iMessage activation unsuccessful/ downloading messages from iCloud

I just replied on another thread about this but sharing info in case it pertains to your situation…

I have this issue too. None of the support article steps solve it. I’ve restarted. I’ve updated to the latest iOS.

I spent two hours on the phone with apple support and my call was elevated. I was finally told that there was a bug introduced in iOS 15.4.1 that affected iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max users who are on an e-sim. I was told there “is no solution” presently, short of going to your provider and asking for a physical SIM card (which doesn’t help those of us who use an e-SIM so that they can slot in an alternate SIM card for work/travel).

I updated to iOS 15.5 and the problem persists. Not sure if anyone has heard any news about fixes for this specific bug/issue?

luv.anna wrote:

i preordered the iPhone 13 pro max and been having this same issue since I received it. It’s extremely frustrating as nothing online seems to be helping. There’s 2 issues. 1st, iMessage keeps turning off saying my phone number is not activated with iMessage ?? It keeps saying iMessage activation unsuccessful. I looked it up and nothing is helping. 2nd it keeps showing me “downloading messages from iCloud” . It won’t go away and I looked it up as well and nothing seems to be working. Someone please help me I am extremely frustrated.

follow ALL steps here If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support

and here How to delete messages in iCloud - Apple Support (IN) Use Messages in iCloud - Apple Support

luv.anna wrote:

They weren’t really helpful they said to do the exact same things you listed 🥲

Well if Apple support can't help you, then there is nothing we user can do to help.

I find it hard to believe Apple support would just tell you to go off the link as there is more they can do on their end.

contact your phone carrier, and if you respond with they said the same thing then you're out of luck.

luv.anna wrote:

I’ve tried that already and regarding messages in iCloud , I don’t want to delete them I just want that pop up to go away and completely download whatever is left

And what did Apple support say when you contacted them about imessage?