iMessage app icon disappears

Hey there, and welcome to Apple Support Communities, jaykulkarni!

It sounds like the Messages app is missing from your iPhone. I’d be happy to take a look!

Messages is an app that cannot be removed from your device, so if you're not able to find it, I’d suggest that you look at every page in every folder on every one of your Home screens.  Next, use the search function on your iPhone to see if you can locate it using: Use iPhone to search - Apple Support

By searching, if you’re able to locate Messages, but cannot find it on your Home screens, you can reset the Home screen layout under Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home screen layout. This won't remove any of your content or apps, but it will put the apps back to their original arrangement: preinstalled iOS apps first on the first Home page, apps you've installed from the App Store after those. Messages should be on the first Home page, or in your Dock at the bottom of your screen.

If you still aren't able to locate the Messages app, try reinstalling the iOS software using the "Put your device in recovery mode and set it up again" section of: If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support It’s important to note that you’ll want to select “Update” during this process.

If you don't have a current backup of your iPad, I would encourage you to create one prior to reinstalling: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Thanks and have a great day!

We appreciate you clarifying that for us, jaykulkarni!

In that case, we'd recommend that you remove the apps that are affected, and download them again using the steps found here: Use iMessage apps on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Let us know if that resolves it for you!

Kindest regards.