How to Use iMessage on iPhone and iPad Without SIM and Phone Number

Apple has long had its own instant messaging service. Yes, we are talking about iMessage. Some folks who have switched from Apple to Android or bought a new Apple device are wondering if they can still use iMessage on an old iPad or iPhone. Thinking the same? Find the answer in this post. We tell you how to use iMessage on iPhone and iPad without phone number or SIM card.

Using iMessage this way is useful for parents who want their kids to send and receive messages without a phone number. Setting up iMessage without a phone number is not rocket science.

Let’s see how to use iMessage without number or SIM on iPad and iPhone.

iMessage and SMS

Before we move on to the steps, it is important to know what iMessage is and how it works. As mentioned earlier, iMessage, like WhatsApp, is Apple’s own instant messaging service. You can send and receive messages between various Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Mac. iMessage, Windows, Android etc. It is not supported on other platforms such as Send pictures, videos, locations, document audio, etc. to other Apple users via iMessage. You can send messages like

The iMessage service is located inside the regular Messages app. So is SMS. But the SMS service needs a working phone number and a SIM card to work. You can also send SMS to non-Apple users. However, if your phone number is not working or you do not have a SIM inserted in your device, you cannot send or receive SMS. This is not the case with iMessage. You can use it without a phone number or SIM card installed on your current device.

The iMessage service can be used with a phone number, Apple ID, or both. It only works when you have a working internet connection. This can be via mobile data (if any SIM is inserted) or Wi-Fi. If the internet is not working, iMessages will not be sent or received.

How to Use iMessage Without SIM and Phone Number

The answer to this question is simple. Since iMessage also works with an Apple ID, you need to choose the same setting in the Messages app to use iMessage without a SIM or phone number. And of course, a working internet connection is also required. Basically, you will be identified by your Apple ID in iMessage when using it without a phone number,

Here are the steps to set up iMessage without phone number or SIM on your iPhone or iPad.

Stage 1: Make sure an iCloud account has been added to your iPhone or iPad. To verify or add this, go to Settings and a message will be shown at the top that says Add account in case you haven’t done so. Tap this to add your account. In most cases, you should have added an Apple ID when activating your iPhone or iPad. Tap on your name and you will see the registered Apple ID.

Step 2: Go to Settings and then Messages. Turn on the switch next to iMessage if it’s off. If the toggle is green, iMessage is active. If you are setting up iMessage for the first time, the message ‘Waiting for activation’ will be displayed. It may take up to 24 hours to activate. So be patient.

Pro Tip: If no Apple ID has been added to your device, you will be prompted to sign in at this stage.

Stage 3: Tap Send & Receive. Here you will see your registered Apple ID and your phone numbers if iMessage was activated using a number on another Apple device. Tap your Apple ID under ‘You can receive and reply to messages’ to make it the default sending or receiving address.

If the Apple ID is not showing, tap on Use your Apple ID for iMessage. Select your Apple account and you’re ready.

Typically, when the device does not have a SIM card, Apple will automatically shift the profile to an email ID. But sometimes this does not happen and users cannot send or receive iMessages when using a different SIM or no SIM at all. To fix this, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. Select the email or phone number you want to use for iMessage. Restart the phone.

Pro Tip: In summary, to send messages over Wi-Fi without a SIM card, simply select your Apple ID under Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. Even if you see Waiting for activation, you can still send and receive messages through your Apple ID.

What Works in iMessage Without Phone Number or SIM?

Except for regular SMS, all other functions of iMessage work fine. Send text messages, documents, videos, links, photos, etc. to other Apple users. you can send You can enable or disable read receipts. You can also FaceTime without a phone number or SIM.

Troubleshooting: iMessage Not Working

Restart your iPhone or iPad in case iMessages is not working by following the steps above. Sometimes, such a simple fix works wonders.

If possible, insert your SIM only once into any of your Apple devices registered with the Apple account you use on your existing iPhone or iPad without a SIM or phone number. Authorize iMessage once with your number. This much. Now you can use iMessage on any of your iPad or iPhone without worrying about having a SIM card with the same Apple account.

Fly: Not getting iMessage notifications? Learn how to fix message notifications on iPhone and iPad.

Is iMessage Free?

Yes and no. Messages in any format (text, document, image, etc.) you send with iMessage are not deducted from your SMS or MMS quota. Since iMessages are transmitted over the internet, data charges (Wi-fi or mobile data) will apply depending on the content of the message. Videos will consume more data compared to simple text messages.

Next: If you can’t use iMessage, sign out of your Apple ID and add it again. Find out what happens by signing out of Apple ID at the next link.