17-09-2025 06:24 PM
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?
Solved! See the answer below or view the solution in context.
19-09-2025 03:42 PM
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.
18-09-2025 12:47 AM - edited 18-09-2025 12:49 AM
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
18-09-2025 11:36 AM
Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately, that hasn't fixed it for me
19-09-2025 11:47 AM
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
19-09-2025 03:42 PM
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.
19-09-2025 04:02 PM
Hi @azing
Thanks for coming back and letting us know how you got this sorted 🙂
Have a lovely weekend.
Leanne.