Apple iMessage: How to Deregister Your Phone Number

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Apple has released a tool for decoupling your phone number from the iMessage service. Here's how to use it.

Ditching Apple's iPhone and proprietary iMessage service can come with a price. For a few years, many ex-iPhone owners have reported having their incoming text messages stuck in limbo after they've switched to a non-Apple device.

Fortunately for former iPhone users, Apple has launched a "Deregister iMessage" tool that lets people who've given up Apple devices disassociate their cellphone numbers from the messaging service. If you're ready to finally receive those vanishing texts, here's how to use the tool to break free from iMessage in a few minutes.

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Without an iPhone

1. If you've already sold or traded your iPhone for your current device, visit Apple's Deregister iMessage website.

2. Enter your phone number in the entry field towards the bottom of the page.

3. Once you receive a text message with a confirmation code, enter the code in the second box. This will confirm your deregistration. 

With an iPhone

If you still have your old iPhone handy, you can disable iMessage by selecting Settings > Messages and switching the iMessage slider off. Just make sure your SIM card is still inserted when you make the switch.

Whether you're preparing to dump your iPhone for something new or left it behind months ago, these steps should ensure that none of your number's incoming messages get stuck in iLimbo.

Mike Andronico is an Associate Editor at Tom's Guide. Follow Mike @MikeAndronico. Follow us @TomsGuide, on Facebook and on Google+.

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Michael Andronico
Michael Andronico

Mike Andronico is Senior Writer at CNNUnderscored. He was formerly Managing Editor at Tom's Guide, where he wrote extensively on gaming, as well as running the show on the news front. When not at work, you can usually catch him playing Street Fighter, devouring Twitch streams and trying to convince people that Hawkeye is the best Avenger.

1 Comment Comment from the forums
  • Christopher1
    Wish Apple would have made this automatic. Like if someone registers a new iPhone on their account, it automatically asks "Do you wish to deregister your old phone?
    Reply