Apple clarifies iMessage activation failures on iOS 26 and offers a fix

Apple has officially clarified why iMessage may refuse to activate on iOS 26 and provided users with concrete steps to resolve the frustrating issue. While iOS 26 has been hailed for its bold redesign and visual refresh, the rollout has also come with a set of complications that are now slowly being ironed out. With the arrival of iOS 26.0.1, Apple patched several highly disruptive bugs, but one recurring complaint remained: iMessage activation failures tied to phone numbers.

Now, Apple has broken down why this occurs and how affected iPhone owners can solve it.

Why iMessage fails to activate on iOS 26

According to Apple’s support documentation, the activation problem doesn’t stem from a software bug in the strictest sense, but from the way iOS handles SIM and eSIM conflicts. Users who have both an active SIM and an inactive SIM or eSIM tied to the same phone number are the ones most likely to see the failure. The result is that iMessage cannot link properly to the intended number, leaving messages stuck in limbo. In this scenario, text bubbles appear green rather than blue, indicating that your iPhone is falling back on SMS or RCS instead of Apple’s encrypted iMessage service. For some, messages are rerouted through email addresses rather than the phone number, which can cause confusion for recipients.

The fix: removing inactive SIMs

Apple advises users who face this problem to remove any inactive SIM associated with their device. For eSIMs, the process involves heading into Settings > Cellular, identifying the duplicate or inactive line, and deleting it. If a physical SIM is causing the trouble, physically ejecting it from the iPhone is the only way forward. Once the duplicate is removed, iMessage can be reactivated by navigating to Messages > Send & Receive and selecting the correct phone number. Apple stresses that once the inactive SIM is gone, the issue should resolve almost immediately.

Not actually a bug – but by design

Interestingly, Apple insists this is not a bug that crept into iOS 26 by mistake. Rather, it is a by-design consequence of how iOS validates active numbers against SIM registrations. The company emphasizes that only a small group of users – those who carry over inactive SIMs while also using an active one with the same number – are impacted. While annoying, the fix is considered straightforward once identified. The guidance also highlights how complex modern iPhone SIM management has become, with physical SIMs, eSIMs, and carrier configurations overlapping in ways that can confuse users.

Mixed reception of iOS 26

Beyond the iMessage hiccup, iOS 26 itself has been greeted with mixed opinions. Apple showcased a sleek redesign with cleaner menus and more cohesive visuals, earning praise from some corners. Others, however, argue that the system feels unfamiliar or even sluggish compared to earlier builds. Early adopters also complained about battery drain and scattered app glitches, though the release of iOS 26.0.1 addressed several of these headaches. Still, the iMessage situation serves as a reminder that not all problems are bugs waiting for patches – sometimes they stem from user configurations or deliberate design choices.

For now, Apple reassures users that iOS 26 is stable, polished, and improving with each incremental update. For those affected by iMessage activation failures, the path forward is clear: identify and remove inactive SIMs, reactivate messaging, and enjoy the blue bubbles once again.