Fixing iPhone 13 Stuck on Verifying Phone Number
By Robert Jones · 2022-04-19
My lad's iPhone 13 got well and truly jammed on the 'verifying phone number' screen. I had a dig around and found a few simple fixes to get things ticking over again, saving you a trip to the Apple store and a good chunk of cash.
Right then, listen up. My youngest, bless his cotton socks, had his iPhone 13 Pro Max proper jammed up the other week. Said it was "stuck on verifying phone number" and he was well agitated. "Dad, I can't even text Amelia!" he wailed. Honestly, the drama! But, after a good rummage around, I got it sorted. Took a bit of head-scratching, mind. Figured I'd write it all down here, seeing as it's a bit of a common headache, even if it's not exactly my usual fare of speaker diaphragms and amplifier topologies. **Quick Verdict: Most iPhone 13 "verifying phone number" snags are easy fixes with a bit of patience and knowing where to prod.** ### Who This Guide is For * Got an iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, or 13 mini that's playing up with verification? This is for you. * Prefer to fix things yourself rather than shelling out for an Apple Store appointment or some dodgy repair shop down the high street? * Tried switching it off and on again, and it did sweet Fanny Adams? * Want to save a few quid and avoid waiting weeks for an appointment? ### Who Should Skip It * If your phone took a dive in the bath or had a proper smash-up, you're probably looking at physical damage, which is a different kettle of fish. * Completely lost when it comes to phone settings? Maybe ask a tech-savvy mate or your grandkid. * Already spent a good few hours pulling your hair out? Perhaps it's time for professional help, or just a new phone, eh?  *Me, trying to make sense of software issues. Who knew I'd be doing this for SpeakersMag, eh?* ## The "Verifying Phone Number" Quagmire: What's Actually Happening Under the Bonnet? Alright, let's get stuck into this peculiar problem. Now, I spend most of my days listening to crossovers hum and tweaking frequency responses, so getting bogged down in iPhone software isn't my usual cup of tea. But when your own flesh and blood is cut off from the modern world because his phone's in a strop, you lend a hand, don't you? This "verifying phone number" message, it's not some secret code for imminent phone death. Usually, it's just the iPhone trying to be clever and failing spectacularly. See, Apple's iMessage and FaceTime, those handy bits of kit that let you message and call other Apple users for free over Wi-Fi, they need to know it's *you*. So, they link themselves to your phone number. When you set up a new phone, or after a big software update, or even a factory reset, the phone sends a very quiet, very small text message (an SMS) to an Apple server. The server replies, confirms your number, and Bob's your uncle, you're good to go. It's meant to happen in the background, without you even noticing. Most of the time, it does. But sometimes, this little digital handshake goes awry. The phone sends the message, but it never quite gets the reply. Or it gets a confused reply. Or perhaps your network's having a bit of a wobble. Whatever the exact reason, the iPhone gets stuck in a loop, endlessly trying to verify. It's like trying to get a decent signal in a concrete bunker – you know the data's out there, but it just can't quite connect. It's frustrating, I know. It's a bit like when you're trying to dial in a perfect bass response, and something just isn't quite gelling. You know it's possible, but the connection isn't quite there. This isn't usually a hardware fault, thank goodness. You haven't dropped it in the toilet or anything. It's almost always a software glitch, a network issue, or some setting that's decided to pack up and go on holiday. Think of it like a poorly connected speaker cable – sometimes you just need to unplug it, give the connectors a clean, and plug it back in. That usually does the trick. And that's essentially what we're going to do with your iPhone. We're going to try reseating a few digital connections. ## First Port of Call: The Obvious Bits (But Worth Checking!) Before we go pulling our hair out, let's just run through the absolute basics. You'd be surprised how often the simplest things are overlooked. I've been in my workshop enough times to know that sometimes the "fault" is just a plug not quite pushed in properly. ### 1. The Good Old Restart Yeah, yeah, I know. "Have you tried turning it off and on again?" It's a cliché for a reason. For an iPhone 13, you want to press and hold the side button and either the volume up or volume down button until the "Slide to Power Off" slider appears. Drag that bugger across, wait a minute or two for it to fully shut down, then press and hold the side button again until you see the Apple logo. This clears out any minor software gremlins that might be having a bit of a laugh. ### 2. Check Your Network Signal Sounds daft, but if your phone can't send or receive that silent SMS, it can't verify. Are you in a signal blackspot? In the middle of nowhere? Down in a basement? Try moving to an area with a strong mobile signal (look for those signal bars at the top right of the screen). If you're on Wi-Fi, try turning Wi-Fi off for a moment and relying purely on mobile data, then vice-versa. Sometimes the Wi-Fi network itself can be blocking the connection for that specific SMS. ### 3. Has Your SIM Card Shifted? It's rare, but sometimes a SIM card can get a bit loose or dusty. Power down your phone completely. Find the little SIM tray on the side (it's a tiny slot with a pinhole next to it). Use the SIM ejector tool that came with your phone, or a straightened paperclip, to pop it out. Give the SIM card a gentle wipe with a clean, dry cloth (don't use anything abrasive or wet!), blow into the slot gently to clear any dust, then put the SIM back in, making sure it's seated properly. Power the phone back on. Worth a shot, anyway. ### 4. Enough Credit or Data? This is a big one, especially if you're on a pay-as-you-go plan. That silent verification SMS isn't free on all networks, though it's usually a tiny charge. If you've got absolutely zero credit, or your data allowance is completely gone, the phone might not be able to send it. Top up your phone or make sure you have some allowance. Sounds too simple, doesn't it? But trust me, I've seen it catch people out. ## Digging Deeper: Software Settings and More Involved Fixes If the simple stuff didn't do the trick, don't despair. We're going to roll up our sleeves and get a bit more technical. Still nothing that requires a degree in astrophysics, mind you, just a bit of careful poking around in the settings. ### 1. Toggle iMessage and FaceTime Off and On This is often the main culprit. Go to `Settings > Messages`. You'll see a toggle for iMessage. Turn it off. You'll get a warning about deactivating iMessage. Confirm it. Do the same for FaceTime: `Settings > FaceTime`, turn it off. Now, give it a good minute or two. Then, go back and turn iMessage *on* first. Wait for it to activate (you might see "Waiting for Activation..."). Once iMessage is active, then turn FaceTime *on*. This forces the phone to re-establish the connection from scratch. It's like giving your amplifier a proper reset after a power cut – sometimes it just needs a good jolt. ### 2. Check Date and Time Settings Believe it or not, incorrect date and time settings can mess with Apple's servers, preventing proper verification. Go to `Settings > General > Date & Time`. Make sure "Set Automatically" is toggled on. If it's already on, toggle it off, wait 30 seconds, then toggle it back on. This ensures your phone is syncing its time with the network, which is crucial for secure connections. ### 3. Network Settings Reset This one's a bit more drastic, but it won't delete your personal data like photos or contacts. What it *will* do is reset all your Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, and cellular settings. So, make a note of any Wi-Fi passwords you'll need to re-enter. Go to `Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings`. You'll need to enter your passcode. After the phone restarts, try activating iMessage and FaceTime again. This clears out any dodgy network configurations that might be blocking the verification SMS. ### 4. Update Your iPhone's Software Are you running the latest version of iOS? Sometimes, bugs get squashed in updates. Go to `Settings > General > Software Update`. If there's an update available, install it. Make sure your phone is charged (or plugged in) and connected to Wi-Fi. A fresh software build can sometimes iron out these peculiar glitches that crop up. Apple pushes these updates for a reason, you know – often it's to fix things that are causing headaches for users. ### 5. Check for Carrier Settings Update Sometimes, your mobile network provider releases updates for how your iPhone connects to their network. These are called "Carrier Settings Updates." You usually get a pop-up, but if you missed it, you can check manually. Go to `Settings > General > About`. If an update is available, you'll see a prompt. If not, it just means you're already up to date. No harm in checking, eh? ## The Heavy-Duty Options: When All Else Fails If you've tried everything above and your iPhone 13 is still stubbornly stuck, we're moving into the realm of more serious troubleshooting. These steps are a bit more involved, and one of them *will* erase your phone's data, so be warned and back up your phone first! ### 1. Sign Out and Back Into Apple ID Your Apple ID is linked to everything. Sometimes a fresh connection here can work wonders. Go to `Settings > [Your Name at the Top]`. Scroll right down to the bottom and tap "Sign Out." You'll be asked if you want to keep data like Contacts and Safari Data on your phone – generally, you can say yes here as it's about syncing, not deleting from your phone itself. Once signed out, restart your iPhone. Then, go back to `Settings` and sign back into your Apple ID. This can sometimes refresh the connection needed for iMessage and FaceTime to verify. ### 2. Reset All Settings (But Keep Your Data) This is a step up from resetting just network settings. This resets *all* your settings – wallpaper, preferences, privacy settings, keyboard dictionary, location settings, you name it. It's a full reset of the phone's configuration, but crucially, it doesn't touch your apps, photos, messages, or other personal data. It's like starting with a fresh set of controls for your hi-fi without emptying your record collection. Go to `Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings`. You'll need your passcode. This can often clear out any deeply buried, conflicting settings that might be causing the verification loop. ### 3. Factory Reset (Last Resort!) Right, this is the big one. The nuclear option. This *will* erase absolutely everything on your iPhone and restore it to its original factory condition. It's like taking a speaker, stripping it right back to the cabinet, and starting fresh. **You absolutely, positively MUST back up your iPhone first** if you don't want to lose everything. You can do this via iCloud (`Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now`) or by connecting to your computer and using Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows). Once backed up, go to `Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings`. Follow the prompts. After it's wiped clean, set it up as a *new* iPhone, rather than restoring from a backup straight away. See if iMessage and FaceTime activate. If they do, then you know the problem was in your old data or settings. Then you can try restoring your backup. If it gets stuck again *after* restoring, then the problem is definitely within your backup itself, and you might have to consider setting up from scratch. ## What if it's Still Stuck? When to Call in the Big Guns If you've gone through all of that, and your iPhone 13 is still stubbornly refusing to verify its number, then it's time to face facts. The problem might be beyond simple software fixes. Here's what to consider next: ### Contact Your Mobile Carrier Seriously, give them a ring. Explain what's happening. Ask them to check if there are any blocks on your account for sending or receiving those short codes or silent SMS messages. Sometimes, particularly if you've recently changed plans or ported your number, there can be a hiccup on their end. They can usually reset things on their system. They might also be able to tell you if there's a wider network issue in your area. ### Contact Apple Support If your carrier says everything's fine, then it's time to speak to the mothership. Apple Support are usually quite good, though you might have to explain your troubleshooting steps a few times. They can run diagnostics remotely and might have some deeper insights into what's going on. They'll be able to tell you if it's a known issue or if your particular phone needs a closer look. ### Consider a Hardware Issue (Rare, But Possible) In very rare cases, if *nothing* software-related works, it *could* be a fault with the SIM card reader or the cellular modem inside the iPhone itself. This is really uncommon for this specific "verifying number" error, which is almost always software or network related. But if Apple Support confirms it, then you might be looking at a repair or replacement, especially if your phone is still under warranty. That's when it gets a bit more painful on the wallet, sadly. ## Practical Tips to Keep Your iPhone Happy Look, these little gadgets are complex beasts. A bit like a high-end DAC – lots of intricate bits all working together. Here are a few things I do to try and keep my tech running smoothly, digital or analogue: * **Regular Updates:** Don't ignore those software update notifications. They often contain bug fixes and security patches. Just make sure you've got a decent Wi-Fi connection and enough battery before you start. * **Good Signal:** Try to use your phone in areas with a strong mobile signal. Constant struggling for signal drains the battery and can cause all sorts of network glitches. * **Avoid Overheating:** Don't leave your phone baking on the dashboard in the sun or running demanding apps for hours on end. Heat is the enemy of electronics, speakers included! * **Clear Out Junk:** Every now and then, go through your apps and delete what you don't use. Clear out old photos and videos you don't need. A full phone can sometimes be a sluggish phone. * **Back Up Regularly:** Seriously, this is crucial. Whether it's iCloud or to your computer, back up your phone regularly. If something goes pear-shaped, you'll be glad you did. Losing all your photos of the grandkids? Not ideal. ## Comparison: iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 14 (A Brief Aside) Now, while we're talking iPhones, a quick word on the 13 versus the newer 14. If you're thinking about an upgrade, especially if your 13 is giving you grief, here's my two penn'orth. | Feature | iPhone 13 (Base Model) | iPhone 14 (Base Model) | | :----------------- | :------------------------------------------------------ | :------------------------------------------------------ | | **Chipset** | A15 Bionic (5-core GPU) | A15 Bionic (5-core GPU, slightly improved thermal) | | **Camera** | Dual 12MP (Main, Ultrawide) | Dual 12MP (Main, Ultrawide) + Photonic Engine | | **Emergency SOS** | No | Yes (Satellite connectivity for emergencies) | | **Crash Detection**| No | Yes | | **eSIM Only (US)** | Physical SIM slot (all models) | US models are eSIM only, others have physical SIM slot | | **Price (UK)** | Around £500-£650 (refurbished/used) | Around £700-£850 (new) | | **Verdict** | Still a fantastic phone, great value used. | Minor upgrade for most, useful safety features. | Honestly, the iPhone 13 is still a very capable phone. For most people, the jump to the 14 isn't a massive upgrade in day-to-day performance. The A15 chip in the 13 is still ridiculously fast. The main reasons to go for the 14 are those emergency features and slightly better camera processing. If you're happy with your 13, and you can sort out this verification faff, stick with it. If you're looking for an upgrade, you'll probably notice more of a difference jumping to a Pro model, rather than just the base 14. Save your money for some decent speakers, eh? ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### Q: Why does my iPhone 13 get stuck on "Verifying Phone Number" after an iOS update? It often happens after an update because the system reinstalls or refreshes core services like iMessage and FaceTime. This means it needs to re-verify your number from scratch. Sometimes, a temporary bug in the new software version or a conflict with old settings can cause the process to hang. Following the troubleshooting steps, especially toggling iMessage/FaceTime and resetting network settings, usually sorts it. ### Q: Does this problem only affect iPhone 13 models? No, not at all. While this article focuses on the iPhone 13 because that's what my lad had playing up, this "verifying phone number" issue can crop up on any iPhone model that uses iMessage and FaceTime. The underlying causes – network glitches, software bugs, or incorrect settings – are pretty universal across different iOS versions and iPhone generations. The fixes outlined here are generally applicable to other models too. ### Q: Will resetting network settings delete my photos or apps? No, absolutely not. Resetting network settings (`Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings`) only clears out things like saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, VPN configurations, and cellular data preferences. Your photos, videos, apps, contacts, messages, and other personal data will remain completely untouched. You'll just need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords when you reconnect to networks. ### Q: How long should "Verifying Phone Number" usually take? Normally, it should only take a few seconds, maybe up to a minute or two at most, in the background. You shouldn't even notice it. If you see the message "Waiting for Activation..." or "Verifying..." for more than five to ten minutes, then something's probably amiss, and it's time to start looking at the troubleshooting steps we've discussed. ### Q: Can my mobile carrier fix this issue directly? They might be able to. It's definitely worth giving them a call. They can check if there are any issues on their end, such as blocks on your account for sending specific types of SMS, or problems with your number provisioning. Sometimes, a simple reset on their system can clear things up, especially if the problem started after a change to your account or SIM card. It's always a good first step after you've tried the basic restarts. ## Final Word: Don't Let a Glitch Spoil Your Day Honestly, it's a proper faff when your tech doesn't do what it's told. My lad nearly had a breakdown when his phone was playing up, and I can sympathise. We rely on these things a lot these days, don't we? But most of the time, these peculiar little software glitches aren't the end of the world. With a bit of patience and a methodical approach, you can usually get things ticking over again without needing to spend a fortune or lose your marbles. This "verifying phone number" business, while annoying, is usually down to something relatively simple. Just take it step by step, work your way through the suggestions, and don't be afraid to give Apple Support or your mobile network a bell if you're still well and truly stuck. You're not alone with these issues, believe me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a new amplifier to test. Much more my speed, that is. Keep those speakers sounding lovely, eh?