Message still showing preview on Lock Screen even when I check “when unlocked”

Hi MTD52,

Thanks for following up.

We think what the misunderstanding may be is if the iPhone is in fact locked or unlocked when you are looking at the Lock Screen.

Unlocking with Face ID can occur quickly after looking at the Lock Screen, and is demonstrated by the padlock symbol switching from a locked to unlocked position. When this occurs, as your settings are currently set, your message previews will be displayed as the phone detects your Face ID and unlocks. If another person were to pick up your iPhone, the messages would not show the previews, as the iPhone would not be successfully unlocked by their face.

This video from Apple Support may demonstrate better what the Lock Screen is expected to look like when the iPhone is unlocked.

If you wish to use Face ID, but want the notification previews hidden completely on this screen regardless of lock screen, change the setting in Settings > Notifications > Messages > Show Previews to Never.

How to use notifications on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch — Apple Support

Hope this helps! Take care for now.

Hi MTD52,

Thanks for reaching out using Apple Support Communities. Here to help.

We understand you are having trouble with notification privacy settings and how they are applying to your lock screen.

Change notification settings on iPhone

There are three settings that can be applied to Message previews: Always, When Unlocked, or Never.

Can you tell us what method you are using to unlock your iPhone? If using Face ID, for example, the lock screen will changed to an unlocked state if it detects your Face ID, which will then display your messages as the lock screen is unlocked. If you would rather this not occur, setting the Message preview to Never display on lock screen may be the preferred setting. The below resource will provide further detail about lock screen options on iPhone.

Use a passcode with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Hope this helps! If we can clarify anything further, please reply to let us know.

Take care for now.

Hi MTD52,

Thanks again for following up.

We would suggest confirming that your iPhone is caught up on software updates.

If it is, and notification preview behavior is still not working as expected, we would suggest working directly with Apple Support to investigate the behavior further. You can use the link below to open a case.

Get Support

Take care.

This started happening to me too. It only started 1-2 days ago. I also have tried turning my Face ID off and it’s still happening.