Since iOS 26 was released last month, some iPhone users have had problems using iMessage with their phone numbers. Apple has now published a new support document on its website addressing the problem and providing a potential fix.
Here’s how Apple describes the problem:
When you update to iOS 26, you might not be able to activate iMessage with your phone number if you have an inactive SIM with the same phone number as your active SIM.
Among the issues users affected by this problem might face are:
iMessages fail to send with a “Not Delivered” alert.
Text messages can only be sent and received as SMS or RCS messages and use a green bubble.
Messages are sent using an email address rather than a phone number.
The same phone number may be displayed twice under Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive.
Apple says the problem is due to users having an active eSIM with the same number as your active SIM. Here’s Apple’s guidance on how to fix this:
In the Settings app, tap Cellular. If there are two SIMs displayed that have the same phone number, find the one that is no longer active.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. After you remove the inactive SIM, return to the Settings app and tap Apps. Tap Messages. Tap Send & Receive. Tap the displayed phone number to activate iMessage.
Have you had this problem since installing iOS 26 last month? Does Apple’s guidance fix the problem? Let us know down in the comments.
(h/t MacRumors)
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