Unable to mark messages as read

anim8rmn,

Thanks for the further details. Although not an official Apple article, testing on our end confirms the steps will result in showing Read All at the bottom left that can be tapped. If that isn't working for you, we'd suggest taking a deeper dive at Get Support. Be sure the devices are updated to 15.4.1: Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Have a fantastic day!

Hi anim8rmn,

We appreciate you posting in Apple Support Communities for help with your iPad, but we want to make sure we understand where you are seeing the messages not being read.

Do you see the unread badge (red) on the Message app, then opening the Message app, tap on the message to read. Then when you are done, the number on the red badge doesn't change?

Or are you tapping onto the message, reading it, and when you go to the next message, the previous message stays bold, as if you haven't read it yet?

Let us know which of the above you are experiencing, or if it's something different, share with us the details.

We look forward to hearing back from you!

Hi anim8rmn,

If you're not able to reach support using the link above, you might find a phone number here: Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Best wishes.