Apple today released an official support document outlining possible problems users may encounter when setting up the new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro. iMessage and FaceTime may not activate correctly on iOS 16.0. Some users have reported problems receiving iMessage or FaceTime calls after upgrading to iOS 14. Others, on the other hand, saw green bubbles instead of blue bubbles while texting with other iMessage users.
In short, iOS 16.0 presents additional problems in the device setup process related to activating the device with iMessage and FaceTime. The timing couldn’t be worse, given that many people are buying the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max today — all of which came pre-installed with iOS 16.0.Yesterday, Apple released iOS 16.0.1, which includes fixes for these problems.
After updating to the latest version of iOS, the problems with iMessage and FaceTime should be fixed, according to Apple. Before you even get to the home screen, your brand-new iPhone may offer the update as part of the first installation process. If not, after getting your iPhone 14, go to Settings>General>Software Update and upgrade to the latest version available.
After upgrading to iOS 16.0.1, if you’re still having trouble with iMessage and FaceTime, you may need to make minor changes to your iMessage settings. Apple says to check Settings>Cellular and make sure your phone line is on.
Then, open Settings>Messages>Send and Receive. Tap the phone number you want to use for iMessage. Open Settings>FaceTime and tap the phone number you want to use with FaceTime.
If you follow these instructions, your iPhone 14 should usually be activated again.
