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Osnivo Fix

iMessage or FaceTime won't activate

Apple: “To use either iMessage or FaceTime, you need to activate them on your iPhone. If you see an error message when you try to activate, follow these steps.”

iPhone · 6 steps, in Apple's order

Step of 6

Fixed at step

You've tried every step

  1. 1

    Check the basics

    Didn't fix it

    • Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network.
    • Make sure that your device has the latest version of iOS.
    • Make sure that your time zone is set correctly. In the Settings app, tap General. Then tap Date & Time.
    • If you're using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.

    Apple: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime on your iPhone ↗

    Did this fix it?
  3. 3

    Activate online

    Didn't fix it

    • Go to apple.co/IMFT-mac.
    • Under Enable Apple Account, tap Get Started.
    • Sign into your Apple Account and follow the onscreen instructions. If you use a phone number with FaceTime and iMessage, make sure to enter that phone number.
    • You will receive an email if your account is ready for iMessage and FaceTime use.

    Apple: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime on your iPhone ↗

    Did this fix it?
  5. 5

    Wait up to 24 hours

    Didn't fix it

    • It might take up to 24 hours for your carrier to verify your phone number with Apple. Contact your carrier to make sure that you can send and receive international SMS messages and wait up to 24 hours after you try the troubleshooting steps above.
    • If iMessage is on and a spinning gear appears next to your phone number, your device automatically attempts to verify your phone number. There is no need to repeatedly turn iMessage off and on.

    Apple: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime on your iPhone ↗

    Did this fix it?
  6. !

    Account blocked?

    If nothing above worked Didn't fix it

    • If you also did not receive an email after completing a request to activate at apple.co/IMFT-mac, your account is likely blocked from iMessage and FaceTime and a request to remove the block was not approved.
    • You might still be able to send and receive SMS, MMS, or RCS messages if you use an iPhone with a cellular plan and you turn off iMessage. You might also be able to use iMessage or FaceTime with your email address instead of your phone number.

    Apple: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime on your iPhone ↗

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