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

[Lori]

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!

[Nancyg]

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.

[VirginPlusAntgio]

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.

[Lori]

Hi @VirginPlusAntgio 

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

[Nancyg]

Hello @VirginPlusAntgio 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

[VirginPlusAntgio]

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.

[Nancyg]

• 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

[Lori]

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

[VirginPlusAntgio]

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.

[AB2]

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!

[VirginPlusAntgio]

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. 

[VirginPlusDRock · Accepted solution]

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.

@VirginPlusDRock - Community Manager