HT202078: If you use FaceTime and iMessage behind a firewall

Learn about If you use FaceTime and iMessage behind a firewall
avalcr

Q: activate facetime and imessage

trying to activate FaceTime sends me a text message to a number in England, please help me

iPhone 4, iOS 5.0.1

Posted on Apr 19, 2012 10:32 AM

Close

Q: activate facetime and imessage

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Bagyladn,

    Bagyladn Bagyladn Nov 14, 2013 2:07 PM in response to avalcr
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 14, 2013 2:07 PM in response to avalcr

    Hello there,

     

    I just wanted to let you know that despite the fact that I still have not succeeded in activating my iMessage and Facetime on my iPhone 5s but I'm using them regularely from my Apple ID.

     

    check with your mate and get his /her apple ID, update him/her in the contact list by adding their apple ID under email. What you next need to do is click on messages > choose a contact (let it be your friend in the UK) > his email and then type one letter and pay attention to the colour of the word "Send" if it's blue than you're going to iMessage without any problems if it is green then you're going to be charged for the sms.

     

    You could also facetime your friend the same way by reaching his her email. For me, this sufices for time being and ends the agony.

     

    Best regards,

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Nov 14, 2013 2:10 PM in response to Bagyladn
    Level 9 (57,254 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 14, 2013 2:10 PM in response to Bagyladn

    You just responded to a post from a year and a half ago. Activation of iMessage and Facetime sends an international text to the UK servers to finish the activation process. If you have restrictions on your SMS plan, then that can block activation. See this support document for assistance in activating iMessage. http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4268

  • by Bagyladn,

    Bagyladn Bagyladn Nov 14, 2013 4:04 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 14, 2013 4:04 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Thanks very much Chris, I'm new to this and didn't notice the dates. Thought I could help.

    Best regards,

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Nov 14, 2013 4:13 PM in response to Bagyladn
    Level 9 (57,254 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 14, 2013 4:13 PM in response to Bagyladn

    Not a problem. Did the link I provided you help with your activation issue?

  • by Bagyladn,

    Bagyladn Bagyladn Nov 14, 2013 4:26 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 14, 2013 4:26 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    I tried it and still can't activate iMessage and Facetime, it may take some time. By the way, I iMessage and Facetime emails (Apple IDs) normally without activation, the problem is that I can't iMessage & Facetime numbers neither reached to my number.

     

    If I may to ask please, presuming that I've got both activated, would I be able to iMessage contacts that don't have iMessage or not using iPhones? 

    Think that the problem for all users is that they can't iMessage or Facetime a number rather than an email.

     

    Appreciate the time you spent to help me, many thanks again.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Nov 14, 2013 4:29 PM in response to Bagyladn
    Level 9 (57,254 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 14, 2013 4:29 PM in response to Bagyladn

    Not sure what your issue might be about activating your number with iMessage, unless you do not have a texting or data plan. Yes, you can use iMessage and Facetime with the Apple ID.

     

    iMessage is only for use with iOS devices, such as the phone, iPad and iPod touches. Communications with non-iOS devices is done via email or SMS/MMS. SMS/MMS is a carrier function, so if there are problems with that, you need to contact your carrier.

  • by Bagyladn,

    Bagyladn Bagyladn Nov 14, 2013 4:58 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 14, 2013 4:58 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    I noticed that many other users having the same problem, not having their numbers activated with iMessage. When I use my apple ID and get the "verifying" stage I could see that both my number and apple ID checked / ticked yet my number and the tick next to it is grayed out, once verified and a confirmation email received I can see only my email/apple ID.

    I don't know whether this has to do with the fact that I don't live in the United States of America or is it an activiation issue that many users are having regardless to where they live. I've got texting and data plan and I rang the carrier two days ago, the guy at the other end confirmed it to me that both services have not been blocked by them.

    It will work out in the end, wish you a good day indeed