Can’t send audio messages on iPhone 11 after iOS 18.4.1 update

I don't know if it will last, but after months of inability to send an image or voice message, I got an image to go through.

Settings > Apps > Messages > Disable "iMessage" > Restart iPhone > Send image in text message

That did fixed it (at least for one morning). I also tried re-enabling iMessage, and for the morning it has still be sending audio and pics. No idea if it will keep working!

Hi. This is what I was told on 4/24/25

Case ID: xxx

Part of the response to me with our issue they linked it to sending files in general the logs provided helped with them determining that. You may experience the issue with larger files in general, so audio messages, videos, and photos. I would imagine it is not limited to just those however likely those are the most common. 

This is likely why they are looking at a blanket fix which should be in a future update. So keep an eye out, if anything changes and they provide a fix outside of an update they will update our case and I will let you know and reach out. 

Best regards,

Gary - Apple

If it helps, here’s what I found to avoid getting upset and waiting for Apple to make a fix:

I don’t return any messages that come back with an error and I delete them. Then I go to the Filters/Deletes folder on my iPhone and completely delete all messages that were left there.

Then I deselect iMessages in the settings/App and restart the iPhone. After, I reselect iMessage in the settings/ App until you see 3 addresses (less or more). And finally, I no longer send voice messages with iMessages. it allows me to send without problem, text messages, photos, pdf files, etc...

As for voice messages, I send them with Whatsapp (not too much choice to do otherwise at the moment...).

You will see, normally, you won’t have any problems with sending texts and other files. Ah! I forgot, I did the same manipulations on my Mac Mini which has the same bug as the iPhone and Mac OS 15.5 did not improve things just like iOS 18.5. You’ll tell me what it’s like at home by taking my advice?

And yes, I agree with you: it’s amazing that the engineers at Apple do not find.

"Can’t send audio messages on iPhone 11 after iOS 18.4.1 update: This morning I had an ios 18.4.1 update and ever since my audio imessages are not delivered. Typed messages go through, but are very slow. Did all the requisite fixes listed, but nothing works. Is anyone else having this problem? What can I do to fix it?"

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No. I am not having this issue.

Start with a Force Restart:

Items may be pending. So, save what need be and then Force Restart your iPhone. Open the Messages app once you are back on the homepage. See if it no longer continues from there. Go Here: Force Restart iPhone - Apple Support

Report this to Apple:

Do your Part: Provide Apple with feedback on this, letting them know about this issue.  Apple may not get back to you directly, but the more feedback they receive on this, the more they will know what is occurring, and what bug fixes to include in updates to come. Apple will know nothing of this, if you don't report it to them.

1. Go Here: Feedback - iPhone - Apple
2. Select: "Bug Report" for the "Feedback Type"
3. Comment: that this all began after installing an update. Include the URL of this thread.
4. Proceed from there as necessary

I have the same issue with iPhone 13 Pro. Ever since 18.4.1 my text or audio messages fail 50% of the time. The solution after they fail is to reboot the phone then go back to the message and send it again. This happens with both SMS and iMessage. Very frustrating.

Hello, I received a phone call this afternoon from an Apple expert. That’s what she told me --> The engineers told her that the problem (bug) was important and there were a lot of people affected by this bug. To this day, they are still looking for the source of this problem. It is not a hardware problem but software.

Philippe5889 wrote:

If it helps, here’s what I found to avoid getting upset and waiting for Apple to make a fix:

I don’t return any messages that come back with an error and I delete them. Then I go to the Filters/Deletes folder on my iPhone and completely delete all messages that were left there.

Then I deselect iMessages in the settings/App and restart the iPhone. After, I reselect iMessage in the settings/ App until you see 3 addresses (less or more). And finally, I no longer send voice messages with iMessages. it allows me to send without problem, text messages, photos, pdf files, etc...

As for voice messages, I send them with Whatsapp (not too much choice to do otherwise at the moment...).

thanks. I can't prevent others to send me voice messages, and that get stuck as well, unfortunately we have become used to sending voice messages to many of my iMessage chats. What worked for me for less than 24 hours each time is to disable iMessage, reboot iPhone, enable iMessage. then all works for a while. not sure when it stops working.

I can't really rely on this since I don't always wait/check whether something is sent properly, that's kinda ridiculous. So it's not reliable now and that is rather unacceptable for a chat app. Yes. the latest update 18.5 didn't resolve.

Hello to both of you, this is the fifth time I have a contact with the assistance expert who gives me appointments every 3 or 4 days to make me do manipulations or ask me questions for computer engineers. Today, the questions asked: did I already reset the network settings and did that prevent the bug. Answers: yes but no. Then the expert wrote down the phone number of my iPhone 16 pro Max and asked me what was my operator (I’m in France). Then she looked in the settings messages/ sending and receiving to see if my phone number was checked as well as my two email addresses (iCloud and Me.com). I have another appointment with the expert on Thursday, May 5. I will keep you informed.

Have a good day!

"I've done the force restart, turning imessage off and on, turning airplane mode off and on, etc. etc. etc. Nothing works. I have sent two bug alerts to Apple. I hope someone finds a fix because I miss imessage. Can't send pictures, audio messages, or typed messages if they are longer than three lines. Very frustrating."

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Thanks for doing your part in providing the feedback. It will help many for certain.

Hello, unfortunately Apple can’t find it. I still have an appointment on Saturday, May 17 with an Apple advisor. Yesterday I had a phone appointment and Apple didn’t call me back. I’m not happy at all! It’s been a month and a half that this bug exists for me and it is very restrictive for the use I make with my iPhone. It must be a big problem for few users in the world and Apple is struggling to find the fault. iOS 18.5 received and installed yesterday has nothing fixed. Apple logs my iPhone 16 Pro MAx and a video of my screen at the time the bug occurs. I still wait and then if it does not work, I will use other messengers like Whatsapp which works perfectly. If you have any news, please let us know. Sincerely.

This is very frustrating. I constantly have to reboot my phone to send an image or an audio message via SMS or iMessage. Sometimes one and sometimes a few messages go through until they start failing again. 18.5 didn’t fix it. It’s astonishing that they can’t figure out the issue.

Hello, I have the same problem and I have a file open for 15 days at Apple and it is looking for a solution for the moment in vain. Today I followed the advice of "thelittes". Apple Support is scheduled to call me on May 5th. I know another person in my family who has the same problem as us. Good luck!

"Hello, I have the same problem and I have a file open for 15 days at Apple and it is looking for a solution for the moment in vain. Today I followed the advice of "thelittes". Apple Support is scheduled to call me on May 5th. I know another person in my family who has the same problem as us. Good luck!"

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Keep us posted on what Apple says to try and the result.