iPhone sends paid SMS to activate iMessage, what happens when SIM card is changed

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Level 1

31 points

iPhone sends paid SMS to activate iMessage, what happens when SIM card is changed

According to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201422, “If you're using an iPhone, you'll need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.”

Does anybody know answers to any of the following questions, mostly applicable to international traveler:

If one changes SIM card in the iPhone (iMessage/FaceTime already enabled), does it always automatically send this paid SMS to activate iMessage/FaceTime for the new cell phone number, without additional confirmation?
What is the number to which iPhone sends this SMS, how is it defined (to properly distinguish it from fraudulent charges in the monthly bill)?
Does iPhone send one or two SMS when activating both iMessage and FaceTime for the newly inserted SIM card (new cell phone number)?
If one inserts a foreign SIM card (in roaming), would iPhone automatically send this SMS to activate iMessage/FaceTime for the foreign cell phone number, which could be more expensive in roaming than for local number?

Thank you.

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 8.3

Posted on May 28, 2015 4:12 AM

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Answer 1

Aidar Author

Level 1

31 points

Jan 8, 2016 4:30 AM in response to Aidar

My cellular operator provided answer to the question #2: +447786205094.

According to https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6808794?answerId=27587866022#27587866022 - “Approved carriers do not charge for this by agreement”, https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7348383 – “If you are using a supported wireless provider, there will be no charge”, though so far it has not been the case with my cellular operator that is nevertheless included in https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204040.

Apparently, this is a common issue for international travelers who swap SIM-cards:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5968824

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6518670

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4150878

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5305344

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5038574

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5164664

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5133074

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4753850

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4849090

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7390015

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3534880

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7396461

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4751640

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6584496

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6431397

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3463056

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4784411

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3898064?answerId=22155665022#22155665022

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5244128?answerId=22750911022#22750911022

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2645394

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2771148

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5259048

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Answer 2

FelipeV

Level 6

10,600 points

Jan 8, 2016 6:38 AM in response to Aidar

It will always give you the warning when you swap SIMs. If you are using a supported carrier, you should not be charged. You may be charged if using an unsupported carrier. If you are using a supported carrier and are being charged, you will need to contact the carrier and make sure that they are properly provisioning the number for the iPhone.

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Answer 3

Aidar Author

Level 1

31 points

Jan 8, 2016 6:38 AM in response to FelipeV

Hi Felipe,

Thank you very much for your prompt response!

I have contacted my cellular operator “Beeline” that is listed at https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204040, sending them a link to your reply. Beeline has promptly got back to me a few minutes ago, stating the official position that it chooses to charge for iMessage/FaceTime service SMS to +447786205094 as if they were regular international SMS (request #3185716984).

Also, while iPhone indeed warns about service SMS when iMessage/FaceTime are manually activated in the interface, unfortunately, in my experience it does not always do so when SIM cards are swapped (maybe it is a bug).

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Answer 4

FelipeV

Level 6

10,600 points

Jan 8, 2016 8:07 AM in response to Aidar

Thanks for getting back. If Beeline decides to charge for the SMS, there is nothing Apple can do about that. Maybe you can complain to Beeline with your pocketbook; switch to a carrier that doesn't charge for FT/iMessage activation, especially if you swap SIMs frequently (which is something I also do myself).

Good luck.

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Answer 5

matheeh

Level 1

4 points

Jun 2, 2016 10:42 PM in response to Aidar

Go to Setting >> Facetime >> Tab in to "Apple ID: example@example.com" >> Change Location >> Select your country as your region. and save.

That's All. your phone no longer send sms to UK.

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