Apple has released an iMessage deactivation tool online. The new tool comes after several users complained about not being able to receive text messages when they switched to a non Apple device.
iMessage can sometimes keep numbers registered on Apple’s servers as using an Apple device even if it’s already switched to another phone, and this usually happens when users wipe their iPhones or remove their sim cards without switching off iMessage / logging out from iCloud.
With Apple’s new tool, users who forget to log out or deactivate iMessage before switching or selling their phones can now do so online without the need to have their iPhone with them. The process is simple, enter your mobile number, receive a text message with a verification code, enter the code on the site and voila, you number is iMessage free.
You can deregister iMessage here.
