Remove and reinsert the SIM to keep using +44 ... for iMessage and FaceTime

Hi AchWas,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand that you're having an issue with activating iMessage and FaceTime. We'd like to help.

You mentioned that you use another SIM card when overseas. Are you currently trying to activate your overseas phone number or are you back and trying to reactivate your home phone phone number? We just want to make sure we're fully understanding this issue.

Are these the steps you're trying when you get that error message?

If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime

To use iMessage or FaceTime, you need to activate them on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. If you see an error message during activation, follow these steps.

When activating iMessage or FaceTime, you might see one of these messages:

* Waiting for activation

* Activation unsuccessful

* An error occurred during activation

* Could not sign in, please check your network connection

* Unable to contact the iMessage server. Try again.

Check your device settings

1. Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network. 

2. If you're using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.

3. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that your time zone is set correctly.

Turn off and restart iMessage and FaceTime

1. Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage.

2. Go to Settings > FaceTime and turn off FaceTime.

3. Restart your device:

* iPhone

* iPad

* iPod touch

4. Turn iMessage and FaceTime back on.

Still not activated after a day? 

It might take up to 24 hours to activate iMessage and FaceTime. If the issue continues after 24 hours, follow these steps:

1. Make sure that your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.

2. If you're using an iPhone, contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive SMS messages.

3. Make sure you can send and receive SMS. If a prompt appears stating "Your carrier may charge for SMS messages used to activate FaceTime and iMessage", tap "OK" to allow possible SMS charges.

Contact Apple Support.

More info about these steps can be found here: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support

If you continue to have issues with this, it may be best to connect with Apple Support so they can look further into your account to make sure things are set up correctly on both ends. Connect with them here: Contact - Official Apple Support

Hope that helps.

Cheers!

Hi AchWas,

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities.

If you have followed the steps provided in the previous message with this message still appearing, check with your wireless carrier to ensure that the correct phone number is linked to your iPhone and that the correct phone number shows in Settings for FaceTime and iMessage.

Contact Apple Support if all conditions are met, but this behavior is ongoing.

Contact - Official Apple Support

Regards.