iMessage activation error with Apple ID on iPhone without service

in don’t have service on my phone so I am trying to use my Apple ID iCloud email for iMessages but when I try to select use Apple ID, it will do nothing and then a minute later say “an error occurred while trying to activate iMessage, try again” and I’ve tried like 10 times, I’ve restarted my phone twice (also the phone number below is not mine anymore it it won’t let me remove it)


[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: iMessage activation fail

iPhone 8 Plus, iOS 16

Posted on Jul 15, 2025 09:11 PM

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1 reply

Jul 16, 2025 02:01 PM in response to Jay-A

Jay-A wrote:

in don’t have service on my phone so I am trying to use my Apple ID iCloud email for iMessages but when I try to select use Apple ID, it will do nothing and then a minute later say “an error occurred while trying to activate iMessage, try again” and I’ve tried like 10 times, I’ve restarted my phone twice (also the phone number below is not mine anymore it it won’t let me remove it)
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/dfb10e49-969d-4fab-8b01-3c8e44716faf

[Edited by Moderator]
Original Title: iMessage activation fail

troubleshoot here If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime on your iPhone - Apple Support

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iMessage activation error with Apple ID on iPhone without service

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