Still getting messages despite being removed from a group. How to stop it. SECURITY ISSUE.

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Level 1

4 points

Still getting messages despite being removed from a group. How to stop it. SECURITY ISSUE.

I’ve delved extensively into this topic and there is NO FIX (if any member of the group has a device other than Apple). If someone knows a trick or a workaround I’d love it. I’ve tried everything. Apple informed everyone in the group I’ve been removed and I cannot reply but I’m still getting hundreds of the group’s texts.

I’ve called Apple support and they’ve “logged” the problem but was informed there’s no timeline for when it might get fixed. It will likely take others to do the same to get any traction on this issue I’m afraid. Please consider doing the same if you’re experiencing this issue.

In this case I asked to be removed but what if someone was removed because they were a danger to the others and no one in the group realized the person is still reading all of their texts. Security issue!

iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 17, 2025 2:58 PM

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Answer 1

Mac Jim ID

Level 7

31,373 points

Jan 17, 2025 3:15 PM in response to Sdjjsd

It sounds like you are using SMS/MMS messaging since you referred to including a device other than Apple. With any SMS messaging, these are managed by your cell provider. Apple manages group messaging with iMessage, but that is only the case when they are all Apple devices:

You can only remove someone if the group has four or more people, and everyone is using an Apple device, like an iPhone or iPad.
You can only add someone to a group message if they're using an Apple device. If you want to add someone to a group message but they're using a non-Apple device, you need to create a new group message. That message will use SMS/MMS by default since someone is using a non-Apple device.

Add and remove people in group text messages on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

As with any Support call to Apple, they will log an issue and it is not unusual for them to say there is no timeline for a fix if there is not one that would resolve the issue currently being tested in beta. I am not entirely sure Apple could provide a fix for any SMS issue and would recommend also contacting your cell provider. It is the cell provider that is sending that message to you and they are also the one's that manage the group SMS/MMS messages.

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Answer 2

Mac Jim ID

Level 7

31,373 points

Jan 18, 2025 7:40 AM in response to Sdjjsd

This article does a pretty good job of explaining the differences when using iMessage groups chats and those that become SMS group chats when a non-Apple device is part of the group. Once a non-apple device is added, the message bubbles will be green to signify that you are now using the SMS protocol and also the limitations of the carrier protocol for messaging, including not being able to remove yourself. The best you can do is Mute the conversation, but as you have found, there is not way to know if another person has muted the conversation, so they may still be reading those messages. This is how the group SMS messaging has always worked and is not specific to your iPhone using SMS/MMS. That is one of the benefits of using iMessage group chats with Apple devices only where you can leave the chat.

https://www.spikenow.com/blog/tips-tricks/how-to-leave-a-group-chat-on-iphone/

You can turn off Group Messaging on your device to prevent a group chat involving a non-Apple device. Just go to Settings > Messaging > Group Messaging and turn it off. This only affects messaging with non-Apple devices.

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Answer 3

Sdjjsd Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 17, 2025 6:39 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thanks for the reply! Yes, there are 32 people in this group and hundreds of texts sent via it each week. Many of the members are not in my contacts list and I did not consent to being added to it. Can’t tell if everyone has an iPhone but figured someone, somewhere must not have one.

Gosh I’ve slogged through the long hierarchy of calls to Apple and navigated the myriad of steps and no one suggested SMS/MMS possibly being the culprit. They keep calling it a “glitch” which will need a “patch” lol. Thank you I will try it!

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Answer 4

Sdjjsd Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 18, 2025 10:32 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thank you for this helpful article Mac Jim ID! Knowledge is power. Sadly the group messaging toggle was removed by Apple. I went through your steps and couldn’t find it anywhere. I did find a reply on here somewhere from a user named robinfromonee explaining how this is a big problem. I wish I knew how to share the link but learning as I go here lol. The title of the thread she is replying to is called “group messaging toggle is missing in IOS 17.” The reply also addresses thoughts on it having nothing to do with the carrier.

What’s also crazy is when I went through all the steps with Apple to try and get myself out part of their process was to make me turn notifications back on. Now the texts keep coming like crazy and I am unable to turn off notifications! As a side note the messages are gray rather than green because I’m removed but still receiving all the messages, reactions etc.

Ugh. I will still call my carrier, but I’m planning to wait til the weekday when there are typically more seasoned staff answering calls.

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