How to stop iMessage from sending activation SMS

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Level 1

11 points

How to stop iMessage from sending activation SMS

My iphone7 keeping sending global message (which is chargeable) to activate iMessage. How can I stop this? Already tried switch on or off the iMessage in the setting, no effect

Posted on May 13, 2017 7:11 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Lawrence Finch

Level 10

202,830 points

May 15, 2017 6:37 PM in response to lhpeggy

As I said, and I'll repeat in bold, It is not sufficient to turn off FaceTime and iMessage to stop the international SMS messages. You MUST Log Out of FaceTime and iMessage. Setting a restriction won't work either, unless you LOG OUT.

In order to log out you must first turn FaceTime and iMessage ON. If you don't you won't see the Send & Receive.

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Answer 2

lhpeggy Author

Level 1

11 points

May 15, 2017 6:56 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Thank you very much Lawrence. Now I fully understand your approach. However, when I tried on my iPhone, it appeared "waiting for activation" under iMessage and my Apple ID seems not sign in. And after awhile, it showed "Activation unsuccessful". What should I do in your opinion? Should I sign in Apple ID? Should I keep iMessage on?

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Answer 3

May 15, 2017 1:23 AM in response to lhpeggy

Go to Settings/Messages. Tap on Send & Receive. Tap on your Apple ID and then Sign Out.

I know that it's well hidden, but it's there. I guess you found it for FaceTime, where it is more obvious.

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Answer 4

May 13, 2017 10:27 PM in response to lhpeggy

Turning them off is not sufficient. You must turn each one ON, then log out of your Apple ID in each. They will turn off again when you log out. There will be another SMS or two as your phone notifies Apple's server that you have logged out.

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Answer 5

May 14, 2017 9:19 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Lawrence Finch wrote:

Turning them off is not sufficient. You must turn each one ON, then log out of your Apple ID in each. They will turn off again when you log out. There will be another SMS or two as your phone notifies Apple's server that you have logged out.

Thanks, Lawrence. I knew there was a step I was missing.

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Answer 6

lhpeggy Author

Level 1

11 points

May 15, 2017 1:32 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

There is no "Send & Receive" option in "Setting>Messages". Now I only turn off the first option there which is ïMessage".

For FaceTime, I have restricted it under "Setting>General>Restrictions".

I am still receiving the pop up messages saying that "your carrier may charge for sending SMS to activate your iMessage", where I click "Cancel" and keep the ïMessage" option off. But I'm not able to know whether it is still sending global SMS or not until the month end bill is out.

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Answer 7

May 15, 2017 11:32 PM in response to lhpeggy

You are not signed in, so turn iMessage off. Also, make sure FaceTime is not signed in, and it should be ok. There's also a link to disable iMessage that I don't have easily accessible right now. I'll post it later.

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