Hey there theMSgeek,
That’s a great article you found - If you have an issue with Messages or FaceTime after setting up your new iPhone
Under the section, ‘If you're still having an issue with Messages or FaceTime’ it goes over having you check whether your phone number is activated with iMessage and FaceTime. That’s a good place to start because if it’s not activated with the services, you can’t use it to send and receive.
1. In the Settings app, tap Cellular. Make sure that your phone line is turned on. If you use multiple SIMs, make sure that the phone number you want to use is selected and turned on.
2. In the Settings app, tap Messages. Then tap Send & Receive.
3. Tap the phone number that you want to use with Messages.
4. Go back in the Settings app, and tap FaceTime.
5. Tap the phone number that you want to use with FaceTime.
If your number is not activated, this next article is what we’d recommend you move to - If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime and let us know if you are indeed encountering any error messages.
Thanks.