iPhone shows the wrong number after I transfer (port) my number / iMessage no longer working

When you transfer your number (also called ‘porting’ or ‘keep my number’) to a new SIM, the transfer is usually completed within 24 hours. Calls, texts, and data start using your correct number straight away.

But on iPhones, iMessage and FaceTime can sometimes still show the temporary number that came with your SIM. This is just Apple caching the old number and can be fixed with a few steps.

Step 1 – Check your number in “My Card”

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap Contacts.
3. At the very top, open My Card (your own contact record).
4. Tap Edit and make sure your correct number is entered.
5. Save and restart your iPhone.

Step 2 – Refresh iMessage and FaceTime

1. Go to Settings → Messages. Turn iMessage off.
2. Go to Settings → FaceTime. Turn FaceTime off.
3. Restart your iPhone.
4. Go back and turn iMessage and FaceTime on again.
5. Under Send & Receive, check that your correct number is ticked.

Step 3 – Reset network settings (if still stuck)

If the wrong number is still showing:

1. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
2. Your phone will restart.
3. Turn iMessage/FaceTime back on.

(Note: this will remove saved Wi-Fi networks and VPNs, so you may need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.)

Step 4 – Sign out of iCloud and back in

If the issue persists:

1. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out.
2. Restart your iPhone.
3. Sign back into your Apple ID.
4. Re-enable iMessage and FaceTime.

This forces Apple’s servers to refresh and usually clears the old SIM number.

Step 5 – Contact Apple Support (last resort)

If none of the above works, the issue is on Apple’s side — their activation servers sometimes keep the old SIM number. In that case, contact Apple Support and ask them to reset your iMessage/FaceTime registration.

• Online: [https://getsupport.apple.com]()
• UK Phone: 0800 107 6285
• Apple Support app: open the app → iPhone → iMessage → connect to Advisor

Message you can give Apple:

My number transfer (port) completed successfully and calls/texts work on my correct number (07xxx xxxxxx), but iMessage/FaceTime still shows the old SIM number. I’ve updated My Card, restarted, reset network settings, and signed out of iCloud, but the issue persists. Please reset iMessage/FaceTime registration for my Apple ID.

Common questions

No — your phone will always use your correct number for calls and texts once the transfer/port completes. This issue only affects Apple’s display.

Updated on: 29/09/2025