Related Article: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime on your iPhone

FaceTime and iMessage can't be activated

I used a new sim card while overseas and FaceTime and iMessage was activated, however when I got home and put my local sim card back in, FaceTime and iMessage no longer work and it says that activation was unsuccessful. My network provider reset my sim but it didn't help. I do have my work iPhone which has both connected, but I have also turned that off. My local number is the only one linked to my AppleID so I'm not sure what to do.

iPhone 13 Pro Max

Posted on Sep 5, 2023 12:41 AM

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3 replies
Question marked as Helpful

Sep 5, 2023 4:38 AM in response to aradhna130

Did you already check for carrier updates?

Since you have swopped the SIM, the carrier information might be missing or wrong.

Manually update your carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


If this does not help, set it back to factory settings with the actual SIM inserted:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Sep 10, 2023 4:56 AM in response to aradhna130

Did you check your time zone settings, as suggested in this troubleshooting article?


...

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.

...


...

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.

...

copied from: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support

FaceTime and iMessage can't be activated

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