Why Choose Keith Thomas
• 20 years of experience as a Senior Apple Support Specialist at Apple Computer UK HQ.
• Former Apple Computer UK Mac Support Specialist and Apple Authorised Service Provider background.
• Established and Independent since 2010 for on‑site Apple Support Service – no call centres, no outsourcing, no hardware repairs. Over 25,000+ Apple problems resolved. Unique on-site Apple Support Service. backed up with Independent Apple Telephone Support Assistance.
• Trusted by home users, small businesses, and professionals across London and the South East UK.• Clear, honest, software‑only support. No Hardware Repairs. Expert Apple Consultancy Service.
On‑site iPhone, iMessage and FaceTime Support in London and the South East UK
What this page covers
This guide explains the most common reasons why iMessage or FaceTime will not activate on an iPhone, the steps you can try yourself, and when it’s time to get professional on‑site help. It applies to:
• iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max / iPhone Air
• iPhone 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max
• iPhone 15 / 15 Pro
• iPhone 14 / 14 Pro
• iPhone 13 / 13 Pro
• iPhone 12 / 12 Pro
• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)
And all UK mobile networks including EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Sky Mobile, BT Mobile, Virgin Media O2 and Tesco Mobile.
The most common activation problems
These are the issues Keith Thomas sees most often during on‑site visits:
• iPhone cannot activate iMessage
• iPhone cannot activate FaceTime
• iMessage stuck on “Waiting for activation”
• FaceTime stuck on “Waiting for activation”
• iMessage activation failed
• FaceTime activation failed
• iMessage not activating after update
• iMessage not activating on EE / O2 / Vodafone / Three
• iMessage not activating because of Apple Account issues
Quick checks you can do yourself
These steps solve around 50% of activation issues.
Check 1 – Restart the iPhone
Check 2 – Turn Airplane Mode off and on
Check 3 – Check mobile signal strength
Check 4 – Turn off Wi‑Fi Calling temporarily
Check 5 – Make sure your number is showing in Settings → Phone
iMessage stuck on “Waiting for activation”
This usually means:
• Network issue with your mobile provider
• SMS activation message not sending
• Apple Account not fully signed in
Try:
• Turning iMessage off and on
• Restarting the iPhone
• Checking your Apple Account sign‑in
FaceTime stuck on “Waiting for activation”
This usually means:
• Apple Account not verified
• Network issue
• Temporary Apple server delay
Try:
• Turning FaceTime off and on
• Restarting the iPhone
• Checking your Apple Account password
iMessage or FaceTime activation failed
This usually means:
• SMS activation message blocked by your network
• Incorrect time or date settings
• Apple Account not fully signed in
Try:
• Settings → General → Date & Time → Set Automatically
• Restarting the iPhone
• Signing out and back into your Apple Account
iMessage not activating after update
This usually means:
• iMessage settings reset during update
• Apple Account re‑authentication required
• Temporary iOS bug
Try:
• Turning iMessage off and on
• Restarting the iPhone
• Updating to the latest iOS version
iMessage not activating on EE / O2 / Vodafone / Three
This usually means:
• SMS activation message blocked by the network
• Number not registered correctly
• Porting delay after switching networks
Try:
• Restarting the iPhone
• Turning Airplane Mode off and on
• Contacting your mobile provider
When DIY stops working
You should get on‑site help if:
• iMessage or FaceTime will not activate at all
• Activation is stuck on “Waiting for activation”
• Activation fails after an update
• Activation works on another phone but not your iPhone
These issues usually require:
• Apple Account and iCloud configuration repair
• iMessage and FaceTime activation diagnostics
• Network and SMS routing checks
• iPhone configuration repair
On‑Site iPhone Support – London & South East UK
If your iPhone cannot activate iMessage or FaceTime, Keith Thomas provides an often same‑day on‑site support service across:
• Central London
• West, North, South and East London
• Surrey
• Berkshire
• Hampshire
• Wiltshire
Keith Thomas is an Apple Support Specialist in:
• iMessage and FaceTime activation issues
• Apple Account and iCloud configuration
• Mobile network troubleshooting
• iPhone configuration and repair
Book on‑site help in London and the South East UK
If your iPhone cannot activate iMessage or FaceTime, Keith Thomas can visit your home or office and get everything working again.
Keith Thomas – Apple Support Specialist
Established 2010 – Open 09:30–20:30, 7 Days
Contact Keith Thomas by Telephone: 07800 940756 or by Text to: 07800 940756, or simply complete an online website contact form 24/7