How to fix iPhone Not Receiving Text Messages on iOS 18 issue

Here are ten ways to fix your iPhone if it isn’t receiving text messages after iOS 18 update.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• To fix an iPhone that’s not receiving text messages on iOS 18, first ensure that you have a solid cellular connection.
• Next, try toggling Airplane Mode and restarting the Messages app.
• You should also make sure you’re not blocking the phone number that’s trying to text you.

Missing and delayed text messages can be frustrating, especially since you may not be aware of the problem until somebody contacts you using another method to ask why you’re not responding or where you are. Luckily, troubleshooting an iPhone that’s not receiving text messages after the recent iOS 18 update is pretty easy. Here’s what we’ve found works.

How to Fix iPhone Not Receiving Text messages on iOS 18

If you don’t receive texts on iPhone in iOS 18, and you know someone is sending them to you, these troubleshooting steps can help you clear up the issue. Before getting started, it’s always a good idea to test your ability to receive texts from a few different people, if possible. That could yield some clues as to what the problem might be.

1. Check your network connection.

If you don’t have good cell coverage you won’t be able to receive text messages on your iPhone. Text messages rely on your phone’s cellular service, not Wi-Fi. So in order to get text messages, you need a solid cellular signal. Take a look at the status bar and if you see SOS only,” or “no service,” you may need to walk or travel until you find a place with two bars or better. Usually at least some texts should get through with a single bar.

2. Toggle Airplane mode

Not getting a text you’re expecting? Perhaps you’re not getting any messages because there’s a glitch with your cellular radio or the wireless software. Turning your iPhone’s Airplane Mode on and off, you’ll force the iPhone to request a new connection to the network, and texting should start working again.

You can toggle your iPhone’s Airplane Mode on and off from the Control Center.

1. To reveal the Control Center on iPhone XR or later, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen. If you’re on iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap on the Airplane Mode icon, which is represented by a plane inside a circle. When the icon is orange, Airplane Mode is enabled; when it’s grayed out, it’s disabled.

Quick tip: You can also turn Airplane Mode on or off by opening the Settings app and tapping the toggle for Airplane Mode.

3. Restart The Messages App

If your iPhone isn’t receiving text messages in iOS 18, try restarting the Messages app. On many occasions, I have managed to fix issues related to messages by closing and reopening the Messages app. So, you should give this nifty troubleshooting tip a chance.

• If your iPhone has a Home Button: Double-press the Home button -> Find Messages in the app switcher and swipe it up.
• On iPhone without the Home Button: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the App Switcher -> swipe left/right to find Messages and swipe it up.
• Now, launch Messages and try sending texts again.

4. Make sure the number isn’t blocked

If the contact or number you blocked sends you a text message, you will not receive it. These text messages will go nowhere. So, if you know someone is sending you texts, but you’re not receiving those texts on your iPhone, check to see if the number is blocked.

1. Open the Settings app and tap Apps.
2. Go into Messages.
3. Tap on Blocked Contacts. If you see any familiar names or numbers there that you still want to talk to, tap Edit.
4. Tap the red minus icon next to the contact(s) you want to unblock.
5. Once you’re satisfied, tap Done.

5. Restart your iPhone

If your problem continues, rebooting your iPhone might get the text coming through again. Sometimes there are endless loops or other issues behind the scenes that you may be unable to diagnose but are easily solved with a reboot.

• On iPhone models with a home button like iPhone SE (2nd generation), hold down the power button on the right side then drag the power off slider. Hold down the Side button to turn on your iPhone.
• On iPhone models without a home button like iPhone 16, hold down the power button on the right side and the volume up button on the left side then swipe the power slider to power down. Hold down the Side button to turn on your iPhone. When you turn it back on, it may well be able to receive messages again.

6. Update your iPhone to the latest iOS 18 version’

It’s also possible that there’s a iOS bug that’s preventing your iPhone from receiving text Messages. Install any outstanding iOS 18 update, even if an update doesn’t seem relevant to the problem you experience. Since Messages is a native iOS app, updating your iPhone might fix it.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. If an update is available, tap update now.

7. Check for a carrier settings update

Carrier settings contain important data about your selected network that allow you to send and receive text messages, make calls, check voicemails, and use data. Ensuring that your carrier settings are up to date is important, especially if you are not receiving text messages.

1. Connect to a cell phone or Wi-Fi network of your choice.
2. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
3. Tap General.
4. Tap About. Should an update be available, you’ll be able to do so from this screen.

8. Contact your carrier

If you are still experiencing this problem, contact your carrier to ensure that the network isn’t experiencing outages, that your account is in good standing and your service operational, and that your iPhone isn’t blocked from receiving text messages.

9. Reset your network settings

If you’ve tried everything above and your iPhone still won’t receive text messages, it’s time to reset network settings.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into General.
3. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Reset.
5. Press Reset Network Settings.
6. Enter your passcode.
7. Tap Reset Network Settings to confirm.

10. Contact Apple Support

If nothing else has worked thus far, reach out to Apple Support for further help or visit your nearest Genius Bar. reach out to Apple Support for further help or visit your nearest Genius Bar.