iOS 17.5.1 Messages app has stopped working intermittently

Hello, both of my kids use Screen Time with iPhones. In the last month, both of them have started to have an intermittent problem where the Messages app becomes unresponsive. The behavior is that Messages does launch but all the profile pictures of the pinned contacts are blank and messages will not send or receive. Restarting the iPhone does clear this problem for an hour or two. Then is resumes. The rest of the phone works fine including other messaging apps like whatsapp. I have searched and have not seen a report of this behavior from any other users. It started happening during May 2024 (probably iOS 17.4) on both of their iPhones (11 & 13) which makes me think it could be a Screen Time problem. I can't log out of iCloud and log back in because of Screen Time limits so I'm not really sure what to do.

iPhone 13 Pro

Posted on Jun 3, 2024 8:39 AM

Top-ranking reply

mark_MacBook

Level 1

16 points

Posted on Jul 18, 2024 8:22 PM

Following on from my last post. I did end up on a call with Apple Support. After some digging the guy from Apple informed me that Apple is aware of the issue but didn't have a specific date for the fix.

A few other comments the community might find interesting

Apple engineers don't actively watch the discussions forum and the channel to have Apple look at issues is via their support process.
The support guy asked that I capture videos of the issue as additional evidence will raise the priority within Apple.
They also recommended performing a "Reset all settings" rather than the "Reset Network Settings". I haven't done this yet.

I'd suggest that for those having this issue you a) raise a case with Apple, b) progress until you speak with someone and c) add the requested evidence to the ticket.

I don't think the videos help in the diagnosis, but it does show the challenges people are having and makes it "real".

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26 replies

glory452

Level 1

16 points

Jul 16, 2024 9:40 PM in response to zurloriarc245

Same thing happening to multiple iPhones in our house, including a new one recently setup with minimal messages. FaceTime locks ups as well, and I’ve noticed I can’t access FaceTime or messages settings while the problem persists. Has randomly occurred and resolved itself after a few hours on my iPhone. Super frustrating.

Jun 10, 2024 7:30 AM in response to zurloriarc245

Crickets.

I’m having the same issue on both my iPad Air 3 and my iPhone 12 Pro Max. anyone know what’s going on and how to fix it?

Jun 11, 2024 10:11 AM in response to johndball

Thank you. I hope they can resolve this sooner than later. What a PITA.

Jun 17, 2024 11:21 PM in response to kabruscato83

here the same problem iOS 17.5.1 !! iPhone SE2 gen.

Sharley

Level 1

4 points

Jun 26, 2024 6:44 AM in response to zurloriarc245

I started having this issue today, out of nowhere. I updated about a week ago. Has Apple support acknowledged any of this?

Jun 27, 2024 7:16 PM in response to Sharley

I've talked with multiple senior techs at Apple Support and yes, they know about it. But unfortunately they have no specific info or dates for a fix. I'm going to call again tomorrow.

wjl_75

Level 1

8 points

Jul 6, 2024 2:13 PM in response to zurloriarc245

I too have the same issue as do the three other devices in my household. Intermittent message app being non responsive, blank screen, crashing. All are on AT&T. All other apps seem fine.

Jul 8, 2024 2:57 AM in response to zurloriarc245

FaceTime is also affected. App starts, but can't set up a new call (frozen), I think it's due to the Apple ID server! please fix it as soon as possible. Thanks

Jul 11, 2024 5:07 AM in response to roger.leu

I can also confirm this. Tried FaceTime to someone I can’t iMessage to and no answer.

Jul 17, 2024 3:00 AM in response to Oiseau1

Don’t do it. I restart one of my devices and in two hours the problem is reproduced

Jul 21, 2024 1:49 AM in response to zurloriarc245

Same problem on my old iPhone 12. Upgraded to a 14 pro. Same problem. I’m absolutely over it.

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iOS 17.5.1 Messages app has stopped working intermittently