I just ported my numbers and account from Tmobile to Verizon and my wife and I both have same problem on our new iPhone 17 - FaceTime activation error and iMessage activation error. Please help!!
With iMessage and Facetime being Apple Services it may require reaching out to Apple support if everything else on the phones are working such as your data and network. I would suggest resetting the network settings on the phones first though if you have not already done so and then check to see if they are working, as this will correct a variety of possible minor issues that could be the cause.
This can be done under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
This will not erase any content from the phone, you will need to reconnect any wifi or bluetooth devices before using them again.
If your port hasn't finalized yet, wait until you've received confirmation from Verizon that the port has finished, as an ongoing port could be the problem. Afterwards, check that SMS is enabled on your iPhone, because activation of Facetime and iMessage needs an SMS text based upon what I could find elsewhere on the internet. This is under Settings > Messages > Send as SMS (toggle it on). Then, try reactivating Facetime and iMessage by going to Settings > Facetime and Settings > iMessage and turn off both apps. Restart the phone, then turn back on both apps and wait for them to activate.
