iPhone Unread Messages Won’t Go Away? Find Solutions Here

If you find your iPhone unread messages won’t go away, don’t worry! Read this post to learn the reasons and corresponding solutions to clear unread messages on iPhone easily.

By @May Last Updated November 15, 2023

Why Is My iPhone Showing Unread Messages?

The confusing scenario of “iPhone unread messages won’t go away” is confusing. Here are some of the complications that can lead to such discrepancies:

Network Instability: Fluctuations in network connectivity can contribute to the misdelivery of iMessages, resulting in erroneous unread message notifications. Software Glitches: The intricate nature of software may give rise to glitches, causing the iPhone to inaccurately display unread messages even when there are none. Configuration Issues: Incorrect configurations within iPhone settings might impede the proper display of messages, leading to the perception of unread messages.

How to Fix “iPhone Unread Messages Won’t Go Away” - 6 Easy Ways

If you find your iPhone shows unread text messages but there are none, don’t worry! Read on to discover and implement practical ways to solve your problems.

Solution 1: Force Restart iPhone

Force restarting your iPhone provides an effective remedy for instances where the device shows unread text messages inaccurately. This action serves to clean up the cache and refresh the iPhone, potentially rectifying the problem. Here’s how to do it:

For iPhone 6s or earlier models:

  • Hold down the Power button and the Home button simultaneously.
  • Release both buttons when the Apple logo emerges.

For iPhone 7/7 Plus:

  • Simultaneously press the Volume Down button and the Power button.
  • Swiftly release both buttons upon the appearance of the Apple logo.

For iPhone 8 or later versions:

  • Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, followed by the same action with the Volume Down button.
  • Subsequently, hold down the Power button until the Apple logo manifests.

Solution 2: Restart Message App

Another way to fix the issue of “iPhone shows unread messages but there are none” involves force-quitting and restarting the Messages app. To accomplish this action, you should:

  • Double-click the Home button or swipe up on the screen, pausing momentarily to reveal all running apps.
  • Swipe up on the Messages app when located. After a brief three-second interval, reopen the app to determine if the issue persists.

Solution 3: Toggle Notifications Off and On

If your iPhone erroneously displays unread messages, attempting to resolve the issue by toggling Notifications off and on might prove effective. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open your iPhone and navigate to Settings > Notifications > Messages.

Step 2: Disable the Allow Notifications option > Wait a few seconds and re-enable it.

Solution 4: Disable and Enable iMessage

When your iPhone still shows unread text messages but there are none, trying to deactivate and then reactivate iMessage may help you fix this issue. Here is a full guide to do that:

Step 1: On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > iMessage.

Step 2: Toggle the option off, wait for a brief interval, and then turn it back on.

Solution 5: Reset iPhone Settings

When erroneous iPhone settings lead to the false display of unread text messages, a comprehensive solution is to reset all settings. Here is how to clear unread messages on iPhone by following these steps: Navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This action can effectively address the problem at hand.

Solution 6: Keep iOS Up to Date

“Why is my iPhone showing unread messages”? Sometimes, an outdated iOS version may cause the iPhone to falsely indicate unread messages by ensuring your iOS is up to date. Apple regularly releases updates to tackle software-related issues. Follow these steps to update your iOS version:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings on your iPhone > Select General > Software Update.

Step 2: Tap Download and Install if a new update is available > Enter your passcode and initiate the installation by tapping Install Now.

Bonus: Backup Your Messages to PC Before Fixing the Unread Error

If your iPhone unread messages won’t go away, there must be some issues with your iPhone. But before you try to fix this issue, you’d better transfer your messages to a PC or other devices. How to do that? Here it’s highly recommended to use FoneTool - a safe and professional iPhone backup and transfer tool. With FoneTool, you can easily preview and select messages that you wish to back up or transfer.

Highlights of Using FoneTool to Transfer Your Messages to PC: Selective Backup Options: With FoneTool, you can choose specific messages or entire message threads to transfer, providing flexibility and customization based on individual needs. Preview Functionality: FoneTool includes a message preview option, enabling you to view the messages before selecting them for backup, ensuring you back up the right content. Secure Backup: FoneTool prioritizes the security of your data during the transfer process, employing backup encryption to encrypt backup for iPhone, safeguarding your iPhone data. User-Friendly Interface: FoneTool offers an intuitive interface, making the backup process straightforward for users of varying technical proficiency.

So, how to selectively back up your messages from your iPhone to PC? Follow the simple steps:

Step 1: Click the download button to get and install FoneTool on your Windows PC > Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable and tap Trust on your iPhone.

Download Freeware Win 10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 2: Launch FoneTool to its main interface > Locate the Phone Backup section > Choose the Selective Backup mode and click Get Started to kickstart the process.

Step 3: Click the Messages icon to preview and select the desired messages to backup > Once selected, click OK to continue.

Step 4: Select a storage path for backup files by clicking Backup Storage Path > Then, click Start Backup to begin.

The Bottom Line

After reading this post, you may know how to fix “iPhone unread messages won’t go away”. Hope these solutions in this post can really help you solve the problem. In addition, it’s vital to use FoneTool to backup iPhone to iPad to protect your iPhone data.