Alex Ruben
How To Resolve “This Phone Number Cannot Be Used” Error in iMessage and FaceTime in 2025
If that message pops up saying your phone number can’t be used by iMessage or FaceTime, it’s pretty annoying. Happens to a lot of folks at some point. Usually, it’s a mix of software glitches, network hiccups, or just some weird setting somewhere. Here’s a step-by-step rundown of what’s worked before—though, of course, sometimes it’s a bit of trial and error.
Method 1: Check for iOS Updates
This might seem basic, but trust me, keeping the device up-to-date can fix a bunch of little bugs. Apple pushes updates that patch these kinds of issues, so don’t skip this.
- Open Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Select Software Update.
- If an update is waiting, download and install it. On some phones, it might ask for a restart—you’ll see a prompt.
Running the latest version helps the system talk to Apple’s servers without hiccups. After updating, try re-enabling iMessage and FaceTime. Sometimes, it’s just that easy.
Method 2: Set Date & Time Automatically
Strange, but incorrect date/time can block your phone from connecting properly with Apple’s servers. To fix this:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General, then Date & Time.
- Turn on Set Automatically.
Expect your system to sync the exact right time zone. If it’s off, iMessage and FaceTime can freak out. Not sure why it works, but on some setups, this fixes the number recognition issue.
Method 3: Verify Language & Region Settings
If the region is out of whack, your phone might not sync correctly with Apple’s servers, especially if you’re using a different country setup or VPNs. To check:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down to General.
- Tap on Language & Region.
- Make sure your region is correct. Sometimes, just resetting it to where you really are can make a difference.
This has helped more than a few people get their numbers recognized again.
Method 4: Disconnect from VPN & Other Network Tweaks
If you’re using a VPN, this could interfere with Apple’s activation servers. To test if that’s the culprit:
- Open Settings.
- Go to VPN and switch it off or disconnect.
Now, try to toggle iMessage and FaceTime again. Sometimes, VPNs, especially the free or unreliable ones, cause weird connectivity issues.
Method 5: Restart the Phone
Yeah, it sounds trivial, but a quick restart clears out temporary glitches that might be messing with your services. To do it:
- Hold the power button (or volume down + side key on newer models) until the slide to power off appears.
- Slide to turn it off, wait a few seconds.
- Press the same button to turn it back on.
On some devices, this resets the network stack just enough to kickstart the activation process again. Worked for me—hope it helps you, too.
Method 6: Check Screen Time & Restrictions
If you’ve got Screen Time enabled, it could block certain features like iMessage or FaceTime. To verify:
- Open Settings.
- Tap on Screen Time.
- Click on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Toggle it off temporarily for testing, or check if iMessage & FaceTime are specifically restricted.
Sometimes, a simple toggle here is all that’s needed. Been there, done that, moved on.
Method 7: Sign Out & Sign Back Into Apple ID
This sometimes resets the whole account connection and forces the servers to re-recognize your number.
- In Settings, tap your Apple ID at the top.
- Scroll down and hit Sign Out. You’ll get a confirmation prompt.
- Sign back in with your Apple ID credentials.
This feels a bit invasive, but on one setup it worked right away, on another, it needed a quick reboot afterward. Worth a shot if all else fails.
Method 8: Contact Apple Support
If none of this helps, maybe it’s something weird with your account or a backend glitch. Time to reach out to Apple Support. Sometimes, they can reset some backend flags or do a deep dive that isn’t accessible to end users.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Make sure your internet connection’s solid—Wi-Fi or cellular data. And it’s always worth checking their System Status page to see if there are any outages messing things up.
Summary
- Update to the latest iOS version.
- Make sure date & time are automatic.
- Check country and language settings.
- Disconnect VPNs during activation.
- Restart the device.
- Review Screen Time restrictions.
- Sign out and back into your Apple ID.
- Contact support if stuck.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. It’s a pain, but usually one of these gets it sorted. Fingers crossed this helps.