iMessage/FaceTime number active while travelling?

If you have another iPhone you can make the iMessage active even when you are travelling abroad, it is possible with certain pre-conditions. Please read below...

For example, if you leave the SIM (UK) in the UK on another iPhone and keep it switched ON then this device can continue to send and receive iMessage and SMS from the same Phone number number to another iPhone having either only data SIM or complete SIM/ eSIM taken from the USA. Read more below...

Countries mentioned here are only as an example.

Yes, it will work. Different State/Country/Continent and different WiFI? No problems

1. Must use the same Apple ID.
2. Follow the process before leaving the country
3. The two devices need not be on the same WiFi.
4. Even if the devices are across different continents the iMessages will get delivered to all the devices with certain preconditions. You may read below

iMessage works in the following manner.

• Phone No. P1, Network Carrier C1, Device D1 (iPhone)
• Phone No. P2, Network Carrier C2, Device D2 (iPad with Cellular Service)
• Device D3 (Mac)

Following assumptions

All devices D1, D2 & D3 uses the same Apple ID

D1 > Settings > Messages > Text Message Forward > [Both D2 & D3 are enabled]

D1 > Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > P1 is Selected

D2 > Settings > Messages > Text Message Forward > [Both D1 & D3 are enabled]

D2 > Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > P2 is Selected

D3 > Messages > Preferences > iMessage > Start New Conversation from > P1 is Selected

You can send and receive iMessages as follows

• Send from P1 using D1 to any other iOS device across the globe. (P1 must remain in the same carrier network of C1 or have international roaming enabled using P1)
• Send from P2 using D2 to any other iOS device across the globe. (P2 must remain in the same carrier network of C2 or have international roaming enabled using P2)
• Send from P1 using D3 to any other iOS device across the globe. (P1 must remain the same carrier network of C1 or have international roaming enabled using P1)
• Device D3 can send and receive iMessage using P1 being anywhere in the globe under any WiFi network but (P1 must remain the same carrier network or have international roaming enabled using P1)
• Can send iMessage using Apple ID anytime anywhere any device

In a nutshell

If I have a Phone Number from India on my iPhone and I travel to the USA without international roaming enabled., my iPhone will seize to send messages using the number I had.

But If I leave the iPhone in India (Powered) and travel with my Mac to the USA, I can continue to send and receive iMessages / SMS using the same phone number I had, from the USA. The recipients will receive it as though it is being sent from my Phone number.

I Hope, I have been able to make things clear.

InfamousOne wrote:

Does anyone know if it's possible to keep your phone number active for iMessage/FaceTime while you remove the SIM and add another one?

As soon as you change the SIM iMessage gets de-activated.