How do I get texts and calls working on a new iPhone when the old phone is locked?
Answer
Most often the phone number or cellular line never finished moving to the new iPhone, or Cellular / My Number is not set correctly. Confirm the SIM or eSIM is active on the new phone, toggle Airplane Mode, check Settings > Cellular and Settings > Phone > My Number, then restart. If the line still fails, activate or transfer the number through your carrier using the new iPhone’s IMEI.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Erasing the old iPhone without removing Find My can leave Activation Lock and make the device unusable for anyone else.
Follow these steps
Confirm cellular is on the new iPhone
On the new iPhone open Settings > Cellular and make sure Cellular Data / the line is turned on. Open Settings > Phone and confirm My Number shows your real phone number, not blank or a wrong number.
You should see: The line appears active and My Number matches the number you expect to receive calls and texts on.
Refresh the cellular connection
Turn Airplane Mode on for about 15 seconds, then turn it off. Try calling your own number from another phone, then restart the new iPhone.
You should see: Signal returns and a test call or text reaches the new iPhone, or you still see No Service to report to the carrier.
Verify the SIM or eSIM assignment
Open Settings > General > About and confirm a modem firmware and IMEI/ICCID are listed. If you have a physical SIM, reseat it. If you use eSIM, check that the correct cellular plan is listed under Settings > Cellular.
You should see: The phone shows an installed plan or SIM details for your carrier.
Transfer or activate the number with the carrier
From another phone or a computer, sign in to your carrier account or call carrier support. Ask them to activate or move your number to the new iPhone using its IMEI. Explain that the old phone is locked and cannot receive codes if that is true.
You should see: The carrier confirms the number is active on the new device.
Separate Apple ID lock from carrier service
If the old iPhone only shows Forgot password or Activation Lock, recover the Apple ID at iforgot.apple.com when you need data or to erase it. Carrier call and SMS service on the new phone does not require unlocking the old phone once the number is moved.
You should see: Calls and texts work on the new iPhone even if the old phone remains locked.
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Extra tips
What to look for: No Service or Searching, missing My Number, Cellular turned off, eSIM/SIM not installed, and carrier messages about number transfer or Forgot password on the old phone.
Before you change anything: Have your carrier account PIN or passphrase ready. Note the new iPhone IMEI from Settings > General > About. Do not erase the old iPhone unless you can sign in to the Apple ID and have a backup. Never share Apple ID or carrier codes with unexpected callers.