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Imessage not working for some contacts following updated phone number

So I have an iPhone XS. I just got a new phone number because I moved geographical locations. So the new number was pushed to my phone by my carrier. As I was sending out imessages/texts to all my contacts, about halfway through my contact list, Imessages stopped working. I got the red exclamation mark and if i hit retry it sent it as a SMS text.


So now, half my contacts imessages work fine and the other half (of those who have an iphone) I continue to not be allowed to send them imessages.


I have tried resetting network, turning off/on imessage and facetime. I have restarted...


Nothing has fixed it.. and like i have said I can imessage some contacts but not others.. any help would be appreciated

iPhone XS, iOS 15

Posted on Mar 24, 2022 9:08 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 25, 2022 12:13 PM

Hey Jebanator,


Did you get a chance to check your number in your iMessage settings as shown in Add or remove your phone number in Messages or FaceTime?


"Set up your phone number

  1. Go to Settings > Messages and make sure that iMessage is on. You might need to wait a moment for it to activate.
  2. Tap Send & Receive. If you see “Use your Apple ID for iMessage,” tap it and sign in with the same Apple ID that you use on your Mac, iPad, and iPod touch.
  3. In the "You can receive iMessages to and Reply From" section, make sure that your phone number and Apple ID are selected.
  4. Go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure that your phone number and Apple ID are selected in the "You can be reached by FaceTime at" section."


If that is what you mean by your new phone number being updated, Apple Support will need to assist from here. You can reach out at  Get Support.


Kind regards.

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 25, 2022 12:13 PM in response to Jebanator

Hey Jebanator,


Did you get a chance to check your number in your iMessage settings as shown in Add or remove your phone number in Messages or FaceTime?


"Set up your phone number

  1. Go to Settings > Messages and make sure that iMessage is on. You might need to wait a moment for it to activate.
  2. Tap Send & Receive. If you see “Use your Apple ID for iMessage,” tap it and sign in with the same Apple ID that you use on your Mac, iPad, and iPod touch.
  3. In the "You can receive iMessages to and Reply From" section, make sure that your phone number and Apple ID are selected.
  4. Go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure that your phone number and Apple ID are selected in the "You can be reached by FaceTime at" section."


If that is what you mean by your new phone number being updated, Apple Support will need to assist from here. You can reach out at  Get Support.


Kind regards.

Mar 25, 2022 10:34 AM in response to Jebanator

Hi Jebanator,


It sounds like you've tried some good steps already on your own. Let's see if we can help getting all your iMessages to send. If we understand, there is no issue with SMS/MMS messages. After changing your phone number, you do need to update your Apple ID settings.


Manage and use your Apple ID has a lot of good tips for keeping your information updated. Here are two that may be relevant to your situation.

Manage your Apple ID
Because your Apple ID is used across all your devices and services, it's important to keep your account information up to date. Simply sign in to appleid.apple.com  at any time to manage your account:
Update trusted phone numbers and devices that you're currently signed in to with your Apple ID.
Change your Apple ID country or region.
– Depending on how you created your Apple ID, you might be required to provide additional information or change your Apple ID username from a mobile phone number to an email address.


If you’re not able to update your phone number there, you’ll want to follow the steps under "Remove your phone number”, then the steps under "Set up your phone number” to add your new one: Add or remove your phone number in Messages or FaceTime


Looking at If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, see if there are any steps you can try that you haven't already.


You still are unable to send only to a certain few Apple users, you will want to reach out Apple Support by going to Get Support.


We hope this helps.



Take care!

Mar 25, 2022 12:02 PM in response to SnickZ.

Correct. If I use SMS/text i can still send a text to my iphone friends if I have enabled the send SMS if imessage not working


I did already update my appleid password with my new phone number


After a few days still having the same issue. About the 2nd half of my contacts i cant send imessage while the first half of my contacts I can send them. Very strange that my imessage half works...

Mar 25, 2022 12:30 PM in response to Shannon_DN

Yes the few contacts that I know have iphones, havent blocked me and are willing to be my problem solver helpers... I have completely deleted conversations with them and even looked to see any group texts they were part of. Then retry and it still doesnt work...


It was very strange when i was sending out my massive this is my new number text to everyone, it was a very distinct issue as i went through my contact lists... I had no issue A-M people and then M-Z I had the issue where suddenly imessage wasnt going out and now those from M-Z are my no longer able to send imessage contacts... but if i had sent my text earlier they can get it...


what is interesting is that when i try to send imessage and it goes as a SMS text message and they respond, it shows up as an imessage in my inbox but only i cant send imessage

Imessage not working for some contacts following updated phone number

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