How to resolve error for iMessage and FaceTime on iPhone?

My iPhone stopped activating iMessage and FaceTime after the battery died. It says ‘An error occurred during activation.’ My Apple Account is signed in, my phone number is correct, calls, SMS, Safari, and the App Store all work, but both iMessage and FaceTime won’t activate.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iMessage activation

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Jul 7, 2026 1:28 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 8, 2026 1:10 PM

Try resubscribing:


  • Open Settings
  • Tap Apps
  • Tap Messages
  • If iMessage is off, turn it on
  • Tap Send & Receive
  • Scroll down until you see AppleID: and your Apple ID
  • 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/Apps


For FaceTime:

  • Verify you are still in Settings/Apps
  • 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


Now reverse the process:


  • Open Settings
  • Tap Apps
  • Tap Messages
  • Tap Send & Receive
  • Tap Sign In and do so
  • 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/Apps


  • For FaceTime:
  • Verify you are still in Settings/Apps
  • Tap FaceTime
  • IScroll down until you see AppleID and Log in


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 8, 2026 1:10 PM in response to Blvck_608

Try resubscribing:


  • Open Settings
  • Tap Apps
  • Tap Messages
  • If iMessage is off, turn it on
  • Tap Send & Receive
  • Scroll down until you see AppleID: and your Apple ID
  • 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/Apps


For FaceTime:

  • Verify you are still in Settings/Apps
  • 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


Now reverse the process:


  • Open Settings
  • Tap Apps
  • Tap Messages
  • Tap Send & Receive
  • Tap Sign In and do so
  • 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/Apps


  • For FaceTime:
  • Verify you are still in Settings/Apps
  • Tap FaceTime
  • IScroll down until you see AppleID and Log in


Jul 9, 2026 4:11 PM in response to Blvck_608

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗


First, try the following steps:


Sign in issue:

Learn what to do → If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage.


Connection issue:

Learn what to do → If you can't send or receive messages.


Need more help?


Additional help:


Good Luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

Jul 10, 2026 5:34 AM in response to Blvck_608

To activate iMessage and FaceTime using your Phone number

  1. 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
  2. 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)
  3. 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.



How to resolve error for iMessage and FaceTime on iPhone?

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