How to fix this: 'You must have a SIM associated with an Apple Device' and not allowing me to then associate the SIM!

Question

How to fix this: 'You must have a SIM associated with an Apple Device' and not allowing me to then associate the SIM!

I have a UK SIM in my primary phone and travelled to the USA. Everything was working fine as in, iMessages were sent and received properly over wifi.

I have now purchased a USA SIM for my 2nd phone, put it in and then was asked by Apple whether I wanted to associate this new number with my account, or words to that effect. Well, of course?

I did that, and now it's showing that my primary UK SIM is no longer associated with my iPhone! What?

It shows this: 'Unavailable for iMessage and Facetime' and when I click the Info circle: 'This Phone cannot be used by iMessage and Facetime' You must have a SIM associated with an Apple Device for +44********** to be used for iMessage and Facetime'

I've looked and tried taking out both SIM's, Reset Network Settings, Hard Reset, Signed out and in again on my Apple account. Just nothing works at all.

SURELY I don't have to be in back in the UK to get my Primary SIM to work again? This is a problem as all my UK-based credit cards work off 2FA verification for purchasing whilst abroad, and cannot be changed to a US number as I don't have International Roaming, which is $10 PER DAY!

Surely in 2026 with a Trillion$$$ company like Apple, somebody knows how to fix this, and I can't be the ONLY one who's encountered this problem.

Can someone help me, please?

iPhone X, iOS 16

Posted on Feb 10, 2026 3:51 PM

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Answer 1

SravanKrA

Level 10

439,862 points

Feb 11, 2026 12:27 AM in response to hardbodyactiv

Apple ID Creation

Email vs Phone Number
- In most regions, an Apple ID must be an email address.
- Exception: In China mainland (+86) and India (+91), Apple allows you to create an Apple ID using your mobile phone number instead of an email. This is region-specific and tied to carrier-issued numbers, not virtual SIMs or app-based numbers.
Virtual Numbers
- Apple generally does not support virtual numbers (like Google Voice or app-based VoIP numbers) for Apple ID creation or verification. These services rely on SMS/voice verification, which requires a carrier-backed number.

iMessage & FaceTime Activation

Phone Number Use
- iMessage and FaceTime can be activated with either:
  - Your Apple ID email (works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, iPod touch).
  - Your carrier-issued phone number (only on iPhones with an active SIM/eSIM).
- If you want to use your phone number for iMessage/FaceTime, you must have a carrier-issued SIM or eSIM. Virtual numbers or app-based numbers cannot be registered for these services.
Activation While Roaming
- Apple requires the SIM/eSIM to be activated on the home carrier network first. Activation cannot be completed while roaming abroad, even if roaming is enabled. This is because the initial SMS verification must pass through your carrier’s home network.

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Answer 2

SravanKrA

Level 10

439,862 points

Feb 11, 2026 12:27 AM in response to hardbodyactiv

To activate iMessage and FaceTime using your Phone number

First, check to know whether you have an SMS plan enabled for at least one SMS*** with your carrier. Contact your Carrier (Cellular Service Provider), the agency that issued the SIM to you
If your iPhone is used with a carrier not found in the wireless carrier articles, make sure you can send and receive international SMS. (One international SMS*** Only)
If you can't turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple ...

*** You may not have an SMS plan (Domestic & International) enabled by your carrier for the SIM/eSIM that you use on your device. Apple Inc. does not provide SMS services.

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How to fix this: 'You must have a SIM associated with an Apple Device' and not allowing me to then associate the SIM!

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