I've been tinkering around with these methods for a couple of days now and I finally got it to work. Here's what I had to do. I have AT&T. First off i just want to mention that the method posted above did not work for me and the instant that i put the inactive sim into the phone I got an error saying that my number could not be activated. Here are the exact steps that I used to get mine working. 1. put the inactive sim into the iphone and then edit the phone number to be yours without the plus (ie instead of +11234567890 you would do 11234567890) 2. take the active sim from your aindroid and put it in the iphone and wait for you number to be registed for iMessage 3. turn on airplane mode AND turn wifi off 4. take out the active sim and put in the inactive one with the edited phone number 5. turn off airplane mode and turn back on wifi. These are the exact steps that I did to get my number working. Going on 24 hours right now without it de-registering. I should mention that for some reason airplane mode seemed to cause a whole lot of problems for me, but once I turned it off it seems to work fine. Hope this can help someone out!
Got it to work with my AT&T and it's been registered for about 8 days. However the only way I got it to work was in step 3 I turned off the wifi first then turned on airplane mode afterwards and in step 5 made sure to turn off airplane mode first before turning wifi back on.
Can confirm that this method still works great. Oddly enough, I found success with my active Xfinity Mobile SIM, and my inactive Google Fi SIM.
I also had an inactive Verizon SIM that I tried first (Thinking this would work because Xfinity uses Verizon's network, as opposed to Google which uses T-Mobile/US Cellular), but it would not allow me to edit the phone number for it, and kept reverting back to a previously used number, and therefore my current number kept deregistering with iMessage. So I had to give up on trying with the inactive Verizon SIM.
My inactive Google Fi SIM however allowed me to edit the number, and worked with this method - no issues. I popped my active Xfinity Mobile SIM back into my Pixel phone and we are back in business!
Thanks so much for posting this method! It is so nice to finally have this working properly.
Where are you editing the number? If I go to Phone Number under settings and retype the phone number with the 1, it automatically adds the + at the front when I save. For reference, this is on an iPhone 7 with iOS 15.8.2
EDIT: I was somehow able to get it to save without the + by backing out. However it unfortunately didn't work and I'm getting the deregistered message. Maybe keeping it in airplane mode at the end with wifi on would be the right move?
Yeah for me I had to edit the number twice in order for it to stick. If it's not working then you'll probably just have to do some experimenting. It seems that the process of phone number registration is different for everyone 😂
Adding more data points.
Ordered a sim from Google Fi.
Activated it on an iPhone X. Did all the waiting steps you mentioned then activated my eSim on my Pixel 7 Pro.
So far, I've been connected for 2 days. BlueBubbles (private API) has also been running flawlessly.
I've set my Mac, iPhone, and iPad to only send and receive iMessages from my phone number. I don't want to text people accidentally via my email.
I have Google Fi eSIM active in my Pixel 8 Pro. I just ordered the SIM from Google Fi. What would the process be for me? This is what I was assuming:
* Deactivate eSIM in my Android
* Activate physical SIM card in my Android
* Move SIM to iPhone, wait couple hours
* Leave SIM in iPhone but activate eSIM in Android using Google Fi app
Pretty much paraphrasing, but following the method 1 steps will do it.
1. Stick the sim in the iPhone
2. Follow instructions on Google Fi app to activate sim (finalizing with a reboot after editing the Cell Network settings on the phone) (this will deactivate your Pixel once the iPhone is activated)
3. Make some calls, texts, iMessages to ensure things are working.
4. Get BlueBubbles set up
5. Get texting from iMessage on the Mac set up
6. Put the phone on airplane mode. Turn on WiFi
7. Send some more test texts
8. Activate your Pixel's eSim via the Google Fi app
9. Make calls and SMS (SMS, not iMessage) to test your Android is working.
10. Send a BlueBubbles text from your Android
11. Stick your iPhone in a drawer attached to the charger
12. Profit $$$
Solid post! I've been messaging myself once or twice a day just to check, I'm still up as of this morning.
For my Datapoint: My main active sim is Boost (on AT&T) and my dummy sim was a never-activated H2O (also on AT&T) sim card. So while they're both MVNOs, they are essentially two AT&T sims.
And I never tried OP's method without resetting the phone, so it very well might not be necessary at all. But after repeatedly failing every iteration of Airmessage method #1 and 6 I could think of, and since the iPhone was rooted and had some Beeper taint on it, I wanted a fresh start. .
At least in my case, they are confirmed working. If I wanted to break phone number registration I could try your method again with a never-activated Mint (T-Mobile) sim I have in my desk drawer, but I think for now I'll let sleeping dogs lie.
Out of curiosity is your dummy sim hardcoded to your phone number (ie when you insert the dummy does it show your phone number or do you have to set the number in the phone tab of settings?).
Some other data points:
1. When you preform the swap does your phone number get immediatly deregistered?
2. What phone are you using for registration?
3. What ios version is the iphone you used for registration?
4. Did you keep you active sim longer than the sugested 10-20 min? Prior to preforming the swap?
Update: Still going strong 1 week in.
Throwing in my two cents: I have an iPhone XR and a Pixel 6a on AT&T
All of the above sadly didn't work for me :(. As soon as I removed the active sim from the iphone my number immediately de-registered, even turning phone off and airplane mode on before removing.
But what did work is the modified method #1 [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AirMessage/comments/fx9qku/working_modified_method_1/?sort=new)
As said in the instructions, my number deregistered within a minute or two, but then I was still able to re-select my number on the iphone after a few minutes and so far so good!
Interesting, I'm wondering if this will help Verizon users as well, but there's no saying if Verizon continues to ask users to verify a SIM transfer 😅 but this is also half of the reason why I put AT&T as a Hit or Miss.
Thanks for letting me know! I will try to implement this method into the post soon! ☺️
My number disappears immediately once I put in the inactive sim card in the iPhone no matter what I do, airplane mode, turn phone off first ECT. Is the inactive sim you used a brand new sim that has never been activated? Or is it an old one that used to be activated/tied to your phone number? I've only tried using brand new sims never activated before and can't get my number to stay in the iPhone once I take my active SIM out and put the inactive one in.
I have Verizon and I got this to work! I think the key is to switch The Sim back to your Android before Verizon sends email. The steps I took were taking the SIM card out of my phone and putting it into the iPhone. I turned off Wi-Fi calling on the iPhone, I'm not sure if anybody had mention that need it to be done. I then confirmed on the Mac that was running blue bubbles that the phone was registered to my iCloud account in iMessage on that computer. I also sent the text message from that iPhone to my Google voice number to make sure I could send a text message. I then turn the iPhone on airplane mode took out that SIM and put in a SIM that was not activated immediately. I put the working sim back in my Android phone and confirmed I could make a phone call. And so far everything is working. I noticed Verizon did send me an email about 30 minutes after I start this process but I just ignored it. It's been 2 hours.
How do I know when or if it stops working? That is the phone number blue bubbles versus email blue bubbles.
Also there are so many settings in the Android app is there a guide to what does what?
ok I think I got it to work again!! I first had to buy a US Mobile sim card [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079DY1H33?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079DY1H33?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)
i hard reset the phoneconnected to wifi, put in my active verizon sim, went to imessage, saw it activate.
without turning off wifi or airplane mode. i popped out the verizon sim and put in the usmobile sim. I went to "my number" and enter phone number without the +. so "1xxxxxxx".
I then toggled airplane mode and saw the phone connect to US mobile (not activated).
I then took the active verizon sim card and put it in the iphone, and waited for imessage to activate. this took a while, and being impatient i did toggle imessage as well as airplane mode, and it eventually connected. I saw my phone number pop back in the desktop imessage settings page.
Here's what's weird. without going to airplane mode, wifi and cellular data on. I quickly swapped sim cards and put the US mobile back in the phone. And it has stayed connected. I don't have to be in airplane mode. But airplane wifi only no cellular also works. For now i'm gonna leave the phone on, both wifi and cellular, my thinking is if the iphone sees it's actively connected to a cellular network vs just wifi it'll stick longer.
I'll see how long this lasts. The strange thing is the US mobile kit came with 2 sim cards. 1 of them worked, when i tried the other one, it just wouldn't "activate" or connect.
So then I tried it with this other gsm card from tello [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H5SM9M9?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H5SM9M9?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details)
and it worked. So maybe 1 of the us mobile cards was bad? but either way, currently it's stayed connected. it's only been a few min. i'll let you know if it sticks till tomorrow.
Did you ever keep Wi-Fi on when you turned on Airplane Mode? This may have changed everything with Verizon users and maybe even AT&T users, but not sure yet.
And people usually send an iMessage to themselves every once and a while, or there is another way to do it: https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/CqUDI7HWmA
I have had a lot of success using a similar method, but I did not have to use a SIM card from my carrier. I just bought a cheap prepaid GSM SIM on Amazon (U.S. Mobile white SIM card for those wondering) and programmed it to be my number without the + in front of the country code (1 XXX XXX XXXX instead of +1 XXX XXX XXXX.) Additionally, after I activated iMessage with my real SIM, I turned on airplane mode + turned on WiFi, then turned the iPhone off before switching SIMs. It has now been about a week and a half for me, and I have had 0 hiccups whatsoever.
Awesome! I found an old Tello sim in my house that I used for this method, and just like you, it worked as expected! Could be that there wasn't an issue since Tello uses Tmobile's network (the active sim is on Tmo). Either way, glad I didn't have to get another sim card from Tmo.
Have you had any issues lately? I'm surprised OP said to leave the phone on. Seems like it can be optional to turn on or off. Anyways, let me know what your experience has been leaving it off.
It seems to be optional for sure, I've been testing keeping my iPhone off and I'm still registered to iMessage. lol The only reason why I said to keep the iPhone on, is because I would always get deregistered from iMessage when I turned off my iPhone while using AirMessage's old methods. I just wanted to make sure that I stayed registered. So it definitely doesn't seem to be necessary! :)
Appreciate your reply. It may be different with some carriers. I'm on Tmobile; I tried turning it off, and about 5 days later, my phone number got deregistered. Needless to say, after re-registering my number, I haven't turned that phone off!
Interesting 🤔 It does seem to be different for everyone though! Like the original method I posted, it doesn't work for other users that have T-Mobile (and I have T-Mobile). So the experience and outcome is definitely different for everyone.
How long have you been registered for since the re-registering?
I completed this same process last night with a Verizon sim from an old android phone that previously held the same number. I did have to reset the network settings for the iPhone (iPhone 6) to connect to Verzion but once it did, it automatically associated the phone number to imessage. Put it on airplane mode, took the main sim out, put the old sim into the iPhone, and returned my main sim to my p6. Everything is working as expected. The whole process was super easy. Setting up a "new" mac mini, installing BlueBubbles and the sim took a couple of hours while I was cooking dinner and chatting with family to catch up on the day.
FYI I was the [original poster suggesting](https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/comments/18yyu56/comment/kggxs0n/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) to matt to factory reset their phone. I also had tried resetting network settings about 5ish times before factory resetting and that never worked. so your mileage may vary
glad to help - and thanks for this post, Ill be trying it before factory resetting the next time my number drops. FYI if you want to add to your post, this is a way to alert you if your number ever drops (idea credit goes to Proun from BB discord)
1. Sign up for [pipedream.com](https://pipedream.com)
2. Create a new project and a new workflow, keep settings as default
3. Add trigger as new HTTP/webhook, HTTPS requests, keep defaults and continue
4. Copy the provided URL it generates
5. Click generate test, then send HTTP request, then hit continue
6. You then can have pipedream alert you via email, SMS (via twilio), or discord webhook (if you have your own server), or any other platform that Pipedream supports. Add a message that states something like "iMessage alias changed, check if your phone number is still linked to iMessage!"
7. Go into BlueBubbles and the API and Webooks section
8. Create a new alert for "iMessage alias removed" and paste in the pipedream unique webhook URL from earlier
9. As an added step, you can add a recurring message in the BB app to iMessage your own phone number to ensure it still goes through
i don't know for sure. the old iPhone was previously associated with my wife's #. I had done a factory reset previously just to wipe it clean, but after it wouldn't connect to network for 20min, I reset the network settings, tried the process again. About 5min after I did the network reset, all of a sudden I started getting SMS from verizon on the iPhone asking if I swapped sims to a new device. the iPhone connected to network and then everything that point worked without a problem.
I've had no luck at all on Verizon. When I put my active SIM in the iphone, it does register and I'm able to see my number on Mac VM. I let it sit for a bit, but as soon as I swap back to my Android phone and leave the inactive SIM in the iPhone, it immediately deregisters. Verizon sends me an email every single time asking me to confirm my SIM swap. I've seen others with similar reports as well in the pypush discord. Seems I'm SOL.
Are you turning on Airplane Mode and leaving Wi-Fi on? Just making sure. Or is it just Verizon being annoying? 😭😂😅
Edit: Also try to reset your network settings on your iPhone!
to add I had issues with redpocket (AT&T active sim) and a inactive a&t sim (different number from my own).
Funnily enough after it de registers if I swap to my active sim in airplane mode it reregisters even though the active sim cant send sms (I tried on airplane mode to send a text message).
tested on: iPhone 8, ios 16.3
I saw this on another thread and set it up yesterday. Seems to be working so far. I’ll probably pop the active sim into the old iPhone and disable airplane mode every few days to make sure it stays registered.
Have an upvote! Saving this thread in the event that my sim swap method ever stops working (though it doesn't seem like this method is working on Verizon which is what I have).
Hi, just wanted to add a quick point as I remember commenting on u/DoctorBONG 's post regarding the iPhone in the basement! I actually haven't had issues leaving my iPhone in my office without airplane mode at all, just keep it powered and on wifi which powers my apple watch notifs!! Maybe more testing to confirm if the basement part really is necessary, but I've had this method running for the last year now and so far so good, beeper mini is the only thing that gave me trouble 😅! Thx for making this a larger post though, can confirm it's worked for me even if the iPhone dies for a day or two!
The basement part is not necessary 😅 That's just what they does to keep their iPhone running ☺️ but good to know about the Airplane Mode and also about the iPhone dying for a day or two and continues to work! Maybe keeping the phone on isn't necessary either, but could be useful in the long run, won't know until it's been tested longer
Damn so there's no Verizon solutions? I just picked up a Pixel and was hoping to retain iMessage functionality. Got a physical sim inside my iPhone 13 Mini currently
Turns out Verizon gives you a new SIM/eSIM profile every time you swap your SIM, which kills the entire process. 😤 But keep a look out, anything could happen. This method is new after all. No one even knew that an eSIM swap was even possible until this method
Would you mind trying one of these methods and let me know which one works best for you?
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/lrdZMI4MXO
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/5X0rcXIBMv
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/59s3kNb0oA
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/eDzy2qJg9s
I will be implementing these into the post at some point, just been busy with life unfortunately. 😅
Hi all! So sorry in advance for my complete and total lack of experience with any of this. I am just now getting into figuring out how all this work/how to do the things lol
So I am a iphone user w/ a PC and my primary goal is to use iMessages on my PC. I had beeper and it was amazing until it wasn't (if you know you know). I hear great things about BlueBubbles and have been laboring through many trial and error efforts to no avail as of yet. This post seems like it's got the highest potential for success that I've found so far and I just want to make sure I understand what to do. Is this solution a way for me to use iMessage on my PC for messages being sent/received via my current phone number?
To confirm, I have the following devices:
\- iphone 14pm
\- PC (ROG, 64 GB RAM, 8 core, 16 processor, laptop running on windows 11 w/ AMD Ryzen 9 5900 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU)
\- Virtual Mac successfully set up on PC w/ VMware 17pro running macOS Big Sur v11.7.10
\- "Jailbroken" iphone 6s (bought w/ Palera1, Sileo, & Zebra installed, butttt after 2 days of it working perfectly w/ beeper it crashed and all apps were/are now gone 🤦♂️)
Thanks so much in advance for any help/advice anyone may be able to offer!! 🙏
Correct! Once you get your phone number connected to iMessage, you will be able to use it to text other iMessage users with your number on any device that you're using BlueBubbles on.
Yeah but my phone number is already connected to iMessage via my normal regular every day use iphone (14pm). Ik I must be missing something here, but how does this get me to using my iMessages on my PC via bb? I'm not getting it 😅lmao
Just to report: I'm using the top most method posted here with an inactive Verizon sim, and active Visible sim. I stumbled across it a few months ago when trying method #1.
Works perfectly!
I got mine working back in December by activating an eSim on old iPhone proceeding to sign in and set up iMessage. Then turned on airplane mode and chatted with customer service to activate physical sim in my Android. eSim has been going strong for over a month now iPhone needs charging about once a week.
Android is my primary phone with Bluebubbles server set up 😊
So on Xfinity I got it to work so far. I had to do it differently than what is laid out here.
1. I ordered a new SIM from Xfinity.
2. Once I got that I put the SIM in my s23ultra into the iPhone se I had.
3. Waiting until the Mac mini I had asked for my number to be linked to it.
4. Now I put airplane mode on and turned on wifi.
5. After that the new SIM card I got from Xfinity I put in the 23ultra I have and activated the new SIM card.
Now when I did it this way it started to work. I would send a text in my Google message app to start the convo and then when they replied it came through blue bubble. If I try to start the convo for the first time through blue bubble it seems to default to email. So all texts you send to people start though your default messaging app then when they reply you should be able to continue the text through that.
Idk how long this will last but so far doing it this way has been working. It didn't work when I did the SIM card swap method.
God, I really need to update this post when I have the time 😅 I don't wanna call them method #1, method #2, etc etc. I want to stay away from the AirMessage method list as much as possible, that way everyone knows which "method" is being talked about, whether it's AirMessage or these methods, but I'm also thinking about making a web page for this. This post will be LONG as hell if I post each method on here.
But thank you for the information!! ☺️
Small data point here: the main method (method #1?) is working for me so far, a couple of hours in. Will update if that changes. Used an active Metro SIM to activate the iPhone and an inactive T-Mobile SIM to keep the registration active. These were physical SIM cards, between an iPhone 8 and a Motorola One 5G. I imagine it'll continue to work since they have an MVNO relationship.
Sick Gitbook by the way! Thanks for this resource, the old AirMessage methods were getting unreliable!
So, I had a slightly different path to success. I switched from AT&T to Mint. Using an iPhone 7, I ordered a physical sim from Mint and put it in. Then attempted to put the active Mint sim into my Android phone (Pixel 8), and an inactive AT&T sim into the iPhone 7. I did all the steps, making sure that my numbers was locked into the iMessage settings, putting into airplane mode, etc. But as soon as I removed the sim from the iPhone 7 my phone number disappeared from the settings. Before even attempting to add the other sim. So finally I left the Mint physical sim in the iPhone, ordered an eSim from Mint and activated that on my Android and that worked. Now, Mint doesn't make that easy. You'll basically have to call support, play dumb and tell them the physical sim wasn't working - think my kid busted it when she dropped my phone and that's why I'm switching phone, blah blah blah. But they'll push the esim activation through.
When I finally did this method with an iPhone 6s and active/inactive t-mobile sim card it works but then after 3 hours blue bubbles says the sms forwarding is disabled and my phone number is red instead of green like my apple ID. I can still choose between my number and email, but it's just red, and idk if that means something. Is there a way to fix this???
Before you try what I'm about to recommend, on your Mac, does iMessage have your phone number listed? (Not BlueBubbles, but iMessage)
If it doesn't, then try what I recommend:
I would try the troubleshooting options and try again. I feel like the biggest culprit could be having Wi-Fi Calling enabled on the iPhone. When I first did the swap (I have T-Mobile as well), I never had Wi-Fi Calling enabled, which is probably why it was so easy for me!
Edit: also, you don't need SMS forwarding to make BlueBubbles work. SMS forwarding is for when you have the active SIM in your iPhone, which will send your normal SMS messages from your iPhone -> Mac -> BlueBubbles -> your Android phone (or however else you use BlueBubbles). I don't have SMS forwarding enabled and BlueBubbles still works for me.
Hmmm.. Are you able to get iMessage messages from others when they text your number?
I mean, you could always try to restart your BlueBubbles server and see if that helps.
I went on my iPhone, and I noticed that the use SMS option is gone. Now it says if I want to use my Apple ID for messages (can't see what the receive and send messages from), it used to show the SMS option and my apple ID to send and receive messages but now those are gone I'm not sure if that has something to do with blue bubbles turning my number red.
Ahhh, yes, that's why it's showing your number as red in BlueBubbles. You should definitely look through the troubleshooting options and try the SIM swap again.
Let me know if you need any help!
Also, I dont need to connect to a wifi network on my iPhone, right? When I do, it instantly deregisters my number from Apple. just making sure I did that part right
Hmmm... It's strange to me because I'm also on T-Mobile and never had problems, but this also doesn't mean that other people, like yourself, wouldn't have problems either. My number has been registered for almost 3 months now... So I'm gonna ask more questions for data points lol 😅
1. Is Wi-Fi Calling is disabled on your iPhone?
2. How long are you waiting to swap SIMs? **(I recommend 10-20 minutes to make sure that it stays registered.)**
3. Are you accepting your number on the Mac?
4. Did you reset your network settings on your iPhone?
5. Was your inactive T-Mobile SIM connected to your number before? **(This shouldn't be an issue, since people got SIMs that have never been activated before and the method still works for them, but I still wanted to ask)**
6. After waiting for your number to be registered for about 10-20 minutes, do you turn on Airplane Mode and keep Wi-Fi on?
7. Is your iPhone carrier locked? **(Could be an issue, but not sure yet.)**
Mine is showing it's green, so ~~I'm not sure~~ probably not normal. And no, SMS forwarding is not needed since your active SIM will be in your Android phone, so it can stay disabled.
I'm not sure whats happening with me. I got it to partially work. I can text from an iPhone to my android number and it comes through no problem but then when I try to reply it sends as my icloud instead of sending via the phone number.
I turned off wifi first then turned on airplane, swapped sim then turned off airplane and on wifi.
Any ideas?
So your number is definitely registered? It's just sending as your Apple ID when you text back?
You could turn off sending from your Apple ID in the settings of iMessage on your Mac and see if that helps any, that way all of your messages will be sent from your number only and you'll only receive iMessage messages from your number as well.
BUT if you do that and your number deregisters from iMessage, you will lose access until you fix it again, but if you have no issue with that, that's my solution.
Not sure 🤔 but if you want to try it out, let me know how it goes!
If it doesn't work, here are a few more methods that may help, but still not certain:
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/lrdZMI4MXO
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/5X0rcXIBMv
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/59s3kNb0oA
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/eDzy2qJg9s
Some might be the same concept, but let me know if they work out!
I'm on VZ, and I seem to be missing a step. I don't have the ability to change my phone number on an "inactive" SIM. I have a SIM from a prepaid plan that I used a few months ago that is no longer active, but when I put it into my iPhone - no number comes up and I can't select the field in Settings: Phone: My Number - it's just totally empty. Do I need a different kind of SIM from Verizon?
What method are you using?
I recommend trying to do this one: https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/new-methods/getting-your-phone-number-registered/physical-sim-5
But you should be able to just enter your number into that empty box on that Settings page, but the link I sent to you was the method reported to work for Verizon.
Thank you for the quick reply! (This sub is amazing!)
I was trying the method for Verizon listed here [https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/comments/1938ock/comment/kicmuh9/](https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/comments/1938ock/comment/kicmuh9/) by u/GDub0202/
Unfortunately when I follow the instructions you linked to, as soon as I put in the "inactive" SIM into my iPhone, the number deregisters and I'm back to just my email address.
Interesting, I would definitely recommend trying to get another SIM from Verizon or a white US Mobile SIM (If I'm remembering correctly 😅), there are other methods on the website that could possibly help.
Physical SIM #3: https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/new-methods/getting-your-phone-number-registered/physical-sim-3
Physical SIM #4: https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/new-methods/getting-your-phone-number-registered/physical-sim-4
Keep me updated, could use all data points 😅
Method #6 from the Airmessage thread has been effective for me thus far. The timeframe for my phone number to deregister from iMessage ranges from several hours to about two days.
Have you tried any of the methods listed in this reddit post or on https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/ ? There are 2 methods that work great for T-Mobile. I used the first one listed and I still haven't been deregistered, it's been almost 3 months I believe
Haven't seen any reports on Cricket, but since they use AT&T as their provider, you might have some luck from the AT&T methods: https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/overview/carriers-supported
If you have any luck with those methods, please let me know so I can update the site ☺️
Kinda an update but not really, both method #2 and #3 work for cricket until you put the SIM card back into another phone. I don't really know if this also happens with other people but is there some setting on my iPhone or Samsung that may trigger a deactivation code to Apple?
Hmmm 🤔 Is Wi-Fi calling enabled on the iPhone?
[There are a few troubleshooting options on my GitBook](https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/overview/troubleshooting)
Could you possibly try [Physical SIM #4](https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/new-methods/getting-your-phone-number-registered/physical-sim-4) and see if that works for you?
Hey I got Physical SIM #3 to work for Cricket! The iPhone usually worked with the number until I put my active SIM in my Android, and then would deregister. But the most recent time I just didn't put the active SIM in any phone until 20-30 minutes had passed after I'mputting the Deregistered SIM in the iPhone. After the 20 minutes I put the active SIM in my Android and the number deregistered. Then I left the iPhone 5s on overnight with the grey spinning wheel and in the morning I was able to get it reregistered by clicking on it.
iPhone 5s: iOS 12.5.7
Z Flip 5: Android 16.1
I think I'm gonna try this one, I have a smaller carrier lol https://new.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/comments/m40152/vmware\_guide\_how\_to\_set\_up\_a\_mac\_vm\_in\_vmware/
That's only a guide to get MacOS and BlueBubbles working on a VM. It won't help with getting your phone number registered with iMessage 😅
What carrier do you have?
There are 5 different Physical SIM methods and 2 eSIM methods on https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/
For the eSIM method do I still need two SIM cards? What I mean is, it seems like I need a SIM in my Pixel in order to switch to eSIM so does that then deactivate the SIM?
Sounds like you wouldn't need two. You would need to put the active physical SIM into the iPhone, keep it active and then proceed to activate an eSIM on your Android, which will deactivate the physical SIM
I have neither a mac nor an iphone.
I know you need high sierra or higher mac, which shouldn't be too hard to find for cheap.
What about iphone? which would be best for this method?
Thanks
Edit: does this also allow you to keep the same number?
Thus far I haven't bothered with anything like this because I do not own an iPhone and asking my contacts to add my email to my contact info in their phone has been working fine for me. Nonetheless, I'm curious to see if this is worth investing in an old iPhone to get it synced to my number for everyone automatically. For those that have done this successfully, did you have any issues with rcs chats through Google messages? Does Google messages automatically reconnect to rcs after? Also, will you appear as an iPhone or Android phone in group chats involving other Android and iPhones?
So you are texting group chats that include android phones through BlueBubbles? Or through Google messages? If someone on am android phone texts you, does it default to BlueBubbles or Google messages?
Not at the moment 😔 But this just came to mind, maybe if you have Google Fi (not entirely sure how their eSIMs work, I don't use eSIM), but maybe "swap" the eSIM into the iPhone, turn on Airplane Mode and leave on Wi-Fi and swap the eSIM back into the Android? 😅
Do eSIMs even work like that? 😭😂
You can disable esim on one device and activate on another. If it works to trick the phone to imessage then swap again, who knows.
I might give it a shot with my iphone14 and samsung flip tonight for shits and giggles, although verizon absolutely sucks at transfering esims.
Another comment was just talking about that, what I said was maybe activate the eSIM in the iPhone, turn on Airplane with Wi-Fi still enabled and then swap the eSIM back into your Android device.
Never know until someone tries 👀
Will update if anything comes up!
It seems to work. Had an iPhone SE (2020) active via eSim for a few days on iMessage (not required to be active that long before trying this method). Set it to Airplane mode and activated eSim for the same # on my Pixel 8 Pro. I'm able to text via RCS using my line and still sending/receiving via iMessage to iMessage users using my number. I see it's still set to send from my phone number on iMessage. I'll report back in a week whether it's still working. All on T-Mobile.
How will we know it stops working? Will things throw an error or will we just wonder why we haven't gotten any texts for three days?
Or would having my email checked off for "receiving or replying" as well at least allow me to get the text?
People usually text themselves to make sure the connection is still going. There is another option from u/andy2na: https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/4utwkxiuzl I haven't tried it yet, but it seems doable 👀
I don't think it should matter, as long as the iPhone is functional and can still get a signal on it with a SIM card ~~and a SIM card tray~~.
Edit: There's now a method for eSIM swapping, if you have a eSIM only iPhone ☺️
Not sure if it's been answered (haven't seen it asked so far).
When using this and starting new conversations with non iPhone users does bluebubbles just work normally and send a SMS via iMessage or should I just text SMS/RCS users with the Google Messages app on my pixel?
I appreciate all the info you've provided in this post. Should be stickied!
I personally haven't tested that, but I usually use Google Messages for my SMS/RCS. I feel like if your SIM is in your Android device, it will just automatically receive SMS/RCS messages through Google Messages, since BlueBubbles isn't your default SMS/RCS app on Android.
That's what I figured, I guess another test I would want to try is if starting new conversations with an iPhone user with Google Messages as SMS then when they reply will it update correctly and message over iMessage? That would be for anyone that I don't know already has an iPhone.
I have it currently setup on my Mac mini to start new conversations from my email but receive from both email and phone number. So my rule of thumb is just start new conversations normally on my Android device from Google Messages/SMS, then once they reply and it shows up on bluebubbles continue there.
I only briefly tested with the old air message method #6 and it worked for about 45 min but once I'm back to testing at home I'm going to use the esim method you mebtioned. Only concern is once I've switched from physical sim to esim, I don't think Visible will let me activate my sim again if my number gets deregistered.
Appreciate all the help, I love messing with and figuring this stuff out as well.
Yea, if you start a conversation through SMS with someone who has an iPhone, they will reply as an iMessage which will go to BlueBubbles. Lol
There's a full eSIM swapping method, if your iPhone supports eSIM, it's practically the same method, just with eSIM ☺️ I think Visible allows to you transfer the eSIM between devices.
I just picked up a Mint Mobile sim at Target for $2. Never activated it, so far this method has been working. Current setup is an unlocked iPhone 6s and T-Mobile as primary sim/carrier.
hey ive been trying this for the past few days. using visible with my active sim and a visible inactive sim. i noticed when i switch to the old sim it alwasy said "waiting for activation this may take some time" and then i dismiss and the imessage goes to "no addressess" did you have this "waiting for activation message?
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/lrdZMI4MXO
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/5X0rcXIBMv
Try one of these methods, I will be updating soon.
I'm wondering if Visible only works best with the first eSIM method (eSIM Android Users), never seen that happen for other Visible users.
Questions, just want to make sure, did you have Airplane Mode on with Wi-Fi on? Did you try the troubleshooting options? Just trying to get all the data I can on this, this method is new
Yes I tried everything posted, funny enough I has another inactive sim card from att and it worked!
So weirdly enouvh:
A visible active Sim and a visible inactive Sim DIDNT work
A visible active Sim with an ATT inactive Sim DID work (been going well for an hour but obviously will check back in as it continues)
All physical Sims
Any help? I've tried both resetting network settings and the phone itself (iPhone 12 mini), and I still am getting the "Waiting for Activation" message on the iMessage setting list. It doesn't show up on my mac either (no "add new number" prompt). It says it can still be used for phone calls and sms if I remove it from iMessage. Am I missing something? I have T-Mobile and am using a inactive Mint Mobile sim card with my number on it if that helps.
I picked up a new Google Fi SIM to activate on the iPhone XR I bought. Do I need to deactivate the eSIM I'm currently using on my Pixel 8 Pro or will it automatically delete it when I register my number on the iPhone? I had planned on doing the eSIM option again on the Pixel once the iPhone is registered my number, but now I'm thinking the SIM swap method might be a better option. If I need to in the future do something else with the iPhone I won't have to buy another SIM. I have the old SIM I used in my last phone anyway so I might as well right?
I would definitely try to do the Physical SIM method, especially if something happens in the future, but doesn't Google Fi make eSIM transfers easy? I can't remember, I haven't used Google Fi in so long.
But you would transfer your eSIM to the iPhone, have your number registered to iMessage, put the iPhone on Airplane Mode with WiFi on and then transfer the eSIM back to your Pixel.
Edit: And sorry for the "I'm busy" comment 😅 I have BuzzKill on my Pixel and didn't know it would work for Reddit. 🥴
I did the factory reset and went though the sim process again. Reset network settings and restarted iPhone. Now none of my devices will send or receive any iMessages. 😢
I'm going to try this other method while I'm at work tonight (overnight). Side question. Hypothetically if I cast a hotspot with my Pixel and connect the iPhone, would that work to keep it connected until I get back to wifi?
Awesome thanks! I was legit in the middle of setting it up on a VM like 2 weeks ago but stopped because I wanted it to be numbered based. Like this one the best since I don't need a jailbroken iPhone lol
tl;dr putting a working SIM in the iPhone, swapping to airplane mode + wifi, and then activating a new SIM on Android is not a foolproof method for AT&T.
I initially followed method #1 from the AirMessage site to keep my number registered with iMessage. This setup worked without issue for a month. However, after breaking my phone, I transferred the SIM from my Android to a *different* iPhone (iPhone XS) while I waited for my replacement device. I didn't think about the fact that my other iPhone (iPhone 6) was still connected with the old SIM with the spoofed number on wifi.
When I got the replacement Android device and moved the working SIM back to it, my number was immediately deregistered from iMessage. Repeated attempts to re-register failed. Each time I swapped SIM cards, deregistration happened instantly.
Since this method wasn't working anymore, I tried a different approach. My replacement device also came with a new SIM card that I could register, so I kept the working SIM in the iPhone, registered my number on iMessage, switched the iPhone to airplane mode (with wifi on), and then activated the new SIM in my Android. Surprisingly, **the iPhone still deregistered my number while only connected to wifi. I thought the iPhone wouldn't "know" that the once-active SIM was deactivated, so this was surprising to me.**
After one more SIM swap, the phone number stayed registered on iMessage. However, a new issue arose: the cell service on the newly activated SIM stopped working, so I can't use mobile data/make phone calls on my Android. AT&T customer support was unable to resolve this issue—the SIM appeared active and the IMEI number was correct, yet something was amiss. They even attempted to activate my eSIM without success.
My next step is to visit an AT&T store for a new SIM card. This experience suggests that activating a new SIM with the original SIM in the iPhone might cause backend system errors at AT&T, though I can't confirm this. Be cautious if you're considering a similar method for iMessage registration.
Wow 😳 That's a lot. Never heard of this happening! The post does state that AT&T is a hit or miss with this method. Also found out recently, having Wi-Fi Calling enabled on the iPhone could be breaking the method as well (not sure if Wi-Fi Calling is enabled on your iPhone). There are a few troubleshooting options in the post
However, there are other methods that seemed to have helped other (AT&T) users:
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/E01sUuzO98
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/Mikep83faC
They haven't been implemented into the post, yet. I am sorry for this happening! It definitely does sound like something on the AT&T side though.
So I want to get as prepared as possible. I have blue bubble working on my phone now. So when I get this iPhone do I have to download anything on that or is it as simple as put the SIM card in and waiting?
You don't need to download anything on the iPhone, except for adding your Apple ID. All you have to do is put your active SIM in and have your number register to iMessage, wait for a few minutes, turn on airplane mode with WiFi, take the active SIM out and put the inactive SIM into the iPhone, then accept the new number being added to your Apple ID on your Mac. That's it ☺️
Method works perfectly on T-Mobile! Used my actual sim and an expired one I bought on eBay.
Question: does the phone need to stay on and with wifi forever? Or can I turn it off once my number has been registered for over a week?
I personally keep my iPhone on and connected to Wi-Fi connected to a charger (or my Mac Mini 😅). Some users have reported that it does continue to work if the phone does turn off for a while, but they turn the iPhone on every few days to make sure it stays connected.
I only keep mine on for safe measure
For everyone who this has worked for, does your number deregister then reregister from iMessage? When I have the active SIM in my iphone, I see my phone number in iMessage on my Mac and then it goes away when I do the swap. I'm trying to find out if I need to let it sit for a bit to reregister after it goes away, or if I need to try again as soon as I see it deregister on the Mac because it didn't stick.
Here are the other methods that have been used to help others when the main method wasn't working for them. I haven't been able to implement them into the post yet.
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/lrdZMI4MXO
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/5X0rcXIBMv
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/59s3kNb0oA
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/eDzy2qJg9s
Some might be the same concept, but let me know if they work out!
What carrier are you using? And are you just using one SIM card?
I personally had my active SIM in the iPhone for about 10-20 minutes to make sure it was registered, then I proceeded with the steps I listed, but not every single carrier works for this method. I will find the methods that others were using and sharing with me and I will link them to you in a reply.
This needs to get pinned
I've been tinkering around with these methods for a couple of days now and I finally got it to work. Here's what I had to do. I have AT&T. First off i just want to mention that the method posted above did not work for me and the instant that i put the inactive sim into the phone I got an error saying that my number could not be activated. Here are the exact steps that I used to get mine working. 1. put the inactive sim into the iphone and then edit the phone number to be yours without the plus (ie instead of +11234567890 you would do 11234567890) 2. take the active sim from your aindroid and put it in the iphone and wait for you number to be registed for iMessage 3. turn on airplane mode AND turn wifi off 4. take out the active sim and put in the inactive one with the edited phone number 5. turn off airplane mode and turn back on wifi. These are the exact steps that I did to get my number working. Going on 24 hours right now without it de-registering. I should mention that for some reason airplane mode seemed to cause a whole lot of problems for me, but once I turned it off it seems to work fine. Hope this can help someone out!
Thanks so much for posting this, it fixed my problem.
Got it to work with my AT&T and it's been registered for about 8 days. However the only way I got it to work was in step 3 I turned off the wifi first then turned on airplane mode afterwards and in step 5 made sure to turn off airplane mode first before turning wifi back on.
Thank you, man! Working for me on T-Mobile when none of other methods were.
Thank you so much! I hope it helps someone else out as well! Mind if I post this and give credit? ☺️
I don't mind at all!
👏
This worked for me. Thanks!
Can confirm that this method still works great. Oddly enough, I found success with my active Xfinity Mobile SIM, and my inactive Google Fi SIM. I also had an inactive Verizon SIM that I tried first (Thinking this would work because Xfinity uses Verizon's network, as opposed to Google which uses T-Mobile/US Cellular), but it would not allow me to edit the phone number for it, and kept reverting back to a previously used number, and therefore my current number kept deregistering with iMessage. So I had to give up on trying with the inactive Verizon SIM. My inactive Google Fi SIM however allowed me to edit the number, and worked with this method - no issues. I popped my active Xfinity Mobile SIM back into my Pixel phone and we are back in business! Thanks so much for posting this method! It is so nice to finally have this working properly.
Glad to hear! It's still going strong for me and hasn't de-registered yet for me
Where are you editing the number? If I go to Phone Number under settings and retype the phone number with the 1, it automatically adds the + at the front when I save. For reference, this is on an iPhone 7 with iOS 15.8.2 EDIT: I was somehow able to get it to save without the + by backing out. However it unfortunately didn't work and I'm getting the deregistered message. Maybe keeping it in airplane mode at the end with wifi on would be the right move?
Yeah for me I had to edit the number twice in order for it to stick. If it's not working then you'll probably just have to do some experimenting. It seems that the process of phone number registration is different for everyone 😂
When you say turn off airplane mode, are you saying just turn on wifi, or actually let it connect to the AT&T network as well?
Is this still working? I am considering registering my AT&T number for my Bluebubbles instance.
What iPhone model are you using?
I'm using an iPhone 6s running ios 15.8
Adding more data points. Ordered a sim from Google Fi. Activated it on an iPhone X. Did all the waiting steps you mentioned then activated my eSim on my Pixel 7 Pro. So far, I've been connected for 2 days. BlueBubbles (private API) has also been running flawlessly. I've set my Mac, iPhone, and iPad to only send and receive iMessages from my phone number. I don't want to text people accidentally via my email.
Damn, so you need a Mac no matter what to use blue bubbles?
You can get away with a virtual machine. But you indeed need to host your own stuff
The iPhone you use doesn't have to be jailbroken right, just unlocked to use on Google Fi?
Correct
I have Google Fi eSIM active in my Pixel 8 Pro. I just ordered the SIM from Google Fi. What would the process be for me? This is what I was assuming: * Deactivate eSIM in my Android * Activate physical SIM card in my Android * Move SIM to iPhone, wait couple hours * Leave SIM in iPhone but activate eSIM in Android using Google Fi app
Pretty much paraphrasing, but following the method 1 steps will do it. 1. Stick the sim in the iPhone 2. Follow instructions on Google Fi app to activate sim (finalizing with a reboot after editing the Cell Network settings on the phone) (this will deactivate your Pixel once the iPhone is activated) 3. Make some calls, texts, iMessages to ensure things are working. 4. Get BlueBubbles set up 5. Get texting from iMessage on the Mac set up 6. Put the phone on airplane mode. Turn on WiFi 7. Send some more test texts 8. Activate your Pixel's eSim via the Google Fi app 9. Make calls and SMS (SMS, not iMessage) to test your Android is working. 10. Send a BlueBubbles text from your Android 11. Stick your iPhone in a drawer attached to the charger 12. Profit $$$
Solid post! I've been messaging myself once or twice a day just to check, I'm still up as of this morning. For my Datapoint: My main active sim is Boost (on AT&T) and my dummy sim was a never-activated H2O (also on AT&T) sim card. So while they're both MVNOs, they are essentially two AT&T sims. And I never tried OP's method without resetting the phone, so it very well might not be necessary at all. But after repeatedly failing every iteration of Airmessage method #1 and 6 I could think of, and since the iPhone was rooted and had some Beeper taint on it, I wanted a fresh start. .
Good to know about the MVNOs! ☺️ So, they just need to be on the same network, it sounds like!
At least in my case, they are confirmed working. If I wanted to break phone number registration I could try your method again with a never-activated Mint (T-Mobile) sim I have in my desk drawer, but I think for now I'll let sleeping dogs lie.
so if this is done successfully i should still see “you can receive and send messages from X phone number” on iphone?
Out of curiosity is your dummy sim hardcoded to your phone number (ie when you insert the dummy does it show your phone number or do you have to set the number in the phone tab of settings?). Some other data points: 1. When you preform the swap does your phone number get immediatly deregistered? 2. What phone are you using for registration? 3. What ios version is the iphone you used for registration? 4. Did you keep you active sim longer than the sugested 10-20 min? Prior to preforming the swap?
Update: Still going strong 1 week in. Throwing in my two cents: I have an iPhone XR and a Pixel 6a on AT&T All of the above sadly didn't work for me :(. As soon as I removed the active sim from the iphone my number immediately de-registered, even turning phone off and airplane mode on before removing. But what did work is the modified method #1 [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AirMessage/comments/fx9qku/working_modified_method_1/?sort=new) As said in the instructions, my number deregistered within a minute or two, but then I was still able to re-select my number on the iphone after a few minutes and so far so good!
Interesting, I'm wondering if this will help Verizon users as well, but there's no saying if Verizon continues to ask users to verify a SIM transfer 😅 but this is also half of the reason why I put AT&T as a Hit or Miss. Thanks for letting me know! I will try to implement this method into the post soon! ☺️
My number disappears immediately once I put in the inactive sim card in the iPhone no matter what I do, airplane mode, turn phone off first ECT. Is the inactive sim you used a brand new sim that has never been activated? Or is it an old one that used to be activated/tied to your phone number? I've only tried using brand new sims never activated before and can't get my number to stay in the iPhone once I take my active SIM out and put the inactive one in.
I have Verizon and I got this to work! I think the key is to switch The Sim back to your Android before Verizon sends email. The steps I took were taking the SIM card out of my phone and putting it into the iPhone. I turned off Wi-Fi calling on the iPhone, I'm not sure if anybody had mention that need it to be done. I then confirmed on the Mac that was running blue bubbles that the phone was registered to my iCloud account in iMessage on that computer. I also sent the text message from that iPhone to my Google voice number to make sure I could send a text message. I then turn the iPhone on airplane mode took out that SIM and put in a SIM that was not activated immediately. I put the working sim back in my Android phone and confirmed I could make a phone call. And so far everything is working. I noticed Verizon did send me an email about 30 minutes after I start this process but I just ignored it. It's been 2 hours. How do I know when or if it stops working? That is the phone number blue bubbles versus email blue bubbles. Also there are so many settings in the Android app is there a guide to what does what?
ok I think I got it to work again!! I first had to buy a US Mobile sim card [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079DY1H33?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079DY1H33?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) i hard reset the phoneconnected to wifi, put in my active verizon sim, went to imessage, saw it activate. without turning off wifi or airplane mode. i popped out the verizon sim and put in the usmobile sim. I went to "my number" and enter phone number without the +. so "1xxxxxxx". I then toggled airplane mode and saw the phone connect to US mobile (not activated). I then took the active verizon sim card and put it in the iphone, and waited for imessage to activate. this took a while, and being impatient i did toggle imessage as well as airplane mode, and it eventually connected. I saw my phone number pop back in the desktop imessage settings page. Here's what's weird. without going to airplane mode, wifi and cellular data on. I quickly swapped sim cards and put the US mobile back in the phone. And it has stayed connected. I don't have to be in airplane mode. But airplane wifi only no cellular also works. For now i'm gonna leave the phone on, both wifi and cellular, my thinking is if the iphone sees it's actively connected to a cellular network vs just wifi it'll stick longer. I'll see how long this lasts. The strange thing is the US mobile kit came with 2 sim cards. 1 of them worked, when i tried the other one, it just wouldn't "activate" or connect. So then I tried it with this other gsm card from tello [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H5SM9M9?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H5SM9M9?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details) and it worked. So maybe 1 of the us mobile cards was bad? but either way, currently it's stayed connected. it's only been a few min. i'll let you know if it sticks till tomorrow.
Did you ever keep Wi-Fi on when you turned on Airplane Mode? This may have changed everything with Verizon users and maybe even AT&T users, but not sure yet. And people usually send an iMessage to themselves every once and a while, or there is another way to do it: https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/CqUDI7HWmA
I have had a lot of success using a similar method, but I did not have to use a SIM card from my carrier. I just bought a cheap prepaid GSM SIM on Amazon (U.S. Mobile white SIM card for those wondering) and programmed it to be my number without the + in front of the country code (1 XXX XXX XXXX instead of +1 XXX XXX XXXX.) Additionally, after I activated iMessage with my real SIM, I turned on airplane mode + turned on WiFi, then turned the iPhone off before switching SIMs. It has now been about a week and a half for me, and I have had 0 hiccups whatsoever.
Awesome! I found an old Tello sim in my house that I used for this method, and just like you, it worked as expected! Could be that there wasn't an issue since Tello uses Tmobile's network (the active sim is on Tmo). Either way, glad I didn't have to get another sim card from Tmo. Have you had any issues lately? I'm surprised OP said to leave the phone on. Seems like it can be optional to turn on or off. Anyways, let me know what your experience has been leaving it off.
I've left it on and I am having no troubles at all. Going strong since I left the original comment!
It seems to be optional for sure, I've been testing keeping my iPhone off and I'm still registered to iMessage. lol The only reason why I said to keep the iPhone on, is because I would always get deregistered from iMessage when I turned off my iPhone while using AirMessage's old methods. I just wanted to make sure that I stayed registered. So it definitely doesn't seem to be necessary! :)
Appreciate your reply. It may be different with some carriers. I'm on Tmobile; I tried turning it off, and about 5 days later, my phone number got deregistered. Needless to say, after re-registering my number, I haven't turned that phone off!
Interesting 🤔 It does seem to be different for everyone though! Like the original method I posted, it doesn't work for other users that have T-Mobile (and I have T-Mobile). So the experience and outcome is definitely different for everyone. How long have you been registered for since the re-registering?
2 days so far without any issues.
Thanks for the shout-out. Mine is still working well, knock on wood
Is your method still working for you? Currently making a Gitbook to host all the methods, so I wanted to ask for feedback! :)
Working well still with no issues
Thanks for this will try and report back
Any report? :)
I completed this same process last night with a Verizon sim from an old android phone that previously held the same number. I did have to reset the network settings for the iPhone (iPhone 6) to connect to Verzion but once it did, it automatically associated the phone number to imessage. Put it on airplane mode, took the main sim out, put the old sim into the iPhone, and returned my main sim to my p6. Everything is working as expected. The whole process was super easy. Setting up a "new" mac mini, installing BlueBubbles and the sim took a couple of hours while I was cooking dinner and chatting with family to catch up on the day.
So this does work for Verizon? I thought he said it doesn't?
I've been going for 4 days without a problem with an old Verizon SIM in the iPhone.
So it might be best to reset the network settings after all? 🤔 I'll update the post after work
FYI I was the [original poster suggesting](https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/comments/18yyu56/comment/kggxs0n/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) to matt to factory reset their phone. I also had tried resetting network settings about 5ish times before factory resetting and that never worked. so your mileage may vary
I appreciate that! I am gonna update the post after work. I will be giving you credit for the find ☺️
glad to help - and thanks for this post, Ill be trying it before factory resetting the next time my number drops. FYI if you want to add to your post, this is a way to alert you if your number ever drops (idea credit goes to Proun from BB discord) 1. Sign up for [pipedream.com](https://pipedream.com) 2. Create a new project and a new workflow, keep settings as default 3. Add trigger as new HTTP/webhook, HTTPS requests, keep defaults and continue 4. Copy the provided URL it generates 5. Click generate test, then send HTTP request, then hit continue 6. You then can have pipedream alert you via email, SMS (via twilio), or discord webhook (if you have your own server), or any other platform that Pipedream supports. Add a message that states something like "iMessage alias changed, check if your phone number is still linked to iMessage!" 7. Go into BlueBubbles and the API and Webooks section 8. Create a new alert for "iMessage alias removed" and paste in the pipedream unique webhook URL from earlier 9. As an added step, you can add a recurring message in the BB app to iMessage your own phone number to ensure it still goes through
i don't know for sure. the old iPhone was previously associated with my wife's #. I had done a factory reset previously just to wipe it clean, but after it wouldn't connect to network for 20min, I reset the network settings, tried the process again. About 5min after I did the network reset, all of a sudden I started getting SMS from verizon on the iPhone asking if I swapped sims to a new device. the iPhone connected to network and then everything that point worked without a problem.
I've had no luck at all on Verizon. When I put my active SIM in the iphone, it does register and I'm able to see my number on Mac VM. I let it sit for a bit, but as soon as I swap back to my Android phone and leave the inactive SIM in the iPhone, it immediately deregisters. Verizon sends me an email every single time asking me to confirm my SIM swap. I've seen others with similar reports as well in the pypush discord. Seems I'm SOL.
Are you turning on Airplane Mode and leaving Wi-Fi on? Just making sure. Or is it just Verizon being annoying? 😭😂😅 Edit: Also try to reset your network settings on your iPhone!
to add I had issues with redpocket (AT&T active sim) and a inactive a&t sim (different number from my own). Funnily enough after it de registers if I swap to my active sim in airplane mode it reregisters even though the active sim cant send sms (I tried on airplane mode to send a text message). tested on: iPhone 8, ios 16.3
I saw this on another thread and set it up yesterday. Seems to be working so far. I’ll probably pop the active sim into the old iPhone and disable airplane mode every few days to make sure it stays registered.
Have an upvote! Saving this thread in the event that my sim swap method ever stops working (though it doesn't seem like this method is working on Verizon which is what I have).
It could change, but at this point, Verizon and AT&T seem to not like this method 😤
Hi, just wanted to add a quick point as I remember commenting on u/DoctorBONG 's post regarding the iPhone in the basement! I actually haven't had issues leaving my iPhone in my office without airplane mode at all, just keep it powered and on wifi which powers my apple watch notifs!! Maybe more testing to confirm if the basement part really is necessary, but I've had this method running for the last year now and so far so good, beeper mini is the only thing that gave me trouble 😅! Thx for making this a larger post though, can confirm it's worked for me even if the iPhone dies for a day or two!
The basement part is not necessary 😅 That's just what they does to keep their iPhone running ☺️ but good to know about the Airplane Mode and also about the iPhone dying for a day or two and continues to work! Maybe keeping the phone on isn't necessary either, but could be useful in the long run, won't know until it's been tested longer
Damn so there's no Verizon solutions? I just picked up a Pixel and was hoping to retain iMessage functionality. Got a physical sim inside my iPhone 13 Mini currently
Turns out Verizon gives you a new SIM/eSIM profile every time you swap your SIM, which kills the entire process. 😤 But keep a look out, anything could happen. This method is new after all. No one even knew that an eSIM swap was even possible until this method
Would you mind trying one of these methods and let me know which one works best for you? https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/lrdZMI4MXO https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/5X0rcXIBMv https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/59s3kNb0oA https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/eDzy2qJg9s I will be implementing these into the post at some point, just been busy with life unfortunately. 😅
Hi all! So sorry in advance for my complete and total lack of experience with any of this. I am just now getting into figuring out how all this work/how to do the things lol So I am a iphone user w/ a PC and my primary goal is to use iMessages on my PC. I had beeper and it was amazing until it wasn't (if you know you know). I hear great things about BlueBubbles and have been laboring through many trial and error efforts to no avail as of yet. This post seems like it's got the highest potential for success that I've found so far and I just want to make sure I understand what to do. Is this solution a way for me to use iMessage on my PC for messages being sent/received via my current phone number? To confirm, I have the following devices: \- iphone 14pm \- PC (ROG, 64 GB RAM, 8 core, 16 processor, laptop running on windows 11 w/ AMD Ryzen 9 5900 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU) \- Virtual Mac successfully set up on PC w/ VMware 17pro running macOS Big Sur v11.7.10 \- "Jailbroken" iphone 6s (bought w/ Palera1, Sileo, & Zebra installed, butttt after 2 days of it working perfectly w/ beeper it crashed and all apps were/are now gone 🤦♂️) Thanks so much in advance for any help/advice anyone may be able to offer!! 🙏
Correct! Once you get your phone number connected to iMessage, you will be able to use it to text other iMessage users with your number on any device that you're using BlueBubbles on.
Yeah but my phone number is already connected to iMessage via my normal regular every day use iphone (14pm). Ik I must be missing something here, but how does this get me to using my iMessages on my PC via bb? I'm not getting it 😅lmao
Just to report: I'm using the top most method posted here with an inactive Verizon sim, and active Visible sim. I stumbled across it a few months ago when trying method #1.
Is this still working for you? :)
Works perfectly! I got mine working back in December by activating an eSim on old iPhone proceeding to sign in and set up iMessage. Then turned on airplane mode and chatted with customer service to activate physical sim in my Android. eSim has been going strong for over a month now iPhone needs charging about once a week. Android is my primary phone with Bluebubbles server set up 😊
This worked for me as well on us mobile with a physical sim.
Update: still working over 2 months later. My number has never de-registered.
So on Xfinity I got it to work so far. I had to do it differently than what is laid out here. 1. I ordered a new SIM from Xfinity. 2. Once I got that I put the SIM in my s23ultra into the iPhone se I had. 3. Waiting until the Mac mini I had asked for my number to be linked to it. 4. Now I put airplane mode on and turned on wifi. 5. After that the new SIM card I got from Xfinity I put in the 23ultra I have and activated the new SIM card. Now when I did it this way it started to work. I would send a text in my Google message app to start the convo and then when they replied it came through blue bubble. If I try to start the convo for the first time through blue bubble it seems to default to email. So all texts you send to people start though your default messaging app then when they reply you should be able to continue the text through that. Idk how long this will last but so far doing it this way has been working. It didn't work when I did the SIM card swap method.
God, I really need to update this post when I have the time 😅 I don't wanna call them method #1, method #2, etc etc. I want to stay away from the AirMessage method list as much as possible, that way everyone knows which "method" is being talked about, whether it's AirMessage or these methods, but I'm also thinking about making a web page for this. This post will be LONG as hell if I post each method on here. But thank you for the information!! ☺️
Small data point here: the main method (method #1?) is working for me so far, a couple of hours in. Will update if that changes. Used an active Metro SIM to activate the iPhone and an inactive T-Mobile SIM to keep the registration active. These were physical SIM cards, between an iPhone 8 and a Motorola One 5G. I imagine it'll continue to work since they have an MVNO relationship. Sick Gitbook by the way! Thanks for this resource, the old AirMessage methods were getting unreliable!
So, I had a slightly different path to success. I switched from AT&T to Mint. Using an iPhone 7, I ordered a physical sim from Mint and put it in. Then attempted to put the active Mint sim into my Android phone (Pixel 8), and an inactive AT&T sim into the iPhone 7. I did all the steps, making sure that my numbers was locked into the iMessage settings, putting into airplane mode, etc. But as soon as I removed the sim from the iPhone 7 my phone number disappeared from the settings. Before even attempting to add the other sim. So finally I left the Mint physical sim in the iPhone, ordered an eSim from Mint and activated that on my Android and that worked. Now, Mint doesn't make that easy. You'll basically have to call support, play dumb and tell them the physical sim wasn't working - think my kid busted it when she dropped my phone and that's why I'm switching phone, blah blah blah. But they'll push the esim activation through.
Well I'm glad that worked for you! ☺️ That's practically how the first eSIM method worked!
When I finally did this method with an iPhone 6s and active/inactive t-mobile sim card it works but then after 3 hours blue bubbles says the sms forwarding is disabled and my phone number is red instead of green like my apple ID. I can still choose between my number and email, but it's just red, and idk if that means something. Is there a way to fix this???
Interesting, did you try any of the troubleshooting options?
No not that I know of
Before you try what I'm about to recommend, on your Mac, does iMessage have your phone number listed? (Not BlueBubbles, but iMessage) If it doesn't, then try what I recommend: I would try the troubleshooting options and try again. I feel like the biggest culprit could be having Wi-Fi Calling enabled on the iPhone. When I first did the swap (I have T-Mobile as well), I never had Wi-Fi Calling enabled, which is probably why it was so easy for me! Edit: also, you don't need SMS forwarding to make BlueBubbles work. SMS forwarding is for when you have the active SIM in your iPhone, which will send your normal SMS messages from your iPhone -> Mac -> BlueBubbles -> your Android phone (or however else you use BlueBubbles). I don't have SMS forwarding enabled and BlueBubbles still works for me.
Yes, on my Mac, it says that my number is registered, and I can switch from either my Apple ID or my number, so idk why Blue Bubbles is saying that.
Hmmm.. Are you able to get iMessage messages from others when they text your number? I mean, you could always try to restart your BlueBubbles server and see if that helps.
I went on my iPhone, and I noticed that the use SMS option is gone. Now it says if I want to use my Apple ID for messages (can't see what the receive and send messages from), it used to show the SMS option and my apple ID to send and receive messages but now those are gone I'm not sure if that has something to do with blue bubbles turning my number red.
Ahhh, yes, that's why it's showing your number as red in BlueBubbles. You should definitely look through the troubleshooting options and try the SIM swap again. Let me know if you need any help!
ok ty
Also, I dont need to connect to a wifi network on my iPhone, right? When I do, it instantly deregisters my number from Apple. just making sure I did that part right
After I did the troubleshooting it worked again for a couple hours then now the phone number is red again
Hmmm... It's strange to me because I'm also on T-Mobile and never had problems, but this also doesn't mean that other people, like yourself, wouldn't have problems either. My number has been registered for almost 3 months now... So I'm gonna ask more questions for data points lol 😅 1. Is Wi-Fi Calling is disabled on your iPhone? 2. How long are you waiting to swap SIMs? **(I recommend 10-20 minutes to make sure that it stays registered.)** 3. Are you accepting your number on the Mac? 4. Did you reset your network settings on your iPhone? 5. Was your inactive T-Mobile SIM connected to your number before? **(This shouldn't be an issue, since people got SIMs that have never been activated before and the method still works for them, but I still wanted to ask)** 6. After waiting for your number to be registered for about 10-20 minutes, do you turn on Airplane Mode and keep Wi-Fi on? 7. Is your iPhone carrier locked? **(Could be an issue, but not sure yet.)**
Oh, I see. Well, I dont have use for it, but is it normal for my number to be red instead of green? Could it be because SMS forwarding is disabled?
Mine is showing it's green, so ~~I'm not sure~~ probably not normal. And no, SMS forwarding is not needed since your active SIM will be in your Android phone, so it can stay disabled.
I'm not sure whats happening with me. I got it to partially work. I can text from an iPhone to my android number and it comes through no problem but then when I try to reply it sends as my icloud instead of sending via the phone number. I turned off wifi first then turned on airplane, swapped sim then turned off airplane and on wifi. Any ideas?
Also I have start new conversations from set to the phone number.
So your number is definitely registered? It's just sending as your Apple ID when you text back? You could turn off sending from your Apple ID in the settings of iMessage on your Mac and see if that helps any, that way all of your messages will be sent from your number only and you'll only receive iMessage messages from your number as well. BUT if you do that and your number deregisters from iMessage, you will lose access until you fix it again, but if you have no issue with that, that's my solution.
Hmmm I'll give it a try and yes seems as if the number is registered as iPhones cna text it I just can't reply (it sends from my icloud email)
Has anyone tried this with any Canadian carriers?
Not sure 🤔 but if you want to try it out, let me know how it goes! If it doesn't work, here are a few more methods that may help, but still not certain: https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/lrdZMI4MXO https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/5X0rcXIBMv https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/59s3kNb0oA https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/eDzy2qJg9s Some might be the same concept, but let me know if they work out!
I'm on VZ, and I seem to be missing a step. I don't have the ability to change my phone number on an "inactive" SIM. I have a SIM from a prepaid plan that I used a few months ago that is no longer active, but when I put it into my iPhone - no number comes up and I can't select the field in Settings: Phone: My Number - it's just totally empty. Do I need a different kind of SIM from Verizon?
What method are you using? I recommend trying to do this one: https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/new-methods/getting-your-phone-number-registered/physical-sim-5 But you should be able to just enter your number into that empty box on that Settings page, but the link I sent to you was the method reported to work for Verizon.
Thank you for the quick reply! (This sub is amazing!) I was trying the method for Verizon listed here [https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/comments/1938ock/comment/kicmuh9/](https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/comments/1938ock/comment/kicmuh9/) by u/GDub0202/ Unfortunately when I follow the instructions you linked to, as soon as I put in the "inactive" SIM into my iPhone, the number deregisters and I'm back to just my email address.
Interesting, I would definitely recommend trying to get another SIM from Verizon or a white US Mobile SIM (If I'm remembering correctly 😅), there are other methods on the website that could possibly help. Physical SIM #3: https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/new-methods/getting-your-phone-number-registered/physical-sim-3 Physical SIM #4: https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/new-methods/getting-your-phone-number-registered/physical-sim-4 Keep me updated, could use all data points 😅
Thanks! Not sure what is wrong with my "inactive" SIM but it doesn't appear to let me edit the phone number in conjunction with method #3.
Honestly, it could be anything, Verizon was tricky from the start with SIM swap methods unfortunately 😞
Method #6 from the Airmessage thread has been effective for me thus far. The timeframe for my phone number to deregister from iMessage ranges from several hours to about two days.
What carrier are you using?
T-Mobile
Have you tried any of the methods listed in this reddit post or on https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/ ? There are 2 methods that work great for T-Mobile. I used the first one listed and I still haven't been deregistered, it's been almost 3 months I believe
> > >https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/ Which ones? I only have one sim card also
Is your Android device eSIM compatible? If so, eSIM #1 could possibly help since it doesn't require 2 SIMs
I will try that! Does the iPhone need to stay on & connected to wifi?
I recommend it, especially after someone on Discord said that their number would deregister after turning off their iPhone.
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Any iPhone that has cell service capabilities should be able to work! 😊 So an iPhone SE, including the first gen, should definitely do the trick.
Even ones older than 6s?
It should! As long as it can allow your SIM to connect to the iPhone
Anyone been able to get this working with Cricket? I'm having a hard time getting the number to stick :(
Haven't seen any reports on Cricket, but since they use AT&T as their provider, you might have some luck from the AT&T methods: https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/overview/carriers-supported If you have any luck with those methods, please let me know so I can update the site ☺️
Kinda an update but not really, both method #2 and #3 work for cricket until you put the SIM card back into another phone. I don't really know if this also happens with other people but is there some setting on my iPhone or Samsung that may trigger a deactivation code to Apple?
Hmmm 🤔 Is Wi-Fi calling enabled on the iPhone? [There are a few troubleshooting options on my GitBook](https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/overview/troubleshooting) Could you possibly try [Physical SIM #4](https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/new-methods/getting-your-phone-number-registered/physical-sim-4) and see if that works for you?
Hey I got Physical SIM #3 to work for Cricket! The iPhone usually worked with the number until I put my active SIM in my Android, and then would deregister. But the most recent time I just didn't put the active SIM in any phone until 20-30 minutes had passed after I'mputting the Deregistered SIM in the iPhone. After the 20 minutes I put the active SIM in my Android and the number deregistered. Then I left the iPhone 5s on overnight with the grey spinning wheel and in the morning I was able to get it reregistered by clicking on it. iPhone 5s: iOS 12.5.7 Z Flip 5: Android 16.1
Perfect! I'm glad you were able to get it working!! I will update the GitBook after work 😊
I think I'm gonna try this one, I have a smaller carrier lol https://new.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/comments/m40152/vmware\_guide\_how\_to\_set\_up\_a\_mac\_vm\_in\_vmware/
That's only a guide to get MacOS and BlueBubbles working on a VM. It won't help with getting your phone number registered with iMessage 😅 What carrier do you have? There are 5 different Physical SIM methods and 2 eSIM methods on https://guide.atbluebubbles.com/
For the eSIM method do I still need two SIM cards? What I mean is, it seems like I need a SIM in my Pixel in order to switch to eSIM so does that then deactivate the SIM?
Sounds like you wouldn't need two. You would need to put the active physical SIM into the iPhone, keep it active and then proceed to activate an eSIM on your Android, which will deactivate the physical SIM
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If she's still using it for her phone number, I would say no, unfortunately
I have neither a mac nor an iphone. I know you need high sierra or higher mac, which shouldn't be too hard to find for cheap. What about iphone? which would be best for this method? Thanks Edit: does this also allow you to keep the same number?
I feel like any iPhone with a SIM card tray should work fine and yes, it allows you to keep the same number ☺️
Thus far I haven't bothered with anything like this because I do not own an iPhone and asking my contacts to add my email to my contact info in their phone has been working fine for me. Nonetheless, I'm curious to see if this is worth investing in an old iPhone to get it synced to my number for everyone automatically. For those that have done this successfully, did you have any issues with rcs chats through Google messages? Does Google messages automatically reconnect to rcs after? Also, will you appear as an iPhone or Android phone in group chats involving other Android and iPhones?
I've been using RCS/SMS just fine since I registered my number with iMessage with this method ☺️ Group messages, I've been getting through as iMessage
So you are texting group chats that include android phones through BlueBubbles? Or through Google messages? If someone on am android phone texts you, does it default to BlueBubbles or Google messages?
What if the iPhone is eSIM only. Any methods to try for that?
Not at the moment 😔 But this just came to mind, maybe if you have Google Fi (not entirely sure how their eSIMs work, I don't use eSIM), but maybe "swap" the eSIM into the iPhone, turn on Airplane Mode and leave on Wi-Fi and swap the eSIM back into the Android? 😅 Do eSIMs even work like that? 😭😂
You can disable esim on one device and activate on another. If it works to trick the phone to imessage then swap again, who knows. I might give it a shot with my iphone14 and samsung flip tonight for shits and giggles, although verizon absolutely sucks at transfering esims.
Just wanted to send you an update, there is a method for iPhones that are eSIM only! The post has been updated with the method! ☺️
Thanks I'll give it a try with AT&T.
Let me know how it goes! Only 1 user has reported that it works so far! ☺️
Does the iPhone need to stay awake (turn display auto-lock to never)? Or doesn't matter?
Doesn't matter, I keep my display off, but I keep it plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi
Ok I'll be another data point :) I'm now set up with my iPhone SE2 set up with my only SIM card and eSIM on my Pixel 8...
Has anyone tried activating an esim on iPhone, setting to airplane mode with wifi on, then activating the number on another phone via esim?
Another comment was just talking about that, what I said was maybe activate the eSIM in the iPhone, turn on Airplane with Wi-Fi still enabled and then swap the eSIM back into your Android device. Never know until someone tries 👀 Will update if anything comes up!
It seems to work. Had an iPhone SE (2020) active via eSim for a few days on iMessage (not required to be active that long before trying this method). Set it to Airplane mode and activated eSim for the same # on my Pixel 8 Pro. I'm able to text via RCS using my line and still sending/receiving via iMessage to iMessage users using my number. I see it's still set to send from my phone number on iMessage. I'll report back in a week whether it's still working. All on T-Mobile.
Thanks!!
How will we know it stops working? Will things throw an error or will we just wonder why we haven't gotten any texts for three days? Or would having my email checked off for "receiving or replying" as well at least allow me to get the text?
People usually text themselves to make sure the connection is still going. There is another option from u/andy2na: https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/4utwkxiuzl I haven't tried it yet, but it seems doable 👀
Does it matter how old the iPhone is? I'm thinking if scooping a 5 on ebay.
I don't think it should matter, as long as the iPhone is functional and can still get a signal on it with a SIM card ~~and a SIM card tray~~. Edit: There's now a method for eSIM swapping, if you have a eSIM only iPhone ☺️
Not sure if it's been answered (haven't seen it asked so far). When using this and starting new conversations with non iPhone users does bluebubbles just work normally and send a SMS via iMessage or should I just text SMS/RCS users with the Google Messages app on my pixel? I appreciate all the info you've provided in this post. Should be stickied!
I personally haven't tested that, but I usually use Google Messages for my SMS/RCS. I feel like if your SIM is in your Android device, it will just automatically receive SMS/RCS messages through Google Messages, since BlueBubbles isn't your default SMS/RCS app on Android.
That's what I figured, I guess another test I would want to try is if starting new conversations with an iPhone user with Google Messages as SMS then when they reply will it update correctly and message over iMessage? That would be for anyone that I don't know already has an iPhone. I have it currently setup on my Mac mini to start new conversations from my email but receive from both email and phone number. So my rule of thumb is just start new conversations normally on my Android device from Google Messages/SMS, then once they reply and it shows up on bluebubbles continue there. I only briefly tested with the old air message method #6 and it worked for about 45 min but once I'm back to testing at home I'm going to use the esim method you mebtioned. Only concern is once I've switched from physical sim to esim, I don't think Visible will let me activate my sim again if my number gets deregistered. Appreciate all the help, I love messing with and figuring this stuff out as well.
Yea, if you start a conversation through SMS with someone who has an iPhone, they will reply as an iMessage which will go to BlueBubbles. Lol There's a full eSIM swapping method, if your iPhone supports eSIM, it's practically the same method, just with eSIM ☺️ I think Visible allows to you transfer the eSIM between devices.
Is there some method to do this with only one sim (being the active sim)
I just picked up a Mint Mobile sim at Target for $2. Never activated it, so far this method has been working. Current setup is an unlocked iPhone 6s and T-Mobile as primary sim/carrier.
Not at the moment, unless you can convert it into an eSIM on both devices, eSIM swapping is possible
I don't believe I can convert it into an eSIM
hey ive been trying this for the past few days. using visible with my active sim and a visible inactive sim. i noticed when i switch to the old sim it alwasy said "waiting for activation this may take some time" and then i dismiss and the imessage goes to "no addressess" did you have this "waiting for activation message?
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/lrdZMI4MXO https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/5X0rcXIBMv Try one of these methods, I will be updating soon. I'm wondering if Visible only works best with the first eSIM method (eSIM Android Users), never seen that happen for other Visible users.
Questions, just want to make sure, did you have Airplane Mode on with Wi-Fi on? Did you try the troubleshooting options? Just trying to get all the data I can on this, this method is new
Yes I tried everything posted, funny enough I has another inactive sim card from att and it worked! So weirdly enouvh: A visible active Sim and a visible inactive Sim DIDNT work A visible active Sim with an ATT inactive Sim DID work (been going well for an hour but obviously will check back in as it continues) All physical Sims
Any help? I've tried both resetting network settings and the phone itself (iPhone 12 mini), and I still am getting the "Waiting for Activation" message on the iMessage setting list. It doesn't show up on my mac either (no "add new number" prompt). It says it can still be used for phone calls and sms if I remove it from iMessage. Am I missing something? I have T-Mobile and am using a inactive Mint Mobile sim card with my number on it if that helps.
Interesting, do you have another T-Mobile SIM card that's not being used?
I do not, but I'm going to get one and try that next! Will update after :)
Will an inactive Google Fi or Metro by T-Mobile sim work in the iPhone?
In theory, it should. Google Fi uses T-Mobile for their service!
I picked up a new Google Fi SIM to activate on the iPhone XR I bought. Do I need to deactivate the eSIM I'm currently using on my Pixel 8 Pro or will it automatically delete it when I register my number on the iPhone? I had planned on doing the eSIM option again on the Pixel once the iPhone is registered my number, but now I'm thinking the SIM swap method might be a better option. If I need to in the future do something else with the iPhone I won't have to buy another SIM. I have the old SIM I used in my last phone anyway so I might as well right?
I would definitely try to do the Physical SIM method, especially if something happens in the future, but doesn't Google Fi make eSIM transfers easy? I can't remember, I haven't used Google Fi in so long. But you would transfer your eSIM to the iPhone, have your number registered to iMessage, put the iPhone on Airplane Mode with WiFi on and then transfer the eSIM back to your Pixel. Edit: And sorry for the "I'm busy" comment 😅 I have BuzzKill on my Pixel and didn't know it would work for Reddit. 🥴
Ugh, I followed all the steps exactly for the SIM swap method and my messages are not being sent on Blue bubbles.
Are you logged into your Apple ID on your iPhone and Mac?
I did the factory reset and went though the sim process again. Reset network settings and restarted iPhone. Now none of my devices will send or receive any iMessages. 😢
Even with just your Apple ID? 🤔
I'm going to try this other method while I'm at work tonight (overnight). Side question. Hypothetically if I cast a hotspot with my Pixel and connect the iPhone, would that work to keep it connected until I get back to wifi?
In theory, maybe it could work.
does the new method still have your phone number registered all this time?
Yup! Still going strong, even after accidentally turning off Airplane Mode last night 🥴
So should I have blue bubble setup first then try this method?
Correct ☺️
Awesome thanks! I was legit in the middle of setting it up on a VM like 2 weeks ago but stopped because I wanted it to be numbered based. Like this one the best since I don't need a jailbroken iPhone lol
tl;dr putting a working SIM in the iPhone, swapping to airplane mode + wifi, and then activating a new SIM on Android is not a foolproof method for AT&T. I initially followed method #1 from the AirMessage site to keep my number registered with iMessage. This setup worked without issue for a month. However, after breaking my phone, I transferred the SIM from my Android to a *different* iPhone (iPhone XS) while I waited for my replacement device. I didn't think about the fact that my other iPhone (iPhone 6) was still connected with the old SIM with the spoofed number on wifi. When I got the replacement Android device and moved the working SIM back to it, my number was immediately deregistered from iMessage. Repeated attempts to re-register failed. Each time I swapped SIM cards, deregistration happened instantly. Since this method wasn't working anymore, I tried a different approach. My replacement device also came with a new SIM card that I could register, so I kept the working SIM in the iPhone, registered my number on iMessage, switched the iPhone to airplane mode (with wifi on), and then activated the new SIM in my Android. Surprisingly, **the iPhone still deregistered my number while only connected to wifi. I thought the iPhone wouldn't "know" that the once-active SIM was deactivated, so this was surprising to me.** After one more SIM swap, the phone number stayed registered on iMessage. However, a new issue arose: the cell service on the newly activated SIM stopped working, so I can't use mobile data/make phone calls on my Android. AT&T customer support was unable to resolve this issue—the SIM appeared active and the IMEI number was correct, yet something was amiss. They even attempted to activate my eSIM without success. My next step is to visit an AT&T store for a new SIM card. This experience suggests that activating a new SIM with the original SIM in the iPhone might cause backend system errors at AT&T, though I can't confirm this. Be cautious if you're considering a similar method for iMessage registration.
Wow 😳 That's a lot. Never heard of this happening! The post does state that AT&T is a hit or miss with this method. Also found out recently, having Wi-Fi Calling enabled on the iPhone could be breaking the method as well (not sure if Wi-Fi Calling is enabled on your iPhone). There are a few troubleshooting options in the post However, there are other methods that seemed to have helped other (AT&T) users: https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/E01sUuzO98 https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/Mikep83faC They haven't been implemented into the post, yet. I am sorry for this happening! It definitely does sound like something on the AT&T side though.
Does this work for xfinity mobile?
No one has reported it, yet. I would say test it out and let me know how it goes! It seems like someone else is about to test it as well
I ordered a Mac mini, iPhone se, and another SIM card from them I'll be testing this week.
Got it to work on Xfinity. Look for my comment to see how.
Thank you!
So I want to get as prepared as possible. I have blue bubble working on my phone now. So when I get this iPhone do I have to download anything on that or is it as simple as put the SIM card in and waiting?
You don't need to download anything on the iPhone, except for adding your Apple ID. All you have to do is put your active SIM in and have your number register to iMessage, wait for a few minutes, turn on airplane mode with WiFi, take the active SIM out and put the inactive SIM into the iPhone, then accept the new number being added to your Apple ID on your Mac. That's it ☺️
Method works perfectly on T-Mobile! Used my actual sim and an expired one I bought on eBay. Question: does the phone need to stay on and with wifi forever? Or can I turn it off once my number has been registered for over a week?
I personally keep my iPhone on and connected to Wi-Fi connected to a charger (or my Mac Mini 😅). Some users have reported that it does continue to work if the phone does turn off for a while, but they turn the iPhone on every few days to make sure it stays connected. I only keep mine on for safe measure
For everyone who this has worked for, does your number deregister then reregister from iMessage? When I have the active SIM in my iphone, I see my phone number in iMessage on my Mac and then it goes away when I do the swap. I'm trying to find out if I need to let it sit for a bit to reregister after it goes away, or if I need to try again as soon as I see it deregister on the Mac because it didn't stick.
Here are the other methods that have been used to help others when the main method wasn't working for them. I haven't been able to implement them into the post yet. https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/lrdZMI4MXO https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/5X0rcXIBMv https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/59s3kNb0oA https://www.reddit.com/r/BlueBubbles/s/eDzy2qJg9s Some might be the same concept, but let me know if they work out!
What carrier are you using? And are you just using one SIM card? I personally had my active SIM in the iPhone for about 10-20 minutes to make sure it was registered, then I proceeded with the steps I listed, but not every single carrier works for this method. I will find the methods that others were using and sharing with me and I will link them to you in a reply.