iPhone iMessage "Waiting for activation"? 8 fixes to try

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Check that the iPhone is online and can send ordinary texts, and that the date and time are correct. Then open Settings, Apps, Messages, turn iMessage off, do the same for FaceTime, restart the iPhone and turn both back on. Activation can take up to 24 hours.

To activate iMessage with your phone number, the iPhone sends a hidden text message to Apple. If that text cannot be sent, or the phone is offline, you see "Waiting for activation", "Activation unsuccessful" or "An error occurred during activation".

Step by step

  1. Check the internet connection

    Make sure the iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Open a website in Safari to confirm.

  2. Check that you can send texts

    The iPhone needs SMS to activate your number. If you are asked whether to allow it, with a note that your network provider may charge for the SMS, tap Turn On. A plan with no credit or no texts blocks activation.

  3. Set the date and time automatically

    Open Settings, General, Date & Time and switch on Set Automatically. Check that the time zone shown is correct.

  4. Turn iMessage and FaceTime off and on

    Open Settings, Apps, Messages and switch iMessage off. Open Settings, Apps, FaceTime and switch FaceTime off. Restart the iPhone, then switch both back on.

  5. Update iOS

    Open Settings, General, Software Update and install any waiting update.

  6. Remove an inactive SIM with the same number

    After updating to iOS 26, activation can fail if the iPhone holds an inactive SIM with the same number as your active one. Update to iOS 26.1 or later, or open Settings, Mobile Service and remove the inactive SIM. Do not delete the eSIM you are using.

  7. Wait up to 24 hours

    Activation can take up to a day. Leave iMessage switched on and keep the phone connected.

  8. Use your email address for now

    Open Settings, Apps, Messages, Send & Receive and tick your Apple Account email address. You can then send and receive iMessages with that address while the number is waiting.

Good to know

If it has not activated after 24 hours, ask your mobile network whether your plan can send text messages, including international ones. Then contact Apple Support.

Until iMessage is active, messages go as ordinary texts in green bubbles, which your network may charge for.

On iOS 17 and earlier, the settings are under Settings, Messages and Settings, FaceTime, without the Apps step.

In short: Online, texts allowed, date and time automatic, then iMessage and FaceTime off, restart, back on.

Sources
  • Apple Support: If you can't turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime on your iPhone
  • Apple Support: If you can't activate iMessage with your phone number in iOS 26

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