How to Fix iMessage After a SIM or eSIM Swap

After a SIM or eSIM swap, iMessage can get stuck on "Waiting for activation," keep using the old number, or send everything as green bubbles. These steps reactivate it with the new number and update the addresses it uses.

Confirm the new number is active

Open Settings, Cellular, and tap the plan. Check that it is turned on and shows the new number. Then open Settings, Phone, and check My Number as well. If either shows the old number, restart the phone and check again before going further.

Turn iMessage off and back on

Open Settings, Apps, Messages (on iOS 17 and earlier, Settings, Messages). Turn off iMessage, wait about 30 seconds, and turn it on again. The switch shows "Waiting for activation" while it registers. This usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 24 hours. Activation sends a text message to Apple over the cellular network, so keep cellular on; if it hangs, turn off Wi-Fi for a few minutes so the phone uses cellular data.

Fix the Send & Receive addresses

In the same Messages settings, tap Send & Receive. Under You can receive iMessages to and reply from, the new number should be listed with a check mark; tap it if not. Under Start new conversations from, select the new number rather than an email address.

Repeat for FaceTime

Open Settings, Apps, FaceTime. Turn FaceTime off and on, then check that the new number is listed and checked under You can be reached by FaceTime at, and choose it under Caller ID.

Sign out and back in if the number is still missing

In Send & Receive, tap your Apple Account email at the top of the list and tap Sign Out. Then sign in again with your Apple Account on the same screen and repeat the checks above. Do the same in FaceTime settings if it also lacks the number.

If the old number still appears. It stays listed as an address until Apple's servers notice the old SIM is gone, usually within a day or two. Uncheck it under Send & Receive so new conversations do not use it.

If activation still fails. Confirm Settings, General, Date & Time is set automatically, install any iOS update, and ask the carrier to confirm the plan can send text messages, including to international numbers, which the activation message requires.