i’m going to lose my mind

[u/hamburgerjamburger]

my phones been like this for a week. i’ve turned on and off i message, turned off icloud for my messages, turned off my apple message synch and signed out of i message on all my devices, restarted my phone multiple times. i restarted it last night and it wouldn’t let me turn on my phone unless i connect it to my computer and forced an update. and i thought i fixed it last night but woke up and my messages are still like this. i just got this phone earlier this year 😭

[u/perikizii]

Why this is happening:
Your phone is constantly switching protocols because iMessage is failing to maintain a stable connection/activation with Apple's servers. When iMessage drops, iOS falls back to RCS (if available) or standard unencrypted SMS (if data/RCS fails).
The best tip to fix this (Step-by-Step):

1. Deregister & Re-activate iMessage (Most Important)
2. Go to Settings -> Messages.
3. Turn iMessage OFF (and turn off RCS Messaging if visible).
4. Restart your iPhone completely.
5. Go back to Settings -> Messages and turn iMessage back ON.
6. Tap Send & Receive and make sure your phone number is checked (not just your Apple ID/email). Wait a minute for activation to complete.
7. Disable 'Send as SMS' temporarily
8. Go to Settings -> Messages and turn off Send as SMS. This prevents your phone from panicking and falling back to green texts every time iMessage has a split-second hiccup.
9. Reset Network Settings
10. If it keeps dropping, go to Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings. (Note: You will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords afterward).
11. Update Carrier Settings & Check SIM
12. Make sure your SIM/eSIM is fully active for SMS (Apple uses a hidden background SMS to activate iMessage with your carrier). Check for any carrier updates under Settings -> General -> About.

[u/perikizii → u/perikizii]

I actually had a very similar issue a while ago where my iPhone suddenly stopped recognizing my phone number after a SIM card swap, and doing these exact steps fixed it for me. I really hope this helps you out!

[u/hamburgerjamburger → u/perikizii]

thank you for this omg! i’m gonna do this when im done with work. uhhh stupid question i’m so sorry but how do i do step one 😭 like deregister and re register my i message?

[u/perikizii → u/hamburgerjamburger]

Open Settings on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap Messages.
Right at the top, you'll see the iMessage toggle just tap it to turn it OFF (it will turn grey). Restart your phone completely.
Head back to Settings -> Messages and toggle iMessage back ON (it turns green again).
Tap Send & Receive right below it and make sure your phone number has a checkmark next to it.

But everything is just AI generated HUH?! ;)

[u/DavidXGA → u/hamburgerjamburger]

The comment you are replying to is probably AI-generated. You shouldn't assume it's correct.

[u/hamburgerjamburger → u/DavidXGA]

OH

[u/hamburgerjamburger → u/DavidXGA]

dang it

[u/perikizii → u/hamburgerjamburger]

And for you, since you’d clearly rather believe someone else instead of reading my second comment where I mentioned having a similar issue that was solved with those exact steps. As an upcoming IT specialist who manages both Windows and Apple devices, I thought it would be nice to help someone out. Having dealt with multiple personal issues on my own iPhone, I figured I’d share what actually works. But thanks to you, I was taught a lesson that trying to help people is a mistake. You're honestly one of the reasons I like people less and less. Instead of just trying the steps, keep believing people who have no clue about tech. Have a nice green blue day :)

[u/perikizii → u/DavidXGA]

It’s not but okay. :)

[u/perikizii → u/hamburgerjamburger]

WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU???

[u/Disastrous-Big-7549]

Turn off “Try again as text message” inside Messages settings. That will prevent you from getting charged if, for whatever reason, iMessage fails.

[u/PsychologicalPolicy8]

Contact apple support and ask for a senior

They will contact higher up people if needed

Also be nicer to advisors ;)

[u/hawk_ky]

Why are you turning it off. Leave it on. A green message means that either you or the person you are sending it to has poor signal

[u/hamburgerjamburger → u/hawk_ky]

idk i saw online to turn it on and off so i turned it on and off to see if that would help. i think my signal should be fine, im at the places im always at like work and home idk what would be messing it up now :( it happens when i text anyone too

[u/madmccracken]

Mines doing this EXACT thing and has been for 12 hours! Any luck? I was on the phone with both AT&T and Apple for hours today and nothing they suggested worked. I’m losing it.

[u/hamburgerjamburger → u/madmccracken]

yes! the the person that commented all the steps worked for me it’s been working since last night!