iMessage on iOS 26 has activation error: Apple gives detailed instructions

Some iPhone users have been having trouble activating iMessage after updating to iOS 26, the operating system version introduced by Apple with a completely new design and many improvements. However, along with the upgrades, there are still errors that make it difficult for users to use Apple's messaging service.

According to Apple's explanation, this problem occurs mainly when the device has an inactive SIM or the eSIM is the same as the phone number of the SIM in use. In this case, iMessage cannot be activated via phone number, leading to the message showing the status "Not Sent". Users also cannot receive iMessages from others, instead, messages will be sent via SMS or RCS with green bubbles instead of the usual blue.

Apple says iMessage can still work if users choose to use an email address instead of a phone number. However, to completely resolve the issue, the company recommends removing the inactive SIM. With eSIM, users can go to "Cellular" in Settings to delete the eSIM with the same number. If it is a physical SIM, removing the SIM card directly from the device will help the system work more accurately. After removing the unnecessary SIM, users just need to go to "Messages" → "Send & Receive" and select their phone number to reactivate iMessage.

iMessage on iOS 26 has activation error: Apple gives detailed instructions - photo 2 — Photo source: Apple.

Apple has confirmed that this is not a bug in iOS 26, but a consequence of the way the SIM and eSIM systems on iPhones are designed. Therefore, this issue only affects a small group of users whose SIM or eSIM is not working, and the fix is also relatively simple.

iOS 26 is considered a groundbreaking update with a modern design and many new features. However, like many previous iOS versions, the first days of deployment always came with mixed feedback from users. Some minor bugs disrupted the experience, but Apple quickly released iOS 26.0.1 to fix common problems and provide detailed instructions for cases related to iMessage.

Overall, iOS 26 is still being positively received by the user community thanks to its new interface and comprehensive optimization capabilities. With Apple quickly responding and providing solutions to arising problems, users can rest assured that the iPhone experience will continue to improve in the future.

According to Phone Arena

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