How to resolve 'An error occurred during Messages activation'

1. Check the basics first

Make sure the following are true:

• Your iPhone has LTE/4G service with the ability to send/receive SMS
• → iMessage activation sends a hidden SMS in the background.
• The device’s date & time are set to automatic
• Settings → General → Date & Time → Set Automatically
• You’re signed into your Apple ID
• Settings → Your Name → iCloud

2. Turn iMessage OFF and restart

1. Go to Settings → Messages
2. Turn iMessage OFF
3. Restart the iPhone
4. Turn iMessage ON again

Wait up to 10 minutes — activation is not instant.

3. Verify the phone number is correctly detected

In your screenshot, the “You can receive iMessages to and reply from” field shows a number.

Make sure:

• It is correct
• It is associated with the SIM installed
• It is not greyed out (inactive)

If the number does not appear: Settings → Phone → My Number → enter your correct number.

4. Sign out and back into Apple ID (Messages only)

1. Settings → Messages → Send & Receive
2. Tap your Apple ID at bottom → Sign Out
3. Restart phone
4. Return to the same screen → Sign in again

5. Reset network settings (very effective)

⚠️ This removes Wi‑Fi passwords, but not personal data.

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings

After reboot:

• Reconnect to Wi‑Fi
• Turn iMessage on again

6. Check if your carrier supports iMessage activation

Some carriers block international SMS required for activation.

If your activation keeps failing:

• Try toggling Airplane mode on/off
• Try removing and reinserting SIM
• Contact carrier to confirm SMS capability is active

7. Check Apple’s system status

If Apple’s servers are down, activation will fail for everyone.

You can check here:

https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/

Look for iMessage and FaceTime.