topic Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation” in Mobility

RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Lori — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:28:00 GMT

Hi I recently installed an eSIM for a trip overseas and ever since then my Rcs has been saying “waiting for activation” on my iPhone(13). I’ve done everything you could possibly imagine (toggle it on and off, speak with tech support, turn my line off and on, update my phone to the most recent iOS, disable my number and reactivate the sim, speak with Apple, the list goes on. I’m starting to think I’ll never get my RCS to work ever and I’ll just have to get a new number and new provider. If anyone can help please do!

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Nancyg — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:53:21 GMT

The exact same thing has happened to me. Have tried all the trouble shooting steps and spoken to 3 different virgin reps. One told me to contact Apple another rep told me to contact google. Under the ‘learn more’ on RCS setting clearly states “RCS is a carrier provided service. When your device connects to your cellular network, it communicates with your carrier …and provide a connection” Would appear this is a virgin issue.

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

VirginPlusAntonie — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:07:54 GMT

Hey there @Lori and @Nancyg ,

Welcome to the community and thanks for your posts.

In order for the community to best assist, some clarification is needed;

You mentioned recently adding an eSIM for a trip overseas, is the eSIM provided by Virgin Plus or it is an international eSIM?
Are you currently overseas when trying to activate the RCS feature or you have returned?
Are you currently functioning with two SIMs on your device? If so, which SIM is primary for your iMessages (Virgin Plus SIM/eSIM or International eSIM)?
When speaking with our technical support team, was a ticket opened?
When speaking with Apple, what was tested/suggested?
Have you checked out our Unable to activate RCS with new phone? thread? It is mainly for Android support, however the suggestions may help.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Lori — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:14:21 GMT

Hi @VirginPlusAntonie

I have returned and I used an international eSIM from Airalo. I have deleted the eSIM and also deleted my phone number and account incase that still tied it to my number. And still nothing.

I currently only have my Virgin eSIM on my device which is what I was using for RCS prior to my trip.

Apple suggested restarting and logging out of my iCloud. And also updating my phone. Ultimately they said it was a carrier issue if none of this works.

As far as I’m aware a ticket was not opened. I don’t think any staff member was clearly understanding the issue or how to resolve it either so if a ticket was created it might have been closed.

And yes I have tried that page and nothing worked.

Thanks

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Nancyg — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:14:42 GMT

Hello @VirginPlusAntonie my situation is almost exactly the same as Lori’s. I have returned from a trip and used an ESIM from airolo in Italy while abroad. I have deleted the Esim along with the airolo app. I have done a factory reset settings on my phone, signed in and out of Apple ID, toggled airplane mode on and off along with my line and data settings on and off. I have turned my phone off and on and removed and replaced my SIM card and still waiting for RCS to activate. A virgin rep told me to contact Apple, but I did not contact them as everything I have researched on the Apple site indicates it is a provider issue. A second rep told me it is a google issue, but my understanding is that would only be relevant for an android device and not an iPhone.
thx

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

VirginPlusAntonie — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:07:37 GMT

Thanks for confirming @Lori and @Nancyg ,

While you mentioned the troubleshooting you've attempted, after some research on the matter, I've found some testing that was successful for others.

I'll outline the troubleshooting steps that I found below;

Basic troubleshooting steps

Enable RCS: Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and make sure the toggle is on.
Restart your phone: Turn your iPhone off and then back on to refresh its data connections.
Check your iOS version: Ensure your phone is updated to iOS 18 or later.
Toggle RCS and restart: Turn RCS messaging off in the settings, restart your phone, and then turn it back on.

Advanced troubleshooting

Reset network settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. You will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords afterward.
Toggle iMessage and FaceTime: Turn off iMessage and FaceTime, then reset network settings, restart your iPhone, and enable them again.

Some users report that it can take a few hours or even a couple of days for the system to fully provision RCS after you've enabled it or switched phones.

We also invite you to check out Why is RCS not working between my iPhone running iOS 18 and Android? on the Apple community forum.

Please try the troubleshooting steps that you haven't tried yet and/or try in the pattern mentioned above and let the community know the outcome.

Thanks.

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Nancyg — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:00:39 GMT

Hello, I have tried all of the basic and advanced trouble shooting steps (at 11 am on Oct 27), and RCS message stills reads ‘waiting for activation …’
thx

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Lori — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 10:58:28 GMT

Hi Antgio,

I’ve tried the basic and complex steps and still my rcs says waiting for activation. When I go on the form you sent it looks like when I go to settings>general> about> and go to carrier it only shows SMS & voice. So as of right now for my phone virgin does not support RCS. I think it would be helpful to somehow re-port my number to my phone. I don’t think there’s anything I can do on my end further to trouble shoot this.
otherwise if re-porting doesn’t would I need to get a new phone number to fix this issue? That would be less than ideal, but if I must I will I guess.

thanks

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

VirginPlusAntonie — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:07:19 GMT

Thanks for the confirmation @Nancyg and @Lori ,

We will be happy to help as best as we can and have sent you both a private message with what we need to get started.

Please check your Messages within your profile avatar in the top right corner.

Unsure how to check or send a private message? See How to send a private message

Thanks.

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

AB2 — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:47:22 GMT

I have the exact same issue using eSim overseas and when coming back, RCS stop working on my Apple 14 device. Initially told my plan didn't cover RCS, so they added the feature, then I was told it was a Google issue and for me to contact google (yah right), then after my third call they transferred me to Apple support who did the same test and told me RCS is a carrier issues. I've been without group chats relying on RCS for 5 days now and if not resolved soon, I'll have to find a new carrier!

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

VirginPlusAntonie — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:17:14 GMT

Hey there @AB2 ,

Welcome to the community and thanks for your post.

In order to best assist, some clarification will be needed. Please review and provide/test the solutions mentioned above and let the community know if the issue persists after.

Looking forward to hearing back from you.

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

VirginPlusAlexander — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:06:06 GMT

Hey everyone, wanted to jump in here to share that we have been investigating and have confirmed there is an issue with RCS verification at this time. Thank you all for sharing the in-depth troubleshooting steps completed.

We are currently working with the associated teams on a resolution and will update this thread when confirmed.

@VirginPlusAlexander - Community Manager

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Lori — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 03:22:42 GMT

Great thanks. Is there an estimate on when this may get fixed. Because I’d rather switch providers if it’s going to take over a month.

thanks,

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Nancyg — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 11:22:41 GMT

Good morning, would appreciate an update on this situation.
thx

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Lori — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 11:17:47 GMT

I’m not sure if the system is fixed but my RCS is working now. I was trying to troubleshoot yesterday, but don’t know if that helped or if it was fixed by virgin!

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Nancyg — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:02:33 GMT

That’s great Lori 😀 I still am waiting for my RCS to activate. Question, did you turn off your RCS for a period? I have read that turning off RCS for a full 10 days may cause the (google/Jibe) server to update their identifiers which are then exchanged /verified / matched with your carrier. I suspect the RCS server identifiers are not matching carrier service identifiers/configuration may be the issue. I have not yet tried turning off RCS for the full 10 days. Thx

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Jericho991 — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:16:32 GMT

Will this be fixed one day ..... it as been almost a month

try all that

Step 1: Turn Everything Off

On your new phone, open Google Messages.
Go to Settings > RCS chats.
Turn the RCS chats toggle OFF. If it's stuck on "Setting up" or "Connecting," do your best to disable it. If you can't, proceed anyway.
Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone. The rest of the process should be done on mobile data.
Step 2: Use Google's Deactivation Portal

This is the most critical step to force de-registration from Google's end. You mentioned not receiving a code, which can happen if the system is overloaded with requests. It's crucial to try again.

On a computer or separate device, go to Google's official deactivation web portal: https://messages.google.com/disable-chat
Scroll down to the section titled "Without your previous device".
Enter your phone number and click "Send Code".
Enter the 6-digit code you receive via SMS.
This should confirm that RCS chats have been deactivated for your number. If you still don't get a code, wait an hour and try again before proceeding.
Step 3: Reset the Apps and Wait

After successfully deactivating via the web portal, you need to give the system time to process it.

On your phone, go to Settings > Apps > Carrier Services. Select Storage and tap Clear Data.
Go back to the app list and find Google Messages. Select Storage and tap Clear Data.
Power off your phone completely for at least 5 minutes.
Power it back on.
DO NOT open Google Messages or try to activate RCS yet. You must now wait. The recommended waiting period is 24 hours, but some users report needing to wait up to 8-10 days for the server-side registration to fully clear. Patience is essential here.
Step 4: Reactivate

After the waiting period (at least 24 hours), ensure your phone has a strong mobile data connection.
Open Google Messages. It will go through the initial setup.
A pop-up should ask if you want to enable RCS chats. Agree to it.
Go to Settings > RCS chats. It should now show "Status: Connecting" and then change to "Status: Connected" within a few minutes. dont receveive sms code from google

here is the response Contact Your Carrier
If you have waited 24 hours, ensured your number is entered correctly, and still cannot receive the code, your phone carrier may be blocking the incoming verification message. Contact your carrier to ensure you are able to receive messages from high-volume automated services.

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

Nancyg — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:10:39 GMT

Good morning after a multitude of trouble shooting attempts my RCS is now working. I turned off my RCS for 10 days and when I turned my RCS back on this morning it connected immediately. I suspect the RCS server (I understand virgin/ bell use google jibe) was still linked to my old verification info from using a travel eSIM. Normally a change in device, sim swap, or number port should trigger the RCS server to update the change, but doesn’t appear this was happening. Appears turning off RCS for a period (I have read anywhere from 7 to 10 days), causes an RCS ‘reset’ for device identifiers which are then exchanged/matched with your carrier. But this is just a theory, maybe a virgin rep can confirm?

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

FizzyRabbit — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:57:44 GMT

Has this been resolved? I still have this issue with my RCS setting indicating "waiting for activation". I have attempted all troubleshooting suggestions and they did nothing. I did notice that my IMS status indicates "voice & SMS" instead of "voice, SMS, and RCS" like I've read that it should. I have an iPhone and currently have iOS 26.2

Re: RCS not activating after using international eSIM - “waiting for activation”

VirginPlusAntonie — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 19:31:56 GMT

Hey there @FizzyRabbit ,

Welcome to the community and thanks for your post.

After a quick search, I found other users on IOS26 facing similar issues.

Below is what I found;

iOS 26 RCS issues often involve activation problems ("Waiting for activation"), failed deliveries, or messages defaulting to SMS/MMS, usually fixed by toggling RCS in Settings, force-restarting, resetting network settings, or waiting for patches, as it's a common post-update bug related to provisioning or software glitches, especially when switching between Wi-Fi/cellular or using VPNs.

Common iOS 26 RCS Issues

"Waiting for Activation": The status stuck on this, preventing RCS from working.
Messages Fail/Not Delivered: Green bubbles appear, or messages show as "Not Delivered" but are received by Android users.
RCS Not Working on Wi-Fi/VPN: Issues where RCS only functions on cellular or vice versa.

Troubleshooting Steps

Restart/Re-enable RCS: Turn off RCS in Settings > Messages, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Force-restart your iPhone if needed (Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side Button).
Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This clears Wi-Fi passwords but not personal data.
Check SIM/eSIM: Remove and reinsert your physical SIM card or toggle your eSIM off and on.
Toggle iMessage: In Settings > Messages, turn iMessage off and back on. Check that your phone number is selected under Send & Receive.

Give those a shot and let the community know the outcome.