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RCS waiting to activate

Is anyone else having this issue? My messages app on my iPhone is stuck at “waiting to activate” under RCS. I’ve spent days with Verizon support and 11 hours yesterday including 2 at a Verizon store. Still nothing. Verizon support is no use.
I can’t send or more importantly receive most messages from Android users. I’m at my wits end.
Verizon keeps saying they’ll escalate, but they don’t.

Comments

Verizon_Support

Hi dwatja,

I'm sorry to read that you've had trouble with getting support on this issue. I'm sending you a Private Message so that I can collect a few more details about your account.

-Necia

Verizon_Support

Hi dwatja,

If your RCS is stuck on "waiting to activate," it could be due to a few reasons. Can you try checking the following:

Restart your iPhone

Check your Carrier Settings to ensure they don't need an update

Check your Messaging App Settings and ensure RCS is set to "auto"

Check your network strength and if you're in a poor signal area, try moving to a different location

Check to see if you're on the latest version of iOS

-Necia

I have same problem. I’m completely over it!

FrustratedUser51

Just transferred a line from AT&T to Verizon. Brand new iPhone 16 purchased from Apple. Did phone to phone transfer. On the new phone, RCS waiting activation and the line is not sending or receiving certain messages to Android phones. Called Verizon last night and the rep asked me what RCS messaging was Spent an hour resetting network settings, wiping and resetting eSIM, and toggling on and off a bunch of settings. No success. Very frustrating.

Verizon_Support

Hello FrustratedUser51. Welcome to Verizon. Thank you for sharing the details of your experience with the messaging. We want you to have a smooth transition and full ability to communicate with others whether that is a call or a text. Have you been able to resolve the RCS messaging? Are you able to send and receive text/messages to both iPhone and Android? Let us know if we can continue troubleshooting any unresolved issues.

-Deb

I have now spent 4 hours on the phone with Verizon and Apple (Verizon said it was an Apple issue, it definetely is NOT!!) trying to get this fixed. I have done every troubleshooting step at least four times. They are now putting in a ticket. This is ridiculous!!!

Verizon_Support

I'm sorry to hear that you have been experiencing issues with your SMS messaging. Feel free to send us a Private Message. We'd love the chance to further review and help get this resolved so you can fully enjoy your device.

-Christy

Verizon_Support

We value your time and want to provide you with a lasting solution. In this situation, if all troubleshooting has been completed and a ticket was submitted then we need to wait for that to be resolved. Tickets are sent to an offline team and this can take a few days to be reviewed, investigated and resolved. Please let us know if you have any other question or concerns meanwhile.

~Gina

I just got my phone yesterday and activated it and I'm having the same issue. Stuck on RCS waiting on activation, and it won't activate iMessage for my phone number, only associated email addresses.

Verizon_Support

We're sorry to read that you're having issues with your texting. Are you able to make calls or use data when not connected to Wi-Fi? ~Peter

Yes, I can send iMessages from the email address, but it doesn't seem to let me send SMS messages on network. I've tried restarting the device and resetting the network, but no success. RCS still says waiting on activation, and when I try to select my phone number on iMessage is says activation unsuccessful.

I had this issue in Google Messages. The Verizon Rep had me delete the app and reinstall. That resolved it for me.

Verizon_Support

Hello baggerly6, we're sorry to learn about the issues you're having. Are you still needing assistance? If so, please let us know.

~Ivone

Verizon_Support

Just checking in, are you still with me?

-Nikki

All the Verizon reps that pop on see that many people are having the issue, but they aren’t replying with any suggestions. I’m having the same, with every manner of restart and reset, but nothing. It worked for a couple weeks, and our four iPhone lines all have the exact same problem with RCS. Our one android line works fine with RCS. Cool that they are raising prices but can’t fix basic issues. I’m about done with Verizon because they take hours of effort to get nothing accomplished.

Verizon_Support

I'm sorry to hear that you're running into trouble with your messaging. Can you tell me more about the troubleshooting you have done with us? Do you recall if the change aligns with a software update or new app download?

-Melissa

I am having the same problem. My iPhone is updated to iOS 18.3 thinking that may fix it. It did not. Rcs messaging was working until today. I have tried everything

My RCS messaging within my imessage was working yesterday morning then stopped. I have restarted it multiple times, turned off the rcs and imessages completely multiple times and my iphone is updated to ios 18.3. AT this point I am guessing this is a verizon issue. Can someone help me out?

Im having this exact same issue, did you ever get it fixed?

Everyone on our union account has the same issue. All the phones are waiting for activation. I think VZ did something to limit the "enterprise accounts" for RCS.

All of our union account phones are in the same boat. Waiting for RCS activation. Family plans that were purchased through our Union option are all having the same issue.

I'm sure i'ts 100% a Verizon issue, but we keep getting Bots responses here, no actual Tech support.

Verizon_Support

Hey there! I know how important it is to ensure RCS is working correctly. What is the make and model phone you are trying to get RCS set up on? What exactly is happening when you try?

-Christopher

Just got my phone two days ago and I have the same issue! I can not receive temporary pins to login to accounts it’s so annoying. I just transferred from T-Mobile to Verizon. I was able to receive all these messages prior to the transfer and now I can’t!

Verizon_Support

Abarone917, we want to make sure you are able to receiv your temporary pins so you can get logged into your accounts. So we can better assist, we will be reaching out via Private Message. -Dee

Verizon_Support

Hello Abarone917, we are here to help with getting your authentication texts working. Let us know when you are available so that we can further assist you.

-Joe

Everytime I talk to an agent they tell my my RCS is not activated. But the agent before said they activated it. This is becoming annoying. I can not log into some accounts and just figured out I can not receive a call with a temporary pin either. No I am wondering who has been trying to get ahold of me but couldn’t!!!!

He did you just get your phone?

Any fix???? Me too! I’ve spent 2 days going back and forth with Apple and Verizon.

Any fix??? I’ve spent days going back and forth with Verizon!!

Verizon_Support

Getting your texts is important, and we want to help. We're sending you a Private Note to give you personalized assistance.

-James

Verizon_Support

Hi Caseyamyles, having working services is important. If your concern has not yet been resolved, we're here to help. Please respond to the private note we're sending. -Red

Same issue here. Old carrier says its in Verizon's hands and verizon bot says “we are working on it”. This is very annoying as a brand new customer.

I have the same problem. Just got a new iPhone a couple days ago. I can't send or receive most text messages. RCS Messaging says "awaiting activation"

Verizon_Support

Hello junglalien, we want to make sure your service is working as it should. We will send you a private message and we can go from there.

-Rosie

Verizon_Support

Hey, ejlong, we know how important it is to get those texts working; we're happy to help, and we're sending you a Private Note to get more specifics.

-Cait

Experiencing the same problem on iOS version 18.3.1 running on iPhone 16 Pro.

Chat support seems clueless on this issue, even asking me to reinstall the default Messages app! ">

Verizon_Support

We want to make sure that your messages are working properly. Are you able to confirm the following:

Network connection: Make sure you have a strong cellular signal.

Settings check: Go to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging and ensure it's toggled on.

Restart your phone

Please let us know if the issue persists and we'll be happy to troubleshoot with you!

-Necia

Yes, I attempted:

Restart network settings
Delete and reactivate eSIM
Restart device

Verizon_Support

Thank you for all the steps you have already completed, tlmader. We will need to take a closer look into this and make sure everything on our end is provisioned correctly. Please be on the lookout for a private message from us for help.

-Joseph

I am having the same problem. New iPhone 16pro and it’s been stuck on RCS awaiting activation. Put a ticket in through my Verizon which came back resolved but nothing is resolved. Followed all troubleshooting steps noted above. Any fix yet?

Verizon_Support

Hello and thank you for bringing this concern to our attention. It's always our priority that you are provided with the best possible service. Lets get your RCS feature up and running. Im sending you a PN to help troubleshoot this issue.

-Will

Verizon_Support

Checking in to see if you still need assistance with your RCS not activating.

-Joe

Same problem - had a iphone 13 which lost RCS this morning. I went to Verizon store and they tried changing the SIM which didin't help so since I was going to upgrade to a 16 soon anyway and the Verizon agent said it sometimes happens with older phones so I got the 16. I now have the same "waiting to activate" RCS messaging for over four hours. How can I best get this corrected. It is essential that I have those messages on my phone (there are a lot of Android users in the world!). I will try calling tech support but was previously put on terminal hold

Verizon_Support

Let's get this activated. Is the device device software up to date? What software version are you on? Can you use data with WiFi off?-Joe

Yes it is up to date as I just bought the phone and it updated when first set up. I was on the phone with tech support for an extended time and was told the RCS service needed to be activated for my account. It has now been 8 hours and the phone still says RCS is “waiting to activate”. I will call again but this is a major disappointment. I also tried turning off RCS hoping non iPhone messages could at least come by SMS and that didn’t help either.

And yes data works with wifi off.

I am also having this same issue and have tried all of the solutions listed with no luck. I cannot receive text messages from android users, but have no trouble getting messages from iPhone users.

Verizon_Support

Thank you for sharing your experience, Cassneedshelp. We are here to offer support. Please be on the lookout for a private note from us so we can work on resolving this issue right away!

-Christy

Same issue here. Ported number from Att. Activate the new iPhone 16 pro max with Verizon, and cannot receive any sms. This is so annoying. I tried reset all network settings, and restart the phone so many times, but the RCS is still waiting for activation. What’s wrong with Verizon?

Verizon_Support

That is definitely not the experience we want you to have with your service and we'd like to help with messaging issues. To better assist, please tell us a little more. Do you have problems with a specific number? Are you experiencing issues sending or receiving text messages? Are you connected to Wi-Fi or using your data?

~Maria

Verizon_Support

Additionally, the RCS feature does require that you're on the newest software versions for your iPhone 16 Pro Max. It is recommended to do the update under Settings > General > Software Updates to make sure your phone has the needed programming.

If the issue continues, please give us more details about your specific set up so we can find the perfect solution. -James

Not sure if you found the fix but I found the fix for mine. This is the post I made for what fixed mine. If you just transferred to Verizon from another carrier your phone is stuck between two carriers.

https://community.verizon.com/t5/Apple/If-anyone-has-RCS-messages-waiting-to-activate-and-they-just/m-p/1808588/thread-id/146309/highlight/true#

I hope you got it fixed but I had the same issue

https://community.verizon.com/t5/Apple/If-anyone-has-RCS-messages-waiting-to-activate-and-they-just/m-p/1808588/thread-id/146309/highlight/true#

the line has to be ported over again

I am currently having this issue with my Google Pixel 9 Pro. I've had this phone for months without issue and then I noticed that my family chat was disabled. We all have Android phones. Many of my other group chats are also disabled. I'm stuck in status setting up and I've reached the max number of tries for the day. This is really frustrating! Please help!

Verizon_Support

Hi, we want to help and make sure you can continue sending messages. Please meet us in the Private Note we sent to continue.

~Gina

I am having this issue as well. ATT customer for nearly 20 years, and just switched over as Verizon "has better service" in Oregon. Never once had any issues at ATT with iMessage/RCS. Set my new iPhone 16 Pro up this morning, and have spent the whole day trying to get anything at all to work with iMessage and RCS. iMessage says verification failed and RCS says Waiting for activation. Have followed all of the steps including the full reset of the phone, no dice. trying to get any support is nearly impossible, it's all bots with the same suggestions over and over. Very frustrating to come over and have this kind of issue and zero customer support.

Verizon_Support

We hate to see that you are having any issues with messaging and know that it's important you can message anyone! To confirm, is the issue with your iMessage not activating or with RCS messaging? Also, do you have any other issues with the phone (like calls or data) or just messaging?

-Meg

Came back from a trip to the UK and found I wasn't receiving messages in a group chats with Apple and Android users. Check the RCS setting on my iPhone and still says "Waiting for activation...".

Spent 45 minutes with a Verizon rep this morning powering the phone off/on; resetting network settings; deleting Verizon esim twice and still not able to to receive messages in group chats with Apple and Android users. (I can send messages as texts but am not able to see replies from others, both Apple and Android users.)

I can send/receive texts (including emojis and GIFs) with individual Android users. Can also send/receive iMessages with individual Apple users.

I have now been told to wait for Verizon's network to update.

Very frustrating...been almost 24 hours since I returned from the trip and still no activation.

Verizon_Support

pacopublic, we're here to help and we want to ensure your messages are working correctly. I will send you a private messgae to ensure we can continue to provide you support and ensure we provide you with a solution.

-Art

I am having this same issue since porting from Att this week. @vzw_customer_support
Is there a solution??

Verizon_Support

Kelleliza3 Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are sorry to hear about this. I will be sending you a PM as well.

-Harry

I am having the same issue and I have an NRB ticket in but no updates going on the third day. I am missing group texts with android users in it apparently which I didn’t even know until a coworker showed me.

My issue just like this. A blend of Android users and Apple. Didn’t even know I was missing messages until another user showed me. Sure enough RCS messaging “waiting for activation”

Same issue here. I’ve called Verizon 3x now and they insist it is already activated on their end and there’s nothing else for them to do. I only found out this was happening when friends asked why I completely ignored our friend in a group chat. Turns out she has an android and my RCS messaging says “Waiting for activation…” So frustrating!!

Verizon_Support

I know I wouldn't want to miss out on any messages myself, Smiley3303. I am here to help. Do you know how long this issue has been ongoing? What changed prior to RCS messages no longer working?

-Joseph

I don't remember if I've posted this earlier in this thread, so apologies to everyone in advance if this is repeated information. If your phone is stuck on "RCS waiting to activate", this is most likely a problem with your Google Account. There used to be a URL to manually verify a new device as switching phones or mobile carriers is usually what causes this problem, but I can't find that URL any longer. Use a search engine to look up "fix RCS stuck on waiting to activate" and a bunch of stuff will come up with various things to try.

Thank you for your help and for reaching out! I’m confused how my Google account could play into this? I have an iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Verizon_Support

We want to ensure that this is resolved ASAP for you. A private message has been sent to assist you further.

-Sean

Were you able to get this resolved? I am having the exact same issue. I spent all day yesterday going back and forth between Verizon and Apple and no resolve.

Verizon_Support

We are here to help. Sending you a Private Message now.

-Cryssie

Same issue. You would think they would have it figured out by now.

Verizon_Support

Aksathome, we're here to provide you with support. Let me send you a Private Message to provide you with support.

-Art

DJShoesForHands

I am also having this issue. Called Verizon 3 times, no one able to resolve it. Reset things on there end, looked to remove RCS block from line, reset the phone, upgrade iOS version, reset network settings, etc. Nothing is working. This is a core feature that prevents communication with others - any help to get this working would be greatly appreciated.

Verizon_Support

DJShoesForHands We are here to help you if you need assistance. I will send you a private message.

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