iOS 26 brought a big and gorgeous redesign and many tweaks across the board, but unfortunately, some bugs as well. Apple recently released iOS 26.0.1, fixing some of the most annoying issues, and now it's providing troubleshooting steps for iPhone users who are unable to activate iMessage with a phone number in iOS 26.
Apple provides troubleshooting steps for iMessage iOS 26 issue
According to the Cupertino tech giant, some users may not be able to activate iMessage with a phone number if they have an inactive SIM or eSIM with the same phone number as an active SIM on the iPhone.
Basically, if you're experiencing the problem, you will see a "Not Delivered" alert for sent iMessages. Also, you won't be able to receive any iMessages. Messages are instead sent and received via RCS and SMS - you can see that by the green bubbles instead of blue bubbles for iMessages.
Alternatively, iMessages may also be sent using an email address instead of a phone number.
Image Credit - Apple
To fix this situation, you are advised to remove the inactive SIM and attempt to reactivate iMessage. To delete an eSIM that's not currently being used, you should go to the Cellular section in the Settings app. Basically, you should delete the inactive SIM if there are two displayed sporting the same phone number.
If it's a physical SIM that's inactive, you should remove it from the iPhone. After you've removed the inactive SIM, iMessage can be activated by going to Messages, then tapping on Send and Receive, and then tapping on the displayed phone number.
Have you experienced issues with iMessage on iOS 26?
Yes, and it’s frustrating
33.33%
No, everything works fine
52.78%
Not on iOS 26 yet
8.33%
I don’t use iMessage
5.56%
So, that's not technically a bug
The support page gives you clear instructions on what you should do if you're facing this situation. So apparently, this is not a bug that iOS 26 has brought to your phone, but rather, it is by design. Luckily, fixing it should be easy if you happen to be one of the small number of users who have inactive SIMs.
iOS 26 is received with mixed feelings
iOS 26 has a gorgeous new design, in my opinion, but its launch has been greeted by mixed feelings. Some users are not entirely convinced they like the new OS, and some of the bugs can be annoying.
Luckily, from now on, things should improve as Apple has addressed the most annoying bugs and is providing steps like the above if you're experiencing some hurdle. And, for now, at least, I stand by my opinion in favor of iOS 26.
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Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master's degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She's also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it's walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.
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