iMessage activation issue

Thank you, my iMessage activated almost immediately after phone restart
I've been having issues with the same since last week, and it seems that the issue either persists or came back. Can anyone confirm?
 
I've been having issues with the same since last week, and it seems that the issue either persists or came back. Can anyone confirm?
Tried to activate it again yesterday. It failed. Doesn’t look like it’s resolved.
 
Hi all. The iMessage activation issue was resolved by Vodacom last night. Deactivate, then reactivate and wait about 24 hrs
This issue WAS RESOLVED BY VODACOM. Why not ask @RBooley to explain as I have it on good information that certain phone settings had to changed. The problem originally was caused by Vodafone UK,which has been resolved, besides the phone settings of RBooley.
@duckgray Try checking your phone settings.
 
Last edited:
This issue WAS RESOLVED BY VODACOM. Why not ask @RBooley to explain as I have it on good information that certain phone settings had to changed. The problem originally was caused by Vodafone UK,which has been resolved, besides the phone settings of RBooley.
@duckgray Try checking your phone settings.
Which settings exactly?
 
Which settings exactly?

Also interested. I don't get the SMS errors anymore, but I can't seem to get the blue tick next to my number under iMessage setup (just endlessly spins and then eventually just disappears with no tick).
 
This issue WAS RESOLVED BY VODACOM. Why not ask @RBooley to explain as I have it on good information that certain phone settings had to changed. The problem originally was caused by Vodafone UK,which has been resolved, besides the phone settings of RBooley.
@duckgray Try checking your phone settings.
I just gave up... It does NOT work for me. Same issue as Praemon. And yes, I did ask RBooley.

Furthermore, Vodacom charged me R1.74 again multiple times on 27 and 28 July for SMS Usage out-of-bundle (After you posted this). So it is NOT resolved for everyone.
 
I just gave up... It does NOT work for me. Same issue as Praemon. And yes, I did ask RBooley.

Furthermore, Vodacom charged me R1.74 again multiple times on 27 and 28 July for SMS Usage out-of-bundle (After you posted this). So it is NOT resolved for everyone.
Tried again yesterday. Not working and VC charged me R10.44 just for trying. :mad:

Also tried calling their call centre but I can't even get to a consultant.


IMG_3239.PNG
 
I queried R 45.00 worth of International SMS's - all to the same number - with Vodacom this morning after I recently upgraded my iPhone handset. They had no clue as to what the charges were for, so I looked up the number and identified it as the iMessage activation number. I switched from 5G back to 4G after experiencing voice quality issues, and then only did my iMessage work. ‍♀️iMessage SMS attempts.PNG I am furious that the issue even exists - nice way to boost your SMS revenue Vodacom!
 
This may help some people. I don''t understand it, but loading airtime onto my iPhone (if you're on prepaid) resolved the iMessage activation error as detailed here in a MyBroadband article.

I erased my iPhone the other day and restored from backup. Upon restoring, iMessage wouldn't activate, it had been working fine previously. I stumbled on the MyBroadband article about loading airtime onto the phone, did so, switched iMessage off, then switched it on and immediately iMessage activated.
Thanks Ted76, so here's the kicker: if like me you are on an unlimited local SMS's and calls / airtime package (postpaid), why should I have to purchase airtime / SMS's to activate iMessage when I upgrade my iPhone handset? It just doesn't make sense. But then again Vodacom score additional revenue out of the iMessage SMS issue, so it's not like they will hurry themselves to resolve the problem. Quite frankly there should be a local server we can connect to instead of a server in the UK. Muppets!
 
I’m a contract user and cannot activate iMessage on my new iPhone. Worked fine before the upgrade to the new phone on Friday. Spoke to Apple who referred me to Vodacom. Spoke to Vodacom, who checked my settings (APN, international SMS, etc) and confirmed all is good. I can already see R36 of International SMS charges on my bill, so the activation message is reaching Vodacom but getting lost somewhere between Vodacom and Apple.

Agent confirmed that her colleague is unable to activate her number as well, so this must be a widespread issue. The agent has now escalated the matter. Now to try and get to the right technical person who can resolve this…
 
I’m a contract user and cannot activate iMessage on my new iPhone. Worked fine before the upgrade to the new phone on Friday. Spoke to Apple who referred me to Vodacom. Spoke to Vodacom, who checked my settings (APN, international SMS, etc) and confirmed all is good. I can already see R36 of International SMS charges on my bill, so the activation message is reaching Vodacom but getting lost somewhere between Vodacom and Apple.

Agent confirmed that her colleague is unable to activate her number as well, so this must be a widespread issue. The agent has now escalated the matter. Now to try and get to the right technical person who can resolve this…
Good luck, I've had a ticket logged with them since July. Bizarre as many people must be activating their iphones since the 14 came out.
 
Bizarre indeed! To make this situation even more annoying, I received an FNB pre-paid sim yesterday for one of the kids. Popped it in the old iPhone and iMessage activated within seconds.
 
Bizarre indeed! To make this situation even more annoying, I received an FNB pre-paid sim yesterday for one of the kids. Popped it in the old iPhone and iMessage activated within seconds.
@rviljoen - Strangely no one has defined imessage services yet.
1- iMessage Apple - Proprietary OS
1.1 Is an Apple Service exclusive to i-phones.
1.2 This iMessage server is NOT allied to ANY Network.
1.3 Networks eg. like Vodacom, MTN and Cell C etc. use their backend connection to 1.2.
1.3.1 Vodacom used Vodafone UK for this connection.
1.3.2 It is Unkown which connection is used by any other network.
1.3.3 FNB piggybacks on Cell C.

2- RCS Messaging by Google Android- Open-Source OS
2.1 Using a pure Android phone eg. Pixel and Android One device will have Messages by Google LLC app installed (Not sure about those altered brands of Android (Android One = https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_One )
2.2 This, functions well without activation issues.

3- Conclusion
3.1 RCS Messaging(Google) = iMessage(Apple)
3.2 It unknown why Vodacom has issues with Vodafone UK in activating iMessage service.
3.3 It also a fact that Apple full of "Bull Sugar and Ice Tea" when it comes server Authentication etc.

Hoping this brings greater understanding to the table.

It is suggested that Vodacom customer's follow the Email method to resolve.

1) Compile a message clearly explaining this problem which should include past service references to [email protected] allow for ± 7 business day to responses ensuring you get a SR number.
2) If no response to your satisfaction after 7 business days. Compile a properly and clearly constructed message containing all SR in the title to [email protected]. We are sure that you should receive contact from advanced support with a resolution.
3) This has been most effective method to resolve ALL or ANY other issues in general.
 
Last edited:
Just thought I'd comment on here. Also with Vodacom, got a 5GB/200min/150SMS RED top-up package. Managed to get iMessage to work once before, ran into the same issue today where it doesn't activate. From what I remember, it tries to send a message to a +44 number which is not covered by the 150SMSs (which is dumb). After purchasing airtime, it charges roughly R1.80 (looks like others in this forum get charged the same) and is then activated.

Not saying this will work for everyone, but just buy R2 airtime (minimum on Vodacom) and give it a bash!
 
I removed my number from WASPA and iMessage was activated instantly
 
Hello all. I have a client who is currently traveling in the US and he bought his new Iphone 14 there. I sent him the QR code for the esim from the system and it activated fine. He now however also cant get his iMessage to activate. Anyone had any luck or advice?

@jannievanzyl , is this a general issue with iMessage on Vodacom?
 
Hello all. I have a client who is currently traveling in the US and he bought his new Iphone 14 there. I sent him the QR code for the esim from the system and it activated fine. He now however also cant get his iMessage to activate. Anyone had any luck or advice?

@jannievanzyl , is this a general issue with iMessage on Vodacom?
It is very definitely an issue with Vodacom but they appear to be just ignoring it.
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X