Can't send texts or make calls. Also iMessage not activating

[IsmileH7146]

I've switched my number and got the text that it was ready. It took about an hour and after that, I was able to receive texts and phone calls. However, iMessage is not activating. I've put my phone number in the exact same format that it was on my old Tesco sim in phone in settings. I was aware of the credit thing so I added a euro worth of credit to my 48 account after the porting was finished. I still cannot send texts or make calls. Bare in mind, I still haven't bought a membership with it yet. The 1gb of data is working fine though. Do I have to buy a membership to even send a text or make calls even after buying credit? Will that activate iMessage?

[dalyer]

You can't make calls or send texts until you have bought a membership plan. 

You can only receive calls and texts and use the free 1GB of 4G data until that runs out.

iMessage and other Apple services may require activation using the stupid Apple process that involves the phone silently sending an SMS message to a UK activation server and silently failing if this can't be done. 

This will fall if you don't have an active membership plan and cash credit on your account to pay for the UK/international text message(s).

I would suggest that you buy a membership plan and put €1 cash credit on your account then switch the phone off and on again and see if things start working. 

If you need to contact 48 support about this then see the links in my signature below.

[IsmileH7146]

I do have credit though. I bought one euro of credit about an hour after it finished porting. I still can't send texts or anything. Is it a membership that I need to actually send texts in the first place?

[dalyer · Accepted solution]

You need an active membership plan to be able to make calls, send texts and use mobile data once the introductory 1GB of 4G data runs out.

You need an active membership plan and cash credit in order to be able to send international texts.

Cash credit alone isn't sufficient to allow you to make calls, send texts, make international calls, send international texts etc.

As I explained, some Apple services silently sent an SMS to a UK activation server to activate. 

It's a stupid system that Apple insist on using and which causes iPhone users no end of confusion on networks that Apple don't officially recognise.

Unlike other pay as you go mobile providers cash credit isn't much use on its own. 

A membership plan is needed to allow you to use outgoing services (calls, texts and data).

Can credit is only used to pay for membership plans, add-ons and out of bundle services not covered by a membership plan allowances. 

See here for more on all of this: 

• https://community.48.ie/t5/The-Knowledge-Base/All-About-Plans-and-Payments/ta-p/53105
• https://48.ie/charges

If you need to contact 48 support about this then see the links in my signature below.

[IsmileH7146]

Thank you!

[dalyer]

You're welcome. 

Hopefully once you have an active membership plan and cash credit on your account and you switch the phone off and on again iMessage (and any other Apple services that require activation) will activate. 

You will definitely be able to make calls, send texts and use mobile data once you buy a membership plan.