iPhone in idle mode did not receive iMessages and FaceTime calls

Question

matej36 Author

Level 1

9 points

iPhone in idle mode did not receive iMessages and FaceTime calls

Hi everyone, I hope someone can help me.

I’ve been struggling with a persistent issue affecting both iMessage and FaceTime on iPhone 15 Plus iOS 26.2

iMessage only works when the phone is active (iPhone screen on).
If the phone is locked or idle, messages do not arrive until I wake or unlock the device
FaceTime calls also go through only when the iPhone is active — when it’s locked, FaceTime calls don’t ring at all.
When I unlock the phone after a while, multiple iMessage notifications suddenly appear in a batch, sometimes marked as “5 minutes ago,” etc., but missed FaceTime calls never show up.
I only use Wi‑Fi, with no mobile data.
At some (I guess) interval time iMessages receive with “3 minutes ago” and similar, but still no information about missed FaceTime
This problem was already on previous iPhone 11 Pro Max iOS 18 (same Apple ID, later migrating to iPhone 15 Plus)
When I turn on mobile data everything works fine

I’ve already tried:

Resetting notifications
Turning off Focus modes and Low Power Mode
Resetting network settings
Updating iOS to the newest version
Turn off and on iMessage service
Try different WiFi (connected to internet)
Set private Wi-Fi adresss to Off, or Sticky
Set refreshing application in background to “WiFi and Mobile data”, but also “WiFi”

None of these steps helped — iMessage and FaceTime still only work when the phone is active.

Has anyone experienced similar behavior? Could this be a push notification or Wi‑Fi sleep issue?

Any advice or insight would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

iPhone 15 Plus

Posted on Dec 26, 2025 5:47 AM

Reply

Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,224 points

Dec 30, 2025 10:24 AM in response to matej36

This is the root of your problem: "I only use Wi‑Fi, with no mobile data."

The WiFi radio will power off when the phone is in standby and not connected to a power source. That is by design.

Either turn on mobile data or keep it connected to power when in standby.

I can't think of a single good reason to turn mobile data off unless you're roaming in an area where you're going to be charged an arm and a leg for data roaming by your carrier.

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Answer 2

LD150

Level 10

101,586 points

Dec 30, 2025 3:30 PM in response to KiltedTim

FWIW my spare iphone has no SIM and I get imessage (not SMS) notifications when locked and on battery.

Not when DND focus is on of course.

I agree about not turning cellular off.

I would add advice that Smart activation needs to be turned off in DND focus.

And VPN causes all sorts of malfunctions and must be uninstalled.

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Answer 3

LD150

Level 10

101,586 points

Dec 30, 2025 3:56 AM in response to matej36

Try Settings, Face ID & Passcode, Allow Access when locked, turn everything On (Except maybe Return Missed Calls)

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Answer 4

matej36 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 30, 2025 5:46 AM in response to matej36

After several tests, I can confirm that the issue also affects other apps (for example Instagram, Messenger, etc. — using the same APNs channel). It also appears that this behavior occurs on other iPhone devices as well, not just mine.

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Answer 5

LD150

Level 10

101,586 points

Dec 30, 2025 3:01 AM in response to matej36

Are you wearing Apple Watch when this happens? If so then the behavior is to be expected.

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Answer 6

matej36 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 30, 2025 2:46 AM in response to pooya3d

Thanks for help. I’ve tried everything you mentioned in your reply — all suggested settings and steps one by one. I also reset all settings on the iPhone and tested again, but unfortunately the issue still persists. Nothing helped.

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Answer 7

matej36 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 30, 2025 3:13 AM in response to LD150

No — nothing is connected to the iPhone. I’m not using any other device, no Apple Watch, and no other accessories when this happens.

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Answer 8

matej36 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 30, 2025 4:06 AM in response to LD150

All of those options are already turned ON under Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Allow Access When Locked

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Answer 9

LD150

Level 10

101,586 points

Dec 30, 2025 9:34 AM in response to matej36

How are you aware of APNs channels? Are you running some diagnostic software?

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Answer 10

matej36 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 30, 2025 10:14 AM in response to LD150

Only from articles and theory. Since iOS uses a single APNs channel for push notifications across all apps, that’s the assumption I’m making. I’m not running any diagnostic software.

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Answer 11

pooya3d

Level 1

20 points

Dec 26, 2025 6:02 AM in response to matej36

This issue where iMessage and FaceTime only function when the screen is active on a Wi-Fi only connection is often caused by the Wi-Fi Sleep behavior or a Push Notification failure.

Since the problem persisted across different devices after a migration, it is likely tied to a setting in your Apple ID profile or a specific network configuration.

Immediate Fixes to Try

Toggle "Time Sensitive" Notifications: Go to Settings > Notifications > Messages (and FaceTime) and ensure Time Sensitive Notifications is enabled. This prioritizes these alerts to bypass standard background restrictions.

Disable "Private Wi-Fi Address": In Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the (i) next to your network and turn off Private Wi-Fi Address. Some routers struggle to maintain a "handshake" with rotating MAC addresses when a device enters a low-power state, causing the connection to drop while locked.

Force a Re-Activation: Sign out of your Apple ID entirely in Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, then sign back in. This can refresh the push notification token tied to your account across Apple's servers.

I hope this helps.

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