How to (mostly) fix the Apple iMessage bug on iPhone

By Emily Schiola November 11, 2014

apple imessage facetime patent infringement — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Back in May, a woman sued Apple when she realized some of her messages were missing when she switched from iPhone to Android. People who dumped iPhones for something different found that iMessages weren’t coming to their new phone. After remaining silent about it for some time, Apple finally addressed the problem, saying it comes down to an iMessage bug, and they offered two solutions. The process the company provided is easy and works most of the time.

If you still have your iPhone

Getting rid of iMessage is easiest to do if you still have your iPhone and are just about to trade it in for something different.

Step 1: Go into Settings and then scroll down to Messages

imessage_screenshot2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 2: Once in Messages, toggle switch at the top next to iMessage.

imessage_screenshot — Image used with permission by copyright holder

All of the messages sent to this number will now be SMS.

If you’ve already made the switch

Most people realize this is a problem only after they’ve already started using their new phone. For these people, Apple set up a site where you can deregister your iMessage.

Step 1: Go to the site and scroll down to the second option. Plug in your phone number.

applesite_imessage — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Step 2: You will be sent a confirmation code in a text message. Enter that code into the space provided at the Apple webpage and you are set.

Apple said that it might take a few hours to work so wait awhile before you begin drawing up a lawsuit of your own. After using this process, you are still able to receive iMessages on an iPad using your email address and Apple ID, but they will be turned to SMS if sent to your phone number.

These two methods should do the trick if for some reason you’re still not receiving messages from certain people, there are a couple things to try. You can ask them to delete and reenter your number into their phone and start a new conversation with you. If you still can’t get it to work, contact Apple Support.

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