How to Deregister iMessage: Step-by-Step Guide

Deregistering iMessage removes your phone number from Apple’s iMessage service, ensuring that SMS/MMS messages from iPhone users reach you as regular texts instead of being sent to iMessage and lost. This is essential when switching to an Android phone or selling your iPhone. Before starting, ensure you have your iPhone (or the device you used with iMessage) and your Apple ID password if you plan to deregister online.

What You’ll Need

Your iPhone (if you still have it) or access to the Apple ID used on that device.
The phone number you want to deregister.
Your Apple ID password if using the online deregistration method.

Step-by-Step

Method 1: On Your iPhone (Before You Switch)

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap your name at the top to open Apple ID settings.
Tap iMessage (or scroll down to Messages and tap it, then toggle off iMessage). On iOS 17 and later, go to Settings > Messages and toggle off iMessage.
If you see a prompt asking to confirm, tap Turn Off.
Go back to Settings and tap FaceTime (if you have it) and toggle it off as well. This is optional but recommended to fully disconnect your number from Apple services.
Once iMessage is off, your number is deregistered. You can also sign out of your Apple ID entirely if you’re handing off the device.

Method 2: Using Apple’s Deregistration Website (If You No Longer Have the iPhone)

Go to selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage in any web browser.
Enter the phone number you used with iMessage (include country code, e.g., +1 for US numbers).
Enter the verification code sent to that number via SMS. The code arrives as a text message.
Click Submit.
Confirm the deregistration when prompted. Your number is now removed from iMessage.

Method 3: On a New Android Device (Automatic Prompt)

Insert your SIM card into your new Android phone.
When you send your first text, you may see a prompt from Apple asking if you want to deregister iMessage. Follow the on-screen instructions.
If no prompt appears, use Method 2 above.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to turn off iMessage before switching: If you don’t deregister before moving your SIM, iPhone users may still send you iMessages that never arrive as texts.
Only toggling off iMessage but leaving FaceTime on: FaceTime uses the same phone number; leaving it on can cause missed FaceTime calls.
Using the wrong phone number format: When using the web form, you must include the country code without leading zeros. For example, for a US number, use +1 followed by the area code and number.
Assuming deregistration is instant: It can take up to 24 hours for Apple to fully process the removal, though it’s usually quicker.
Skipping the verification code: If you don’t enter the SMS code, the deregistration won’t complete.

Tips

Deregister iMessage before you switch phones to avoid any message routing issues.
If you’re selling or trading in your iPhone, also sign out of your Apple ID and erase the device after deregistering.
Keep your SIM card active until the deregistration is confirmed, as you’ll need it to receive the verification code.
If you’re switching to Android, also consider disabling FaceTime and iCloud messaging features to avoid similar issues.
After deregistering, ask a friend with an iPhone to send you a text to confirm it arrives as a green bubble (SMS) rather than a blue one (iMessage).

Troubleshooting

You no longer have the iPhone and can’t receive the SMS code

If you can’t receive the verification code (e.g., you’ve already switched carriers or lost the SIM), you’ll need to contact Apple Support. They can verify your identity and manually deregister your number. Have your Apple ID and proof of ownership ready.

Messages from iPhone users still go to iMessage after deregistering

This can happen if the other person’s iPhone has cached your number as an iMessage contact. Ask them to delete the conversation and start a new one. Also, ensure you’ve waited up to 24 hours. If it persists, double-check that you completed the deregistration on the web form and that you used the correct number format.

You see “Activation Unsuccessful” when trying to deregister online

This usually means the number isn’t linked to iMessage, or the verification code was entered incorrectly. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the issue continues, contact Apple Support.

The toggle for iMessage is grayed out on your iPhone

This can happen if you’re not connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or cellular). Connect to a network and try again. If it’s still grayed out, restart your iPhone and retry.

You’re still receiving iMessages on your old iPhone after switching

If you didn’t deregister and you still have the old iPhone, turn it on, go to Settings > Messages, and toggle off iMessage. If you no longer have the device, use the web method or contact Apple Support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to deregister iMessage?

Usually it’s immediate when doing it on the iPhone, but the online method can take up to 24 hours to fully process.

Do I need to deregister if I’m just switching to another iPhone?

No. If you’re moving to a new iPhone, your number stays registered with iMessage. You just need to sign in with your Apple ID on the new device.

What happens to my iMessage conversations after deregistration?

Your iMessage history remains on your devices and in iCloud (if enabled). Deregistering only stops new messages from being routed to iMessage.

Can I deregister iMessage without the iPhone?

Yes, use the Apple deregistration website. You’ll need to receive a verification code via SMS on your current phone number.

Will deregistering iMessage affect my Apple ID or other Apple services?

No, it only removes your phone number from iMessage. Your Apple ID, App Store purchases, and other services remain unaffected.

What if I want to re-register iMessage later?

Simply go to Settings > Messages on an iPhone and toggle iMessage back on. You’ll need to sign in with your Apple ID.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →