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Home / How-to / How to fix Messages and iMessage problems in iOS 9

How to fix Messages and iMessage problems in iOS 9

Last Updated on June 14, 2016 by SK

Several users have reported that the iOS 9 update on iPhone or iPad appears to be causing serious problems for their Messages and iMessages. It seems that some users are experiencing a few annoying problems since updating to iOS 9 with Messages not working properly. If you have already updated to the latest iOS 9, and are having issues with Messages, here is how you can troubleshoot those issues.

Before we start, please note that the following eight tips may fix most issues

  1. Resart the Messages app by double tapping the Home button then swipe to the app to force quit. This action will force quit the Messages app. Don’t worry you will not loose any data or messages. Then relaunch the Messages app.
  2. Restart your iOS device by pressing and holding the off/on button until you see the slider. Then slide the slider to turn off your device.
  3. Turn on Airplane Mode and turn off by going to Settings > Airplane Mode.
  4. Turn off and on iMessage by going to Settings > Messages
  5. It is likely that a connection problem may causing this problem. Resetting network settings may fix this. Simply Tap > General > Reset > choose Reset Network Settings.
  6. Some users stated that turning off Wi-Fi Assist fixes this problem. If you want to try this tip, go to Settings > Cellular > and turn off Wi-Fi Assist.
  7. Make sure that the Date and Time setting is chosen “Set Automatically” by going to Settings > General > Data & Time.
  8. You may try to change your DNS settings and try again if this solves your iMessage problem. To do this, tap Settings > Wi-Fi. Locate your wireless connection then tap the (i) button. Now tap the DNS field and enter 8.8.8.8 (this is Google’s public DNS).

Contents

  • 1 Problem sending or receiving messages
  • 2 Delayed text messages
  • 3 Friends receiving the same iMessage twice
  • 4 iMessage sound goes off twice in a row
  • 5 ‘Service Denied’ text message from ‘Unknown’
  • 6 iMessage Waiting for Activation Error, How-To Fix
  • 7 Problems with deleting Unknown messages on the iMessage app
    • 7.1 Related Posts:

Problem sending or receiving messages

After updating to iOS 9, you may experience problems when sending or receiving messages. Your messages may show as sent but fail to get delivered. Your messages may also appear as blue on the iMessage and show as not delivered, but you get a response from the person you sent the message to.

This problem can occur in both single and group text messages, but seems to affect group texts most often. If you have this problem, try hard restarting your phone, toggling the iMessage application on and off, and restoring the device to factory settings. If these steps do not solve the problem, try turning off Wi-Fi Assist. These problems may occur due to a glitch in the system.

See also: Messages (iMessage) not working, How to fix

Delayed text messages

If you recently updated your iPhone or iPad to iOS 9, you may be experiencing delayed messages. When you use iMessage, you may find you are not receiving messages until several hours after they have been sent. Conversely, your recipients may not get your sent messages until hours later. You may receive a ‘text delivered’ notice, but the receiver does not receive the message immediately. This problem usually occurs if your phone number is not checked on the FaceTime app.

You can solve these ‘delayed message’ problems by changing your phone’s settings. Go to Settings and access the FaceTime app. Turn the FaceTime app off, then back on, and tap ‘use Apple ID for FaceTime.’ Your phone number will show a solid check and your iMessage should start working properly.

Friends receiving the same iMessage twice

When sending an iMessage to your friends, it may be delivered two or three times without your knowledge. If you have this problem, try turning your mobile device on and off, hard restarting it, and resetting it to the factory setting. If this still does not solve the problem, try resetting your phone’s networking features under Settings. You may also try to turn off and then on your iMessage app to solve the problem. If you continue to experience the same problem, you can contact Apple to see whether they have found a solution.

See also: How to send / receive iMessages in airplane mode

iMessage sound goes off twice in a row

Sometimes you may hear the iMessage sound twice in a row after updating to iOS 9. This sound can be annoying if the problem is not solved. To solve, go to Settings -> Messages, and turn off iMessage. Reboot your phone, wait for one hour, and then turn iMessage back on. If the annoying repeating sound comes back again, try activating and deactivating the Repeat Alert setting. If the problem is not solved, try turning the iMessage app off and on.

See also: iMessage not working – how to fix

‘Service Denied’ text message from ‘Unknown’

Another iMessage app problem with the iOS 9 update is receiving a ‘Service Denied’ text message from ‘Unknown.’ If you keep receiving this kind of text message, report the problem to your carrier. The problem may have nothing to do with Apple. However, users who have been reporting this problem to their carriers often get referred to Apple.

Troubleshooting tips for this issue include backing up your phone, restoring it to its original factory setting, and then sync with iTunes to regain your apps, music, pictures, and other files. Remember when restoring your device to restore it as a “New Device.” Don’t try restoring from “back up” or you will end up with the same problem. Also, ensure you sync your phone with iTunes before wiping your files.

iMessage Waiting for Activation Error, How-To Fix

  1. Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage. While at it , please disable Facetime as well.
  2. Sign out apple ID, Go to the Settings > iTunes & App Store > Tap Apple ID > Sign Out.
  3. Turn on the Airplane mode. Wifi will be turned OFF automatically. Turn on your Wi-fi
  4. Go back to Messages and turn-on iMessage.
  5. You’ll be prompted for your Apple ID . Please enter your credentials.
  6. Go to Settings and turn OFF Airplane mode.

7. Mostly, you’ll be shown a notification that says ‘Your carrier may charge for SMS’ – Tap on OK

  1. If not, go to Messages, turn OFF iMessage and then turn it ON again.
  2. Give it a few minutes and your iMessage should get activated.

Problems with deleting Unknown messages on the iMessage app

Another problem you may encounter after you have updated to iOS 9 is difficulty in deleting “Service Denied” text messages. One of the solutions is calling your mobile operator, who will give you the SMS center number and dial code to help you identify the source of the text message.

You will need to make sure you are using the SMS center number and dial code provided by your mobile operator. If you are using a wrong SMS center number, call your service provider and request them to reset your network. After they have reset your device’s network, restart your phone. You should not see any more “Unknown” messages.

I don’t usually experience these issues while using both Messages and iMessage features. However, some users might configure something differently, and that may lead to these problems. Let me know if you still need help.

Related Posts:

  • iOS 7: iMessage problems, fix
  • iMessage notification delay bug, how to fix
  • iMessage displays the wrong phone number, fix
  • Messages not working? Common Apple messaging problems and…

Filed Under: How-to Tagged With: iOS, performance

Comments

  1. Lynne says

    October 23, 2015 at 12:16 PM

    I’m 80 yr/o and bought a iPhone for security reasons. I don’t do a lot of the things with my iPhone that other folks do, but I did enjoy having the notes app and used it for a grocery list, however when it upgraded to IOS 9 it completely wiped out my grocery list in Notes. Any idea how I can get it back.
    Lynne

    Reply
  2. Dave says

    October 31, 2015 at 1:47 PM

    I went to Outlook app, so far so good. Got tired of delayed message retrieval. IPhone mail on ios 9 blows.

    Reply
  3. TYESUN says

    November 5, 2015 at 6:59 PM

    Not sure if it’s a coincidence that I replaced my phone with a 4S or updated to IOS 9.2, but I can no longer “leave the conversation” or “add a contact” to a group message. Please HELP!!

    Reply
    • JB says

      December 10, 2015 at 11:18 AM

      I can no longer leave a conv, add anyone, or delete anyone. all options seem to have disappeared for me as well. I have ios 9.2

      Reply
  4. Bradd says

    November 6, 2015 at 7:57 AM

    Steps 1-4 have appeared to work… Thanks!

    Reply
    • Lynn says

      January 4, 2016 at 9:48 AM

      Can you tell me what steps you took to fix the messaging problems with group texts?

      Reply
  5. Alena McIlroy says

    November 14, 2015 at 11:58 AM

    I have been having issues with receiving dbl text messages from some of my contacts & screens freezing sporatically & not allowing me to copy & paste, also happens on FB…since I have updated to iOS 9.1 Wondering if it’s a bug on my iphone or on the senders phone some are android or not smartphones?.. Thanks for solutions in advance…

    Reply
  6. Lyn says

    November 23, 2015 at 8:32 PM

    I took some photos of my father in law in hospital and some of the relatives and I updated my iPhone to iOS 9 and I lost the photos for this day only. I have tried retrieving them with iCloud but no success. He died shortly after the update and now I have no last moment photos of him. Is there anything I can do. I showed them to my husband so he actually saw them. And now they are gone. I didn’t delete them cos other photos are still there. Apart from devine intervention I don’t know what happened and how to get them back

    Reply
  7. Lewis says

    November 24, 2015 at 1:14 PM

    Thanks alot Aeroplane mode one worked!

    Reply
  8. Ron says

    December 25, 2015 at 4:44 PM

    I send a text message to an individual and it goes to several other people randomly – no common items in the data bases nor are they in the same groups.

    Ron

    Reply
  9. Sherry says

    December 26, 2015 at 6:50 AM

    My new messages aren’t going to the top. I have to scroll and try to find all new messages. Done all the steps above except the DSN.

    Reply
  10. Amelia says

    December 27, 2015 at 4:55 PM

    I just got an iPhone 6s and ther is no option to enable group messaging under settings, can anyone help?

    Reply
    • Lynda says

      March 4, 2016 at 6:13 AM

      I’m having the same problem, were you able to fix it? And if so can you help me fix it please…it’s super annoying!

      Reply
  11. K says

    December 29, 2015 at 12:47 PM

    Step 5 worked for me thanks!!

    Reply
  12. andy gilbert says

    January 21, 2016 at 4:04 AM

    when sending a text message ,if i enter a subject in the ‘subject’ box shown above the ‘text message’ box , the message fails to send to the recipient even though it shows sent …. i have ios9.2

    Reply
  13. Alyssa says

    January 23, 2016 at 6:33 AM

    Hi I have an iPod (5th Gen.) and it is at iOS 9.2. I am experiencing problems with Imessages and other apps, but mainly iMessages. I am no longer recievung notifications when my friends text me and I will not know until I exit the app I am in and see the red dot by the app. Sometimes I will be watching Youtubebfor hours and a friend will text me and I won’t know until a while later. I am also not recievung things for Instagram but that doesn’t really matter. I have push notifications on and I have not messed with the settings. It was fine until about a week ago. Idk what happened, but I am not happy and I only got this 4 weeks ago. If you have any idea what’s happening and how I can fix it, that will be greatly appreciated. If u do, either reply or send me an email, AlyssaTheGamerMC@Gmail.com. Thank you and have a nice day.

    Reply
  14. Leonore Bernal says

    February 7, 2016 at 9:27 PM

    I’ve been receiving duplicate text messages for a week now from random contacts. I’ve tried everything expect the DNS thing. Anyone experiencing this too? I have an iPhone 6S running on iOS 9.2.1 I never experienced anything like this. Not sure if it’s from the software update.

    Reply
  15. Craig says

    March 10, 2016 at 11:45 AM

    Group message won’t send but iMessage works any ideas

    Reply
  16. Bud says

    March 22, 2016 at 3:00 PM

    I had my phone off for two months and since turning it on I have not received the messages I was sent. Any ideas? I have several people who mentioned writing but I never received anything.

    Reply
  17. Jakob hawkins says

    March 29, 2016 at 4:58 PM

    I tried all this steps and nothing helped. I just updated the phone like 2 hours ago and nothing is working

    Reply
  18. Joe in Missouri says

    April 1, 2016 at 10:08 AM

    THANKS! Imessage was off for some reason. It fixed it!

    Reply
  19. Susan says

    April 4, 2016 at 6:12 PM

    My text messages sent from my IPhone 6 are received jumbled, making no sense to the recipient. Anyone else out there with this issue?

    Reply
  20. Susan Lichtenberg says

    April 6, 2016 at 3:43 PM

    I sometimes am unable to exit messages on my iPad without turning off the tablet. Plus if I push the button too many times my text becomes inverted and I have to go into setup (after I turn it off to get out of messages). Does anyone else have this problem?

    Reply
  21. Mwemyss says

    April 26, 2016 at 12:58 AM

    I am unable to send a text message to any android phone from my iPad mini, no option available for sms message. My software is ios9.3.1. Can anyone help with this as I’m not receiving messages from android phones either. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  22. Rainee says

    May 20, 2016 at 9:18 AM

    I sent a message and my recipient received it mostly word for word until the end of my message which changed a bit, talking about a bathroom, and er (?) it also said have a great week and added a winky face at the end. On my end, it read as typed, but she sent me a screenshot of what she received and it was in fact different at the end. I would love to hear if anyone else’s message mysteriously changed only on the recipients end.

    Reply
  23. Joe says

    May 30, 2016 at 10:39 AM

    Another problem after another update. My iPhone 4s, while in messaging, after ending a voice to text message with a question mark and clicking done, the notification “ding” (that let’s you know the microphone has been cut off) does not stop. The annoying ding continues to ding and cannot be cut stopped until you power off the phone! This happened after the latest update. We are always having problems of some type after updates ??? What’s the solution to fix this one?

    Reply
  24. Patti says

    June 13, 2016 at 11:19 AM

    When I get a group text, it comes from one person and when the responses come from others they all come individually, not in a group thread, and when I reply, it only goes to the one person whose text I am answering, not to the group. I have 9.2.3 on my iphone5.

    Reply
  25. Kathy says

    June 22, 2016 at 3:56 PM

    When I send message it says email address instead of my name or number

    Reply
  26. Cynthia says

    June 25, 2016 at 7:23 PM

    I still can’t send pictures it keeps telling me that MMS needs to be enable but I’ve tried all the steps and I still can’t send pictures

    Reply
  27. Pslsk says

    June 30, 2016 at 1:44 AM

    Tried all steps bt group message option still didn’t appear…plzz help

    Reply
  28. Anjaneyulu says

    July 6, 2016 at 5:57 AM

    I have I’pad with ios9.3.2. I had a problem regarding IMessages app where in unable to download & view the photos& videos received. Will you pl suggest the solution

    Reply
  29. Liz Leverton says

    July 7, 2016 at 10:27 AM

    Can’t download IMessages or a massive number of photos

    Reply
  30. Casey says

    July 10, 2016 at 2:09 AM

    My daughter’s phone updated and now when I text people their replies are going to her phone. This is extremely inconvenient when trying to run a business!

    Reply
    • SK says

      July 10, 2016 at 9:05 AM

      Casey,
      Please make sure to check your Message settings. Tap on Settings > Scroll down and tap on Messages. In the pane scroll down and tap on Send & Receive. Here you will find all the numbers and email addresses that people can reach. Check and see if your daughter’s mobile number associated here with your email addresses etc. Make sure to only have your updated contact info here. Good luck.

      Reply
  31. Jeremy Sulit says

    July 28, 2016 at 10:10 AM

    In the past few days, I sent iMessages to three different people that seemed to have gone through but never said delivered. I didn’t get responses from them so I’m assuming the other person didn’t receive them. Yet, this problem occurs with some people and not others. Aside from those three, I got a ‘delivered’ notification from everyone else I sent an iMessage to. Do you know why this could be?

    Reply
  32. Neha says

    July 30, 2016 at 10:54 AM

    I have upgraded with ios9 .. And I realised that all my messages are deleting automatically, I’m not receiving message notification and when I receive any messages from other it stays for sometimes and then get deleted automatically .. iam not able to check on my imp messages .. I have been calling to Apple customer care from last one month and these guys are telling me same thing every time that we are working on the issue but not telling me the specific date .. And what is the other alternate /option if this problem will not be able to resolved by the apple team .. We pay big amount of money to Apple so that we can enjoy the service not to face this type of issues.. These guys are not even ready to pay me my money back..I must say I’m fed up of this apple phone .. I have not paid Apple for charity .. If you cannot resolve this issue then pay all the users their money back who ever facing these types of issue.. Show some courtesy and value ur customers ..

    Reply

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