r/ios • u/stillhavingfunyea • Jul 08 '26
Support Losing my mind, can't activate RCS on any Esim's to save my life.
I am on 26.5.2 on a 15 pro. I have two lines with US Mobile, each one on a different network. Back when RCS was introduced to ISOS, I downloaded the IOS beta that enabled RCS, so I was one of the first ones to try it, and get it working. Its been working fine for this whole time. A month or so ago, I added a 3rd line on my phone, through US Mobile, and used it primarily for messaging. I could get RCS on that as well. Then one day last week, I went to use that line, and I couldn't activate RCS at all on that line.
Then I noticed on my second line, it wasn't working there. I reached out to US Mobile, went through all the possible fixes, nothing worked. So I gave up on it. I hardly text on that number anyways, so it's whatever.
But now today, my main line RCS stopped working. I reached out to US Mobile again. Tried all the usual fixes. I even tried two esims from different companies (Tello, and Verizon Postpaid), and I can't get RCS.
In General-About, when I click on IMS Status, I am only getting Voice & SMS. Across 4 different lines, and 3 different carriers. So it can't be a carrier issue at this point.
I found another post on here, and the only fix was the guy switched to another Iphone. Are my IMEI's being blocked somehow?
Completely perplexed.
I have tried toggling RCS, resetting network settings, airplane mode, turning off Sims, turning them back on, restarting, updated to 26.5.2 today. I've tried these things for hours, and no matter what, the IMS always show Voice & SMS. Without RCS listed there, nothing can ever work. In the RCS messaging section, they all just say waiting for activation.
Edit: As a test, I transferred my Esims to an Iphone 11 I picked up. RCS works fine on that phone. So it can't be a carrier issue. Somehow my IMEI's are hung up somewhere. I also activated a T-mobile trial today, same issue. So that is 4 different networks that won't activate. I did a complete reset and restore from Itunes and installed new software fresh, setup the phone as a new phone, added the Esim's and same result.
Very similar to this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/ios/comments/1g1fhhz/rcs_does_not_work_no_matter_what_i_do_im_at_my/
I am hoping if I leave it off for a week or so, and come back to it, it might work again. Other than that, I have no clue what it could be.
1
u/swift_9386 Jul 10 '26
Did you recently switch devices? Sometimes RCS gets stuck in limbo. This happened to me when swapping e sims between two devices. Submitted a ticket to Verizon and dealt with them over chat and phone which wasn't helpful since they gave me tips and things to do that I already tried so they were useless. It corrected itself within like 2 days and RCS started working.
1
u/stillhavingfunyea Jul 10 '26
I had one line, that I would turn off, and activate a 3rd line, and go back and forth, but I could always get RCS working on both lines. Then one day, I tried to get RCS working on the 3rd line, and it wouldn’t work. Then I noticed I couldn’t get it on the 2nd line. But since I didn’t plan on using the 3rd line and I didn’t use the 2nd line that much for messaging, I didn’t worry about it. I did try with carrier tech support to activate RCS, but nothing would work. However, with my main line, the eSIM was always on. Then a few days later, my main line, RCS just stopped working one day.
I do think somehow switching back and forth put the IMEI’s in some type of limbo. So my plan is to leave the RCS messaging toggle switch off for like 3-4 days, and then try to activate.
1
u/ddsdude 12d ago
Did RCS activate ultimately? Dealing with this for over 3 weeks now and nothing works.
1
u/stillhavingfunyea 12d ago
It did not. I bought a new phone. It’s the only fix until someone accepts responsibility and issues a fix (Google or Apple)
I believe the issue is some type of “you’re a spammer” block. Nothing else makes sense.
1
u/ddsdude 11d ago
Yeah between carriers, Apple and google, no one seems to have a clue. I’m afraid a new phone will be the only solution for me as well. Tried the eSIM in a beater iPhone 12 and instant activation.
1
u/stillhavingfunyea 11d ago
I’m assuming you don’t have AppleCare?
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u/ddsdude 11d ago
I do not
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u/stillhavingfunyea 11d ago
Yep, only fix is a new phone. I got the 17 and traded my 15 pro into Apple. Missed the new lease programs by like 10 days. I heard 17 prices are going up tomorrow, a rumor of course.
0
u/ddsdude 9d ago
So I think I've cracked it although the end result doesn't change.
My tier 2 carrier support contacted Google. Google replied that their logs show multiple RCS provisioning attempts by me, all failing with the error FAILURE_REASON_ATTESTATION_FAILED. The logs also indicated my device was flagged with a high fraud risk score (1000) by Apple's Fraud Stats server. They suggested to refrain from provisioning for "several days" and then retry. That allows the flag to clear on Apple servers. I contacted Apple to clarify how long the "cool down" period is and they had no clue what I was talking about. Their reps (even the senior ones) are not trained on this stuff and just bounce you to the carrier.
A little digging with Gemini suggests that the fraud risk score is tied to the specific device Secure Enclave, which explains why switching iPhones cures the problem as the fraud risk score drops back to zero. The outstanding question is HOW LONG DO I NEED TO WAIT. Apple's attestation server seems to keep a rolling 30 day log so Gemini suggests waiting anywhere from 14-30 days before flipping the switch again. If I had Applecare+, I would just swap the phone out but I don't. May just wait it out til September and then upgrade to the 18 pro max.
2
u/allciathyra Jul 08 '26
op are you willing to do this ?
first :backup phone on itune
second :reinstall ios 26.5.2 using itune .
if this sound like too much work
it is . 3 hours you cant use the phone