iPhone cannot handle phone number change

Question

iPhone cannot handle phone number change

Switched to a new mobile service provider, inserted SIM, and after two days brought over my usual number and got it working for calls and texts – except for Apple's own services.

The correct number is now shown under Settings/Sign-in & Security (it updated itself), but Device Info still shows the carrier's temporary number, which also shown in FaceTime, Messages and Phone. The latter lets me edit "My Number", but I can't save it.

I tried everything mentioned on other threads: switching off FaceTime and Messages, restarting the iPhone. I even tried changing my Apple Account password, which "removes all stored phone numbers". But it did not help at all. The problem persists, and in addition, some devices now seem to be permanently locked out of my Apple Account.

iPhone 12, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 2, 2024 1:32 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Lawrence Finch

Community+ 2025

Level 10

228,798 points

Oct 2, 2024 2:46 PM in response to Lawrence C Paulson

For Messages:

Open Settings/apps
Tap Messages
If iMessage is off, turn it on
Tap Send & Receive
Scroll down until you see AppleID: and your Apple ID
At the tap your Apple ID
Tap Sign Out
Tap Messages at the top left to go back to the main Messages page
Tap Settings at the top left to go back to Settings

For FaceTime:

Tap FaceTime
If FaceTime is off, turn it on
Scroll down until you see AppleID: and your Apple ID
Tap on your Apple ID
Tap Sign Out
Restart your phone→Restart your iPhone - Apple Support

Wait an hour for your iPhone to notify Apple’s servers that you have logged out.

Go to Settings/Apps/Phone and make sure your number is correct, then go to Settings/apps/Messages and FaceTime and sign back in.

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Answer 2

Oct 3, 2024 5:02 AM in response to Lawrence C Paulson

Solution found: the phone was under remote management by my company and that was preventing alteration of the phone number. Many thanks again for your help however.

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Answer 3

Oct 3, 2024 3:32 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Many thanks! I tried all of those things, waiting more than an hour, restarting the phone both at the start and the end of the hour, but the temporary phone number is still there. NB the transferred number is the one that actually works for phone calls and ordinary texts. I wonder how the Phone app can even function when it is storing the incorrect number.

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iPhone cannot handle phone number change

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