Fix: “Number changed to primary” error on iPhone

by
iMessage

The error reading “Number changed to primary” has been reported by many iPhone 11, XR, XS and XS Max users. It usually appears after you receive or send a new message on your iPhone.

This error occurs mostly when you are using the Dual SIM feature on your iPhone. If you have been looking for ways to fix this error, don’t worry. This article will show you how to fix it. Check out the fixes below.

1. Reset iMessage and Face Time

Incorrect iMessages and Face Time settings may cause the error. Therefore, to fix, you should reset your iMessage and Face Time settings. To reset, you have to turn iMessage and Face time off, wait for 30-60 seconds then turn them back on.

To turn iMessage off then on:

  • Go to settings
  • Navigate to Messages
  • Turn off iMessage

To turn on, follow the same steps and toggle on.

  • To turn Face Time off then on:
  • Go to settings
  • Navigate to Face Time
  • Turn it off

Follow the same steps above to toggle Face Time on.

2. Remove the country code

This trick has worked for many. Try it by following these steps:

  • Go to settings
  • Navigate to phone
  • Tap on My Number
  • Remove the country code (e.g, for USA, remove +1)
  • Tap on Save

Check if the issue is fixed, if not re-add the country code.

3. Restart your device

There could be a technical issue with your iPhone causing the error. Technical issues are well fixed by restarting. Fixing the technical issue may fix the error too. So restart your device then try again to see if the problem is fixed.

4. Delete the conversation with the problem

Sometimes, the error might appear on a single message or a few messages. In that case, you can try deleting the entire conversation in which the error appears to fix the error.

5. Update your iOS version

New iOS versions are meant to fix some bugs. So, if you are encountering the error, it may be that you are running on an outdated iOS version. To fix, you have to check for any available iOS update and install it.

6. Remove your phone number from iMessage and FaceTime then add it back

To remove your number from iMessage:

  • Go to Settings
  • Go to Messages
  • Tap on Send and Receive
  • Select your Apple ID
  • Tap on Sign Out.

To remove from Face Time:

  • Go to Settings
  • Tap on Face Time
  • Select your Apple ID
  • Tap on Sign out

After that, wait for a while then sign back into Face Time and iMessage with your Apple ID.

7. Correct your date and time settings

Incorrectly configured date and time settings can cause the error. To fix, you have to ensure that your date and time settings (e.g., time zone) are correct. If not, make changes. To check:

  • Go to Settings
  • Tap on General
  • Tap on Date & Time.

That’s all we had for you on how to fix the “Number changed to primary” error. We hope one of the fixes above will work for you.