My message icon has false notification

Hello SonofElyon,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

I see where your Messages keeps telling you have an unread message, even though all have been read. There are a couple of things I can suggest for this. First, try forcing Messages to quit, see this article:

Force an app to close in iOS - Apple Support

If that doesn't take care of it, then try resetting your iPhone (you have already tried restarting):

Restart or reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Regards,
Jeff D.

Reset does not involve data loss

The other thing you can do - is to Shut iMessage off

Reset your phone

Then turn it on again and see if that helps

Hello SonofElyon,

Here is an article on how to back up your iPhone to your Mac:

support.apple.com/kb/PH12125

But I am guessing by your reply that you are concerned about doing the reset procedure on your iPhone. That proceedure does not affect data on your phone.

Regards,

Jeff D.

Yes - if you back up to iTunes - the ability to restore from an iTunes back up will bring your phone back to the exact same point