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"Phantom" text messages? It says I have unread texts when I don't (I have tried everything)

So here's the deal: I'm having the "phantom" message problem where, despite the fact that I have checked all of my texts, I still get the little (1) on the app (or in my case, 36!)

Funny thing is that when I go into the messages (the 36 are from 3 different people) like I have about 17 from a friend, call him Bill, and I go into Bill's messages, it says I have read those 17 and I have 19 left. But when I go back into the main text tab thing, all 36 are still unread. I can't even delete messages. I can't delete the conversation and have it STAY gone (it'll come back after a reboot.)

I have tried everything.

I have tried closing the app. I've googled this problem and have checked and done every solution that seemingly worked for those people. Plugging it into my computer. Holding home and power and letting it reboot. I've cleared the Notifcations bar (the one you drag down). Turning it completely off. I just finished restoring it and IT'S STILL THERE. I am at such a loss and i'm so ******.

The only thing I have left to do is go to an Apple store and demand they fix my phone, which I plan on doing in the next couple of days.

And then these JERKS at Apple say they can't do customer service via the internet unless I shell out $20. Seriously? I might have to get an Andriod when my contract is up.

I am PRAYING this is just some glitch that will go away...

iPhone 5, iOS 7.1

Posted on Mar 25, 2014 12:30 AM

Best reply

florindo@85

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Jul 19, 2017 9:51 PM

Ask Siri to read your unread text messages and she will read you the unread text and then she will ask you if you want to respond to the text;

tell Siri NO and the phantom text will be gone. This worked for me.

View in context

60 replies

Nov 27, 2016 11:39 PM in response to neophilenyc

BRILLIANT! Thanks Mr. Wizard.

I'd tried every other solution.

My text app showed "2" unread text messages. Though I'd read and responded to the text (which had an attached photo hence the "2"). When I asked Siri to read any unread texts she found it, read it to me and asked if I wanted to respond. Once I said "No" I didn't want to respond - the phantom "2" on the text app that has been driving me crazy magically disappeared.

Dec 14, 2016 6:25 AM in response to neophilenyc

That was brilliant! I tried everything and SIRI is the only thing that worked. Thanks

Feb 7, 2017 9:12 AM in response to shouldagonewithandriod

I upgraded my iPhone and had one message alert that would not go away after updating from cloud. Finally deleted messenger and reinstalled and it disappeared.

Feb 13, 2017 10:28 AM in response to neophilenyc

YES THIS WORKS THANKS!

Mar 1, 2017 2:00 PM in response to najeefromgeorgia

You are amazing!! Thank You!! I have not had a phone for two weeks and you saved my life and my wallet!!

KsubR

Level 1

4 points

Mar 23, 2017 7:49 AM in response to neophilenyc

You are my **** hero. I signed in and created a user name to be able to write that. That is how much I appreciate this tidbit of advice.

May 10, 2017 4:09 PM in response to jm76uniqueusername

this is the only thing that worked!!! thanks so much its been bugging me for ages!!

Malinmal

Level 1

4 points

Aug 19, 2017 2:19 AM in response to neophilenyc

Thanks. Worked a treat!

Aug 30, 2017 8:23 PM in response to neophilenyc

Having Siri read the to me worked, thanks.

Oct 18, 2017 5:38 AM in response to neophilenyc

Using Siri solved my problem!

elange22

Level 1

4 points

Oct 20, 2017 3:22 PM in response to DaveEmmons

I agree with you, I don’t know who sent the message so how do I find it. I think there are some serious flaws to the text app after this update.

Nov 7, 2017 8:34 PM in response to shouldagonewithandriod

Here’s the solution!! ASK SIRI TO READ YOUR UNREAD MESSAGES. “Hey Siri, read me my unread messages”

Then when she asks you if you want to reply, say NO

Dec 27, 2017 4:46 AM in response to neophilenyc

I had the same problem and I used your suggestion to get Siri to read all my unread messages and it Worked ! Thanks so much, saved me from tearing my hair out 🙂

Dec 31, 2017 4:17 AM in response to neophilenyc

Spot on, Worked instantly. thankyou.

LeneyJ

Level 1

4 points

Jan 4, 2018 4:10 AM in response to neophilenyc

Brilliant solution!!! And so simple!!! I cannot thank you enough. My phantom message has been driving me nuts the past few weeks. I can finally sleep better at night 😛

"Phantom" text messages? It says I have unread texts when I don't (I have tried everything)