The Messages app is missing from new iPad

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The Messages app is missing from new iPad

Messages is nowhere to be found on this brand new iPad. I have searched Messages from the home screen. I have searched Messages from the Settings page. I have asked Siri to open Messages. There is no Messages icon, and there is no Messages icon in Settings or anywhere else on the device. I also did all of the steps in this post -

HT201287: Use Messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Suggestions?

iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular, iOS 11.2.5, iPad 5th Generation

Posted on Feb 6, 2018 8:10 PM

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Answer 1

MoonJ.

Community Specialist

Feb 7, 2018 3:32 PM in response to Scottiam

Hi, Scottiam,

Congratulations on your new iPad! I'm sure you're excited to start using it, but I see in your post that the Messages app seems to be missing. I'd be happy to help!

Messages is a built-in iOS app, and it cannot be removed from your iPad. If you're not able to find it, and you've made sure to look at every page in every folder on every one of your Home screens, and used the search function, I would first recommend resetting the Home screen layout under Settings > General > Reset > Reset Home screen layout. This won't remove any of your content or apps, but it will put the apps back to their original arrangement: preinstalled iOS apps first on the first Home page, apps you've installed from the App Store after those. Messages should be on the first Home page, or in your Dock at the bottom of your screen.

If you still aren't able to locate the Messages app, try reinstalling the iOS software using the "Put your device in recovery mode and set it up again" section of If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support . If you don't have a current backup of your iPad, I would encourage you to create one prior to reinstalling: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support .

Cheers!

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The Messages app is missing from new iPad

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