Apple Details Fix for iMessage Activation Bug in iOS 26

Apple has published a new support document outlining an iMessage activation bug that can occur after updating to iOS 26. The issue affects users who have both an active SIM and an inactive SIM—either physical or eSIM—that are associated with the same phone number on their device.

According to the company, this configuration can lead to several problems. Users might see iMessages fail with a "Not Delivered" alert, or find their conversations have reverted to standard SMS/RCS messages, which appear as green bubbles. The bug can also cause messages to be sent from an email address instead of a phone number and may display the same number twice under Send & Receive settings.

Apple's recommended fix involves removing the inactive SIM from the device. For a physical SIM, this means taking it out of the SIM tray. If it's an eSIM, it can be deleted in the Cellular section of the Settings app.


Once the inactive SIM is gone, users can return to the Messages settings and tap their phone number to reactivate it for iMessage.

Remove or delete an inactive SIM and activate iMessage

1. In the Settings app, tap Cellular.

2. If there are two SIMs displayed that have the same phone number, find the one that is no longer active. If the inactive SIM is a physical SIM, remove the physical SIM. If the inactive SIM is an eSIM, tap Delete eSIM to remove the inactive eSIM.


3. After you remove the inactive SIM, return to the Settings app and tap Apps.

4. Tap Messages.

5. Tap Send & Receive.

6. Tap the displayed phone number to activate iMessage.

More details at the link below...

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