My impression has been that I can use Messages on my iPhone 5 via wi-fi despite the fact that I haven't got cellular service, but every time I try to activate it with my Apple ID I get "An error occurred during activation/Try again."

I've followed Apple's instructions - If you get an error when trying to activate iMessage - but I"m confused by

Quote:
Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network. If you're using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.

On my "Messages" screen I see "SMS," and the bubbles I see for failed messages are green, which I think suggests that I need cellular service.

Has anybody got any insights or suggestions?

(I've got no problems sending "blue bubble" messages to the same recipient from my MBP.)

Thanks.

The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire