Messages pinned people missing on iPhone after update

If you feel an unauthorized person/app is remotely using, controlling or monitoring your device, then that is possible only if you have done one or more of the following Don'ts...

1. Don't hand over an iPhone to kids or to a stranger without Enabling Guided Access
2. Don't share Apple IDs
3. Don't Jailbreak
4. Don't share sensitive information pertaining to your device
5. Don't give in to Phishing
6. Don't plug in your device in Airports and Public places through third-party cables and trust the device. Beware of Juice Jacking. (Especially in India)
7. Don't leave your iPhone unlocked and unattended in public places like offices, schools, malls, etc.

If one of the above is true then quickly change the Apple ID Password and Return iPhone settings to their defaults.

1. Immediately change your Apple ID password
   1. Go to Settings → [your name] → Sign-In & Security → Change Password.
   2. This signs out anyone using your account.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (if not already): Same menu → Two-Factor Authentication → Turn On.
3. Check for any unknown devices linked to your account:
   1. Settings → [your name] → Devices.:
   2. If you see anything you don’t recognize, tap it → Remove from Account.
4. Check for unknown profiles or device management:
   1. Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.
   2. If you see a profile you didn’t install, tap it → Remove Profile.
5. Check Accessibility & Screen Sharing settings
   1. Settings → Accessibility → Switch Control, Voice Control, or Remote Control — turn off anything you didn’t set up.
   2. Settings → General → AirPlay & Handoff → make sure AirPlay is set to Ask or Never Automatically.
6. Sign out of iCloud everywhere and reset
   1. Go to Settings → [your name] → Sign Out (you’ll need your password).
   2. Then back up your photos to iCloud or your computer.
   3. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.:
   4. Set it up as a New iPhone (not from a backup), so nothing suspicious is restored.
7. Update iOS: Always keep the latest iOS version for security fixes.

If a person has ever had your passcode, they could’ve installed something quietly — so the full erase and setting up as new is the safest option. How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Pinned message issues are not always the iOS update's fault!  Many things can cause phone problems.  If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

If a message is unpinned on one device, it is unpinned on all other devices that use the same Apple ID.