Explore this post with:

Key Takeaways:

Deregister iMessage before switching from iPhone to Android to avoid text message delivery issues from Apple users.
You can turn off iMessage and FaceTime in Settings on your iPhone or iPad to unlink your number from Apple’s services.
If you no longer have your iPhone, use Apple’s online tool—just enter your number and a confirmation code to deregister remotely.
You’ll receive a confirmation that your number is removed from iMessage, allowing SMS texts to work properly on your new phone.
Once deregistered, you can’t use iMessage for that number—messages from Apple users will arrive via SMS on your non-Apple device.

If you’re looking to step away from Apple’s iPhone lineup and try your luck with an Android, don’t miss this vital step: deregister iMessage first. If you switch phones without doing so, someone may try to reach you through iMessage only to be met with “Not Delivered”.

To ensure you have all bases covered when you switch, follow this tutorial to deregister your phone number from iMessage on your iPhone or iPad.

How to Deregister iMessage on iPhone or iPad

Reinsert your SIM card into your iPhone (if you use eSIM, you’re all set to move on)
Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap Messages.
Toggle off iMessage.
Now, back out to Settings and navigate to FaceTime.
Toggle off FaceTime to fully deactivate iMessage services.

It’s as easy as that! No help from your cell provider is required—just make sure to opt out of these settings to deregister iMessage on your iPhone or iPad.

How to deregister iMessage online

Open a web browser and visit selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage
Select the right country by clicking on the flag icon (or it may show up as a country code, such as “+1” for the US).
Complete the captcha, then enter your cell number then click on Send Code.
Enter the confirmation code sent to your mobile phone in the box below.
Click Submit to deregister iMessage.

You should receive a confirmation message informing you that your number is deregistered from iMessage services. With this step out of the way, you’re safe to switch to a non-Apple device.

FaceTime Like a Pro:

Get our exclusive Ultimate FaceTime Guide 📚 — absolutely FREE when you sign up for our newsletter below.

Wrapping up…

Good luck switching to your new phone! We hope this guide helped you deregister iMessage in a few easy steps. Have any questions? Let us know in the comment section below! Here are some of the best iMessage alternatives for you to enjoy.

How long does it take to deregister iMessage?

Generally, the process is quite quick and goes into effect upon completion. However, some Apple devices may take a few hours to identify that your number is actually deactivated. After this waiting period, you’ll start getting SMS to your number instead of iMessage.

What happens when you deregister a number from iMessage?

When you deregister your phone number from iMessage services, any texts you receive will be in SMS form. This means you won’t be able to call or text over Wi-Fi as you could previously with iMessage enabled. If you use other Apple devices, such as a MacBook or iPad, your phone number will be removed there, too. You will no longer be able to use them for iMessage communications.

Get to know more about iMessage on Apple devices:

Explore this post with:

ChatGPT Perplexity Grok Google AI