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theriddler

macrumors regular
Original poster
Dec 6, 2011
110
42
UK
Am abroad and swapped out my physical SIM for a local one as I need a local number for calls. How do I retain my phone number for iMessage and FaceTime? When I first removed my SIM, the phone number remained active for 25 days. After that, I replaced my original SIM and retained it for 24 hours (as advised online) until I got the message that my number is available for iMessage. However, when I remove the SIM, the number now disappears from iMessage.
 
Message and FaceTime use your Apple ID as the primary means of identification, so you don't necessarily need a phone number to use these services. However, if you do want to associate a phone number with your Apple ID for use with iMessage and FaceTime, you can do so by following these steps:

* Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone or iPad.
* Tap on your name at the top of the screen to access your Apple ID settings.
* Tap on "Name, Phone Numbers, Email".
* Under the "PHONE NUMBERS" section, tap "Add Phone Number".
* Enter your phone number and tap "Next".
* You will receive a verification code via SMS. Enter the code when prompted to complete the verification process.
Once your phone number is associated with your Apple ID, you can use it for iMessage and FaceTime. Keep in mind that if you want to use iMessage and FaceTime on multiple devices, you will need to associate the same phone number with each device.
 
Yes, but I have removed my SIM because I need to have a local SIM when travelling. The phone number is lost once I remove my original SIM. Adding the phone number from the Apple ID screen doesn't help it show up if the SIM associated isn't inserted.
 
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