User profile for user: deku_bebop
deku_bebop Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

iMessage delays between two iPhones

Hi all. Recently my wife and I have been experiencing iMessage problems. She has a 17 and I have a 17 Pro.


Our iMessages will randomly stop working between each other, but not in the way where it tries to send as SMS. It’ll hold up our texts and won’t have a “delivered” receipt underneath it and then randomly - sometimes it’s been over 10 minutes - it will deliver and receive all iMessages rapid fire. We’ve tried turning off/on iMessage in settings, turning airplane mode off/on, restarting our phones, etc.


iMessage continues to work with other contacts during this but for some reason only our phones are experiencing this problem. Has anyone seen this before or have any ideas what the issue is?


Thanks in advance.

Posted on Sep 29, 2026 11:05 AM

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User profile for user: Wonder-Woman1945
Wonder-Woman1945
User level: Level 1
52 points

Posted on Sep 29, 2026 11:19 PM

iMessage delays between two iPhones usually happen because of poor network connections, outdated software, or conflicting Apple ID and Send & Receive settings.


Common Causes & Fixes


Poor Network Connection: A weak Wi-Fi signal or slow cellular data causes messages to stall or fail over to standard SMS (green bubbles).


  • Fix: Toggle Airplane Mode on and off in the Control Center, or switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. 


  • Apple ID & Number Conflicts: If two iPhones are signed into the same Apple ID and share overlapping phone numbers or email addresses under message routing, messages can loop, duplicate, or delay.


  • Fix: Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive. Ensure each iPhone only has its specific phone number checked under "You can receive iMessages to and reply from" and "Start new conversations from".


  • Stuck iMessage Service: The iMessage registration or push notification token on the device may be temporarily hung up.


  • Fix: Go to Settings > Apps > Messages, toggle iMessage off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.


  • Outdated iOS: Older software versions can cause handshake or syncing issues with Apple's servers.


  • Fix: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to install the latest iOS version.


  • Reset Network Settings: If the issue persists across contacts, your local network configuration may be corrupted.


  • Fix: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings(note: this removes saved Wi-Fi passwords).
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4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Wonder-Woman1945
Wonder-Woman1945
User level: Level 1
52 points

Sep 29, 2026 11:19 PM in response to deku_bebop

iMessage delays between two iPhones usually happen because of poor network connections, outdated software, or conflicting Apple ID and Send & Receive settings.


Common Causes & Fixes


Poor Network Connection: A weak Wi-Fi signal or slow cellular data causes messages to stall or fail over to standard SMS (green bubbles).


  • Fix: Toggle Airplane Mode on and off in the Control Center, or switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. 


  • Apple ID & Number Conflicts: If two iPhones are signed into the same Apple ID and share overlapping phone numbers or email addresses under message routing, messages can loop, duplicate, or delay.


  • Fix: Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive. Ensure each iPhone only has its specific phone number checked under "You can receive iMessages to and reply from" and "Start new conversations from".


  • Stuck iMessage Service: The iMessage registration or push notification token on the device may be temporarily hung up.


  • Fix: Go to Settings > Apps > Messages, toggle iMessage off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.


  • Outdated iOS: Older software versions can cause handshake or syncing issues with Apple's servers.


  • Fix: Go to Settings > General > Software Update to install the latest iOS version.


  • Reset Network Settings: If the issue persists across contacts, your local network configuration may be corrupted.


  • Fix: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings(note: this removes saved Wi-Fi passwords).
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iMessage delays between two iPhones

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