doesn’t support eSIMs and mine is now inactive, a replacement SIM should have been sent to me or at least I should’ve been informed beforehand. 
Since I will be out of the UK for some time, is there any other way to activate my number for iMessage and FaceTime without needing to wait until I’m back?

[bristolian]

All new PAYG SIMs need to be activated on EE's UK network before roaming is enabled for use abroad, this also extends to migrations from pay-monthly > PAYG

You need to have given and served your 30days notice in the UK, used that "new" SIM in the UK first before then travelling abroad, for the "new" SIM to have roaming enabled. There is no workaround for this.

You would need to request a replacement pSIM is sent to your UK billing address, ask a trusted friend or relative to collect it and activate it, before then posting that activated SIM to you abroad.

[XRaySpeX]

Order a replacement SIM to your home addy. Get someone to use it to make a call or text & then send it to you.