Secret Codes guide
Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 4 min read
Quick answer
Stop texts vanishing into iMessage when you move to a non-Apple phone. iMessage is tied to your phone number, not your handset. If you move that number to an Android phone while iMessage is still registered, other iPhone users keep sending you blue bubble messages that route to Apple and never reach the new device.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| What it does | Stop texts vanishing into iMessage when you move to a non-Apple phone. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Stop texts vanishing into iMessage when you move to a non-Apple phone. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to.
I build Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, get Secret Codes on the App Store.
What is Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone?
iMessage is tied to your phone number, not your handset. If you move that number to an Android phone while iMessage is still registered, other iPhone users keep sending you blue bubble messages that route to Apple and never reach the new device.
The fix is to turn iMessage off on the iPhone before you swap, at Settings, Apps, Messages, iMessage. Do it while the SIM or eSIM is still active in the iPhone so the deregistration can complete.
The same reasoning applies to FaceTime, which is registered to your number in the same way. If you have already wiped or sold the iPhone, Apple runs a deregistration page on its website that removes the number without the device.
Important: Do this before you hand over or wipe the iPhone. Once the number has moved and the device is gone, undoing the registration is much harder and you may miss texts in the meantime.
How do I do it?
- On the iPhone that still has the number, open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps, then tap Messages.
- Turn iMessage off.
- Tap Apps, tap FaceTime, and turn FaceTime off as well.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | Applies to iOS 17, 18 and 26. Turn it off while the number is still active on the iPhone for the cleanest result. |
Related iphone phone and message settings
- Screen Unknown Senders In Messages
- Per-App Cellular Data Switches
- Send As Text Message Fallback
- System Services Data And Reset Statistics
- MMS Messaging Toggle
- Cellular Data Network And APN
See all iphone phone and message settings or every category of iPhone codes.
How Secret Codes helps
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Frequently asked questions
What is Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone on iPhone?
Stop texts vanishing into iMessage when you move to a non-Apple phone. iMessage is tied to your phone number, not your handset.
What else should I know about Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone?
If you move that number to an Android phone while iMessage is still registered, other iPhone users keep sending you blue bubble messages that route to Apple and never reach the new device. The fix is to turn iMessage off on the iPhone before you swap, at Settings, Apps, Messages, iMessage.
What are the steps for Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone?
1. On the iPhone that still has the number, open the Settings app. 2. Tap Apps, then tap Messages. 3. Turn iMessage off. 4. Tap Apps, tap FaceTime, and turn FaceTime off as well.
Where do I find Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone work on?
It is published for any iPhone. Applies to iOS 17, 18 and 26. Turn it off while the number is still active on the iPhone for the cleanest result.
Is there anything to watch out for with Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone?
Do this before you hand over or wipe the iPhone. Once the number has moved and the device is gone, undoing the registration is much harder and you may miss texts in the meantime.
Does Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone does not work on my iPhone?
Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier.
What is related to Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone?
Screen Unknown Senders In Messages. Move texts from people you do not know into their own filtered list.
What else is in this category?
Per-App Cellular Data Switches. Stop individual apps from using mobile data at all.
Sources
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