iMessage Activation Error

Updates: my iMessage is working now less than 24 hours. I did make a call to Freedom after 45 minutes long wait. They realized the issues due to large number of phone switched from other carriers to Freedom. Here it is the instruction they gave me (same as FaceTime):

Turn off iMessage

Log off Apple ID in the iMessage

Turn off iPhone

Take the SIM out

Insert the SIM card in

Turn on iPhone

Log on Apple ID in iMessage

Turn on iMessage

And wait for 24 hours

You do need to call if you want to speed up, or you can just do the steps above and wait. Once you call, they add your number in the queue. If not, system can pick up that takes days. I am glad mine is working now. Thanks everyone for the helps in the threads.

Hi, is your iMessage working now? I have the same problem and Freedom Mobile support told me they are aware of a delay in porting numbers from other carriers (Bell in my case) to FM. They said to wait 3 days to allow the backlog of ports to complete. Just curious if yours fixed itself after a period of time or what.

Update: both phones are working now. I didn't do anything except wait it out for 6 days. I guess the number was finally sent over in its entirety by the carrier.

Hi. I doubt it is a hardware problem because I switched two iPhones (6S and 7) on the same day and they both have the problem. Apple Support walked me through various Settings screens while they were connected in to view them. On a subsequent call the guy said to reset the phone (reload the OS) and that should fix it - it didn't. I then called Freedom Mobility support back and they sent me back to their store to get two new SIM cards - that didn't fix it either. Called them back and got a very helpful rep in Victoria BC who talked to her higher level support. She said they are aware of the problem and are working with Apple on a fix. They have had a large number of telephone number ports (transfers) from other carriers recently as a result of their move to sell iPhones and their rate plan promotion (10 Gigs for $50). As a result, it is taking some time to port the "full" number over from the sending carriers. Her estimate was 72 hours (which is now as I'm writing) but its still not working. I'm going to give it a couple more days before I call back in.... I've read somewhere it can take up to 10 days. No big deal I guess as the only impairment to my phones is iMessage and Facetime which can both be substituted by WhatsApp and Skype (and I'm sure some other apps)

I had the problem with 2 phones that I switched at the same time but I only called Freedom about one of them. The other one "fixed" itself a day after the one I had called about. So my advice would be if you have waited more than a week, then call them; otherwise just put up with the annoying garbage messages for a few days. BTW, you should try turning off, then turning on iMessage in Settings once a day just to "kick it in the pants". Good luck.

Mattadders wrote:

I have recently switched phone plans to Freedom Mobile. I temporarily had a new number before my old number was transferred back. iMessage appears to be trying to use that number. When I go to Send & Receive in Settings, my email is there as well as my temporary number, but that number is grey and there is a loading wheel next to it. iMessage says it is waiting for activation and when I turn it off and on again it says there was an error trying to activate. I am also receiving texts from random numbers with coded messages starting with "REG-RESP?", I have looked up my account on the Freedom Mobile website and I have apparently send out texts to what appear to be UK numbers (I live in Toronto). I have looked it up online and apparently this is normal, but why won't iMessage work? I tried all the options that I could find online including restarting my phone, logging out and back in, as well as using Airplane mode. Is there a way to stop it trying to add my temporary number and add my normal one so that iMessage will work?

Thanks

If you get an error when trying to activate iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support

Wireless carrier support and features for iPhone in the United States and Canada - Apple Support

I have the same issue once I started use Freedom iPhone that I switched. I was using Bell iPhone with freedom SIM, it had not been an issue. Thanks for the notes, it seems I just have to wait till it works? Or shall I call freedom to add my number for them to port to the Apple iMessage server? It is a kind annoying that some function suppose to work, it doesn't and the freedom didn't have explain it on their website.

Hello,

While you waited did you have iMessage turned on? I currently have it turned on and under it says “waiting for activation”. So I’ll take your advice and leave it be.

My issue is similar except for the fact that I was already a freedom member but I just purchased the iPhone X and changed plans.

Cheers

Same issue here! If anyone managed to solve it please help.... it's driving me nuts...

Same here...i just activated and got this problem...so annoying

I have also switched over from Bell and have been having the same issue, I made the switch on December 18 (been 4 days now). I contacted Apple Support and the associate advised me that it was a hardware issue and to exchange the phone. I called Freedom and they told me it would also take 3 days to get it fully working so I went to the location where I got my phone and they asked for me to wait the 3 days if nothing then to go back and they'll swap it out. Fingers crossed it was just the phone.

Hi, did you find a way to solve this? because I have the EXACT same issue