Will iMessage Work with a NewSIM eSIM?

iMessage will continue to work when using a NewSIM eSIM, as long as it is set to send and receive messages using your Apple ID or data connection.

If iMessage is linked only to your primary phone number, your device may temporarily deactivate iMessage when switching SIMs.

To avoid this, we recommend enabling iMessage with your Apple ID email address in your device settings.

Once configured, you can send and receive iMessages normally using your NewSIM data connection, even without a traditional phone number on the eSIM.

iMessage can send messages using either your phone number or your Apple ID email. When you switch to a NewSIM eSIM that doesn’t have a phone number (data-only plan), iMessage can’t use a number that isn’t active.

That’s why Apple recommends:

• Check your Apple ID/email: This ensures iMessage sends and receives using your Apple ID, which works over data.

• Uncheck your phone number: If your old number is still linked but inactive (because your eSIM doesn’t have calls/SMS), leaving it checked can cause iMessage to fail or delay activation.

Basically, iMessage needs a valid sending address. On a NewSIM eSIM (data-only), that’s your Apple ID/email, not a phone number.

Updated on: 12/18/2025