iPhone Shows Unread Text Messages But There Are None? Top 11 Ways

Is your iPhone showing an unread message badge that won't disappear? This 'ghost message' bug tricks you into thinking you have a new text when you don't. It's a frustrating glitch, but it's easy to solve. Let's look at why your notification count is wrong and how to fix it in seconds.

Why Does My iPhone Show Unread Text Messages When There Are None?

Although it is a challenging task to determine the true cause, we can still identify the common reasons.

Temporary Software Glitches

The most common reason for a ghost notification is a simple software bug. Just like any computer, the iPhone's operating system (iOS) occasionally hiccups. The Messages app might fail to update its status after you read a text, leaving the red badge stuck on your screen even though the inbox is empty.

Messages Hidden in Filters

Sometimes, the unread message actually exists, but you can't see it. If you have enabled specific filtering settings, your iPhone might be routing texts from strangers or automated systems into a separate "Unknown Senders" folder. In this case, your notification count is technically correct, but it is hiding in a secondary inbox that you rarely check.

Network and Syncing Errors

If you have a poor internet connection or if you use iMessage across multiple devices, synchronization issues can occur. For example, you might read a text on your iPad, but your iPhone fails to receive that "read" signal due to a network lag. This leaves the unread badge displayed on your phone, even though the conversation is already up to date elsewhere.

Corrupted Data or App Confusion

Occasionally, a specific type of message can jam the system. A heavy Multimedia Message (MMS) or an active group chat can sometimes fail to load properly, causing the counter to freeze. While not common, notifications from other messaging apps like WhatsApp or social media platforms can be mistaken for text messages.

Part 2. Top 11 Methods to Fix iPhone Showing Unread Messages When There Are None

No matter what issues your iPhone met, read it on and try the workable methods to fix your iPhone. Now, let's see the detailed tutorial.

Method 1. Ask Siri to Read the Unread Messages

This is often the first method that works for stubborn ghost messages because Siri accesses the message database directly, bypassing the visual glitch in the app.

• Step 1. Activate Siri by holding your Side button or saying "Siri" (or "Hey Siri").
• Step 2. Clearly say the command: "Read my unread messages".
• Step 3. Listen closely. Siri may find a hidden spam text or an old message from years ago. Once Siri finishes reading it, the system marks it as "read", and the red badge usually disappears immediately.

Method 2. Manually Mark All Messages as Read

If Siri doesn't find anything, you can force the Messages app to reset the status of every thread in your inbox manually. This acts like a soft refresh for your notification counter.

• Step 1. Open your Messages app and tap the Edit button or the Ellipsis (...) icon in the top right corner.
• Step 2. Tap Select Messages from the menu options.
• Step 3. Locate the Read All text in the bottom left corner of the screen and tap it. Even if you haven't selected any specific messages, this command sends a signal to the database to mark everything as read.

Method 3. Check Filtered Messages (Unknown Senders)

Sometimes the message isn't a ghost; it is just hiding. Apple's filtering system routes potential spam or texts from strangers into a separate folder that doesn't appear in your main feed.

• Step 1. Open Messages and look for a Filters button in the top left corner. (If you don't see it, go to Settings > Messages and ensure "Filter Unknown Senders" is on).
• Step 2. Tap Filters and then select Unknown Senders.
• Step 3. Scroll through the list and look for any bold blue dots indicating an unread text. Opening these will clear your main notification badge.

Method 4. Relaunch Message App

Another method to fix iPhone ghost message issue is to force quit the Messages app and reopen it. This can help you clear the temporary system bugs.

• Step 1. Double click the Home button or swipe up the screen and then pause. Then you'll see all the apps running in the background.
• Step 2. Just swipe the apps. When you find the Messages app, swipe it up.
• Step 3. Three seconds later, you can open the app again to see whether the problem is solved.

Method 5. Turn off and on Notifications

When your iPhone shows unread messages but there are none, you can try to disable the Notifications and turn it on again. By doing so, your issue may be solved.

• Step 1. Open your iPhone, and navigate to Settings > Notifications > Messages.
• Step 2. Switch the option to Allow Notifications and turn it on after a few seconds.

Method 6. Force Restart Your iPhone

If the database fixes above don't work, the issue is likely a visual cache error in the iOS interface itself. A force restart clears the temporary memory and redraws the home screen icons.

• For iPhone 8 or later: Keep holding and release the Volume Up button quickly, then hold and release the Volume Down button quickly, finally hold the Power button until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 7/7 Plus: Hold the Volume Down button and the Power button concurrently. When the Apple logo appears, release the two buttons quickly.
• For iPhone 6s or earlier: Keep holding the Power button and Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release the two buttons.

Method 7. Fix iPhone Ghost Messages With TunesKit iOS System Recovery

It is difficult to pinpoint hidden software errors on your own. TunesKit iOS System Recovery simplifies the process by fixing over 150 common iOS issues automatically. Whether you are dealing with blank message screens or glitches where texts turn green, this tool restores your iPhone to normal with just a few clicks.

Here is the step-by-step guide to fix iPhone unread messages not showing issue with TunesKit iOS System Recovery.

Step 1 Connect Your iPhone to PC

After connecting your iPhone to a computer with a USB cable, you can install and launch TunesKit iOS System Recovery on your computer. It will start to detect your iPhone. Then click iOS System Repair and hit Start to continue.

Step 2 Select a Mode to Repair

On TunesKit's interface, there are Standard Repair Mode and Deep Repair Mode to choose from. Generally speaking, the Standard Repair is powerful enough to fix iPhone shows unread text messages but there are none issue without losing data.

Step 3 Download Firmware Package

Before downloading, please confirm that the given information on TunesKit is corresponding to your iPhone. If not, please correct it manually. Click the Download button to the next step.

Step 4 Fix iPhone Problem Without Data Loss

When the downloading process is done, click the Repair button. TunesKit will start to fix your iPhone, and it will get back to its normal state soon.

Method 8. Reset All iPhone Settings

If your iPhone settings are mistakenly set, it will cause the problem that iPhone shows unread text messages but there are none. You can reset all your settings to fix this worrisome issue.

• Step 1. Go toSettings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone .
• Step 2. Tap Reset > Reset All Settings. This will not erase your data, but it will reset Wi-Fi, notifications, and system preferences.

Method 9. Update iOS to the Latest Version

Sometimes, if your iOS system has some bugs or glitches, it will also lead to iPhone showing unread messages but there are none problem. Apple team will update the iOS system from time to time in order to solve some software-related issue. Please make sure your iPhone has enough battery and a stable internet connection during the whole process.

• Step 1. Go to the Settings > General > Software Update.
• Step 2. Tap the Download and Install if there is a new update available.
• Step 3. Enter your passcode and tap the Install Now to start the process.

Method 10. Delete All Messages From Contact

For many people, deleting all messages from a contact who shows as unread is effective. We know this might sound a bit disappointing to you. But if your messages are not that important, you can take this way. But if the information is salient, you can back up the messages individually before deleting them.

• Step 1. Open the Messages app.
• Step 2. Tap Edit in the top left corner.
• Step 3. Tap the messages you want to delete and tap the Delete button in the bottom right corner.

Method 11. Deactivate and Reactivate iMessage

If your iMessage shows unread message but there are none, you can deactivate and then reactivate it to fix the issue. Now follow the quick guide here.

• Step 1. Go to the Settings > Messages > iMessage.
• Step 2. Switch the option off. Wait for a while, you can turn it back on.

FAQs Related to iPhone Showing Message but No Message

Summary

Seeing a phantom unread message badge on your iPhone is annoying, but it is rarely a sign of a serious problem. As for me, I think TunesKit iOS System Recovery is the best way to fix different software issues. It is easy-to-use and effective to help you get rid of iPhone problems. Most importantly, it will not cause any data loss while repairing your device.