How do I fix this ? I can’t use my iMessage or FaceTime .

Hello rjbrooks20,

If you see an error message that says something like "Waiting for activation" or "An error occurred during activation" when you attempt to use iMessage or FaceTime, there are a few steps you can try to resolve the issue.

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.

7. 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.

4. Contact Apple Support.

We retrieved these steps from If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support

You referenced an article about genuine iPhone displays, but we weren't sure how it related to using iMessage and FaceTime. If we misunderstood your iMessage and FaceTime Issue or our steps did not resolve your issue, please tell us more about your concerns. Additional information may help facilitate replies from Apple Support Communities users like yourself.

• What exactly happens when you try to use iMessage or FaceTime?

• When was the last time you were able to use the services?

• Has anything changed between then and now?

Regards.