Generally, iMessage and FaceTime is often directed to your phone number, and Nomad eSIMs do not come with a number (data only). However, you can still use iMessage and FaceTime with data from Nomad eSIM, you just cannot use Nomad line as an address to send or receive iMessage/FaceTime requests.
Nomad eSIMs are a data-only service, providing connectivity for internet-based features such as iMessage and FaceTime without issuing a phone number. For effective usage, ensure that you link iMessage and FaceTime to an email address tied to your Apple ID or iCloud.
Enabling iMessage with Nomad eSIM
Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
Tap on the Messages app and toggle on the iMessage option.
Navigate to
Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.Sign in with your Apple ID if not already signed in.
Under "You can receive iMessages to and reply from," select your Apple ID email. You can also use your primary phone number if you intend to use it during your travel (note that using your primary phone number outside your home region might incur roaming charges).
Under "Start new conversations from," choose your Apple ID email. You can also use your primary phone number if you intend to use it during your travel (note that using your primary phone number outside your home region might incur roaming charges).
Keep data roaming off on your primary line to avoid additional charges while using the Nomad eSIM for data.
Enabling FaceTime with Nomad eSIM
Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
Tap on the FaceTime app and toggle on FaceTime.
Under the toggle, find the section titled 'You can be reached by FaceTime at':
Select the email address tied to your Apple ID or iCloud account as the contact method, ensuring it is not the Nomad line.
Troubleshooting Common iMessage Issues
iMessage Sending Green Text Messages
Ensure iMessage is toggled on in Settings > Messages.
Verify your Apple ID email is selected under Send & Receive.
Confirm the recipient has iMessage activated.
Note that SMS messaging won’t work with Nomad's data-only service.
Sign out of iCloud and sign back in to refresh iMessage routing.
Restart your device to apply changes.
Turn off Wi-Fi and toggle Airplane Mode on and off to reset the connection.
Ensure Data Roaming is enabled on the Nomad eSIM if required by your location.
'Send & Receive' Section Setting
Make sure iMessage is turned on.
Check that you are signed into your Apple ID.
Sign out and sign in into iCloud if necessary to refresh settings.
Check for iOS updates in
Settings > General > Software Update.Apply any carrier update prompts in
Settings > General > About.If a dummy number is displayed for the Nomad eSIM in "Send & Receive," unselect it and use your Apple ID email instead.
Activation Issues
Ensure your primary voice line is not set to the Nomad eSIM. The main SIM should manage voice services while Nomad provides data.
Using iMessage Internationally
Even when traveling, iMessage works globally as long as data or Wi-Fi is active. Link iMessage to your Apple ID in the 'Send & Receive' section to ensure functionality abroad.
Nomad eSIM and Apple Responsibilities
While Nomad provides the data for iMessage and FaceTime, these features are managed by Apple. For Apple ID setup or activation issues, contacting Apple Support is recommended.
Additional Tips
Use the Nomad eSIM for cellular data while keeping your primary SIM active for voice and SMS services.
For app-based messaging services like WhatsApp, ensure the device has an active data connection via the Nomad eSIM.
If you want messages associated with the secondary line, set the Default Voice Line to Secondary in
Settings > Cellular.