iMessage does not activate after SIM swap

Question

iMessage does not activate after SIM swap

I had a perfectly working unlocked iPhone 5s with an Airtel India SIM. I swapped it with a SIM from 3 Ireland.

Now when I swap the SIMs back, iMessage fails to activate.

The number in Phone settings is the India number, while the number which iMessage settings show is the Ireland number.

I've tried everything on the Apple support page (turning iMessage on/off, checking the time zone settings, resetting the phone)

I have even wiped the phone completely and started from a restore. I have changed the phone from a 5s to 4s and back.

I have replaced the Airtel SIM with a new SIM.

Nothing works. Any one?

iPhone 5s, iOS 9.3.2

Posted on Jun 8, 2016 12:48 AM

Reply

Answer 1

D.Cohen

Level 6

8,618 points

Jun 8, 2016 1:01 AM in response to NoMessageDebug

Hi. Please check Network Settings/Wi-Fi: iMessage works on the 3G/Wi-Fi network. Sometimes, it doesn't work even if there is an active connection but it's poor. Make sure you're closer to the source/router. If you are on 3G network, try restarting the cellular connections.

Try to turn Off and then Turn On iMessages Again: Settings - Messages - Turn Off iMessage and turn on it again.

Make sure you send the message to an iMessage-user.

Sign out of Apple ID (go to Send & Receive) and then re-sign in again. Repeat the turn Off-On after this.

Finally, try to reset your device. This won't delete your data stored on this device.

Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button
Press and hold on the Home button
Keep holding both buttons until the display turns off and back on with Apple logo on it.

Alternatively, you may go to Settings - General - Reset - Reset All Settings

Reply

Answer 2

Jun 8, 2016 8:15 AM in response to NoMessageDebug

Without the code, you are never going to be able to de-register that number. When you try the deregister link, do you have the Ireland SIM in the phone? The code is going to come to that number so that SIM needs to be in it, unless you have another Apple device under the same iMessage AppleID to receive the code on.

Otherwise, at this point I'd say you have only one option - call Apple Support and ask them to help you reset your iMessage account. I thi

Reply

Answer 3

Jun 8, 2016 8:00 AM in response to Michael Black

Indeed I did. Several times. I never receive a code.

Note that If I try sending an iMessage to the troublesome number from someone else's iPhone, it comes as a cellular text; i.e. Green bubbles.

A key point I would like to make is the following:

The Airtel India SIM in the phone. The phone number in Phone->Settings is the India Airtel number.

The phone number that iMessage shows in its settings is the Ireland number.

When I turn iMessage off and then on, the activation spinner starts running against the Ireland number which is NOT in the phone.

Reply

Answer 4

Jun 8, 2016 7:17 AM in response to D.Cohen

Thanks for your response.

I have exhausted all these options, including a complete reset of the phone to factory and a completely fresh start.

I have tried an iPhone 4s and a 5s.

I have replaced the SIM card.

I have even changed my AppleId.

It just does not have any effect.

Reply

Answer 5

Jun 8, 2016 8:23 AM in response to Michael Black

The Ireland number was deregistered properly before swapping out the SIM by turning off iMessage,and then waiting for the function to cease working. Sending a text to the Ireland number works properly, i.e. it is delivered as a cellular text. It's interesting that I can easily turn iMessage on or off for the Ireland number. It's almost as if the phone has bound itself to that one number. To be clear, this was always an unlocked iPhone, i.e. it has never been locked to any cellular provider.

I have been in contact with Apple Support since early April, to no avail.

Reply

Answer 6

Jun 8, 2016 7:33 AM in response to NoMessageDebug

Did you de-register the iPhone with iMessages and then try registering it again, with the SIM you want to use in it? See https://selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage

Reply