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I just opened Messages and the current conversation was full screen with no sidebar. I’ve no idea how it got that way and I could find no way to get the sidebar back to go to a different conversation. I quit and restarted Messages and it came back the same way then, after a few second, the sidebar magically appeared. Is this a bug or a feature I don’t know how to operate?
Thanks in advance.
iPad Pro 9.7-inch WiFi, Cellular
Hi Erroll,
From what you described in your original post, it was a one-off situation since it's not an iPad feature.
Which version of iPadOS are you running?
Find the software version on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod
To find the software version installed on your device, go to Settings > General, then tap About.
If you notice that you're running a dated version of iPadOS, please update your device, followed by testing to see if you're still experiencing the same issue.
1) Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.
2) Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.
3) Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
4) If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.
5) Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.
We ask you to update because updating your device is a vital troubleshooting step that can potentially resolve your issue.
If you’re still experiencing the same problem, try the steps here: If an app on your iPhone or iPad stops responding, closes unexpectedly, or won’t open. However, since the Messages app is one of the built-in apps that cannot be deleted, you’ll want to skip that step: Delete built-in Apple apps from the Home Screen on your iOS 14 or later or iPadOS device or Apple Watch - Apple Support
We recommend the steps above because they will show you what to do if an app on your iPhone or iPad doesn't work as expected.
Please let us know the outcome.
Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.
Cheers!
Thanks for the reply. I’m running the latest OS on all devices (except that I run software which won’t allow me to upgrade to macOS 13). I found threads where people were requesting the ability to hide the sidebar in Messages (and Mail) so wondered if I’d missed an announcement, but it seems not: it was a bug. Lucky me! I get the feature others are requesting. If only there was a switch. 😖
When I posted, it was the second time I’d gotten into this situation, but it hasn’t recurred since.
Thanks again.
I should clarify - I also have iPad Pro, mine is the 11” model, and this oddity started sometime in the fall of 2022, and still happens occasionally. I remedied it the most recent time by opting for Split View from the texting screen, then swiping off the added app (I used mail just randomly to pick another qualifying app) and when texting went back to fill the screen the sidebar re-appeared. Other times I have powered off the iPad then restarted and all was well again.
I have had the same problem on my iPad. I also have the updated ios and it is a random occurrence but annoying to try to get the side list back….
iPad Messages No Sidebar
