Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi or cellular data and make sure your phone line can send SMS. In Settings → Apps → Messages → Send & Receive, look for a checkmark beside your phone number. A spinning indicator means the iPhone is still trying to verify it. Apple says carrier verification can take up to 24 hours.
01Check the active line and the time zone
Section linkUse the active SIM or eSIM for the number you want to activate. Open Settings → General → Date & Time and check the time zone. Apple recommends updating iOS. Your carrier may charge for the SMS used to activate the number.
02Restart once, then look at Send & Receive
Section linkIf activation failed and you have checked the connection and line, turn off iMessage in Settings → Apps → Messages. Turn off FaceTime in Settings → Apps → FaceTime if you use it. Restart the iPhone, turn the services back on and check Send & Receive in Messages. If the indicator is spinning, leave iMessage on so the phone can keep trying.
03Check for an eSIM setup or duplicate number
Section linkIf you added an eSIM later in Settings after setting up a new iPhone with iOS 26, Apple says iMessage may need to be turned off and back on to activate. If the same number appears twice after an iOS 26 update and you have an inactive SIM with that number, update to iOS 26.1 or later. If you are unsure which line is active, ask the carrier before removing a SIM or deleting an eSIM.
04Use the checkmark to confirm activation
Section linkOnce the number has a checkmark, start a new iMessage conversation with someone who uses iMessage and confirm it sends from your number. If the checkmark is still missing after 24 hours, ask your carrier to confirm that the line can send and receive international SMS. If the line is working and verification still fails, use Apple’s activation support.