unable to reply to group message

I'm not sure if this will help you, but it worked for me. In my latest chat with Apple support, the advisor said he had just learned of a possible workaround ... he told me to go into Settings and turn off iMessage. Then go to the group message that you're having the issue with and type a reply (surprisingly, the message I couldn't reply to showed the "reply area" and allowed me to send a message). Then go back into Settings and turn iMessage back on.

I was previously told to keep checking back for a resolution, as Apple was working on the issue. This was after I had spent hours trying all of the standard troubleshooting, including resetting all settings - which unfortunately cleared out a lot of things I really didn't want to clear. The next recommendation was to completely reset my phone to factory defaults - that was not going to be an option for me.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

1. There are three types of group messages that you might see: group iMessage, group MMS, and group SMS. The Messages app automatically chooses the type of group message to send based on settings, network connection, and carrier plan. For example:
   1. If you and your recipients are using Apple devices and iMessage is turned on, then the group message is sent as an iMessage. If you can't turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple ... If you can't turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple ...
   2. If you send a group message to people who are on Android, then the message is sent as an MMS or SMS message. Check if you have an SMS plan enabled by your carrier for the SIM/eSIM that you use on your device. Apple Inc does not provide SMS services. You need to contact your Carrier to enable SMS and/or MMS.
2. To activate iMessage and FaceTime using your Phone number
   1. First, check to know whether you have an SMS plan enabled at least for One SMS*** with your carrier. Contact your Carrier (Cellular Service Provider) the agency that issued the SIM to you
   2. If your iPhone is used with a carrier not found in the wireless carrier articles, make sure you can send and receive international SMS. (One international SMS*** Only)
   3. *** You may not have an SMS plan (Domestic & International) enabled by your carrier for the SIM/eSIM that you use on your device. Apple Inc does not provide SMS services.

All responses in a group SMS are sent as individual text messages and the recipients can’t see the other responses from the group.

Understanding the Message Delivery Method

The way the message is received by everyone depends on the type of group chat you have used in the iOS message app. There are two main possibilities:

1. Group iMessage (For iPhones Only):
   1. This is a messaging service exclusive to Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. Messages sent through Group iMessage appear in blue bubbles.
   2. If you use Group iMessage, everyone in the group chat will receive the message, and they will all see who else in the group has received the message.
   3. This allows everyone to be aware of who else received the message and know the group.
2. Group SMS (For iPhones and Android Phones):
   1. This is a standard text messaging service that works across different phone types, including iPhones and Androids. Messages sent through Group SMS appear in green bubbles.
   2. With Group SMS, the message is sent individually to each phone number in the group. However, there's a key difference: unlike Group iMessage, recipients won't see who else received the message in the group.
   3. This is because SMS messaging doesn't inherently include that information.
   4. SMS/MMS services are not provided by Apple Inc.

In Short:

• iPhones can use either Group iMessage (blue bubbles) or Group SMS (green bubbles) for group chats.
• Group iMessage lets everyone see who else is in the group.
• Group SMS keeps the recipient list private from each other.

If a group text message in the iOS Messages app includes at least one person using a non-iOS device (such as an Android phone), the group chat will function as a Group SMS (MMS) rather than an iMessage group chat. Here's what this means in practice:

1. Messages Appear in Green Bubbles – Instead of the blue bubbles used for iMessage, messages in the group will be sent as standard SMS or MMS, appearing in green bubbles.
2. Limited Features – Since SMS/MMS lacks many of iMessage's features, you won't be able to:
   1. Name the group chat
   2. Add or remove participants
   3. Use reactions (Tapbacks like thumbs up, heart, etc.)
   4. Share high-quality images and videos (media will be compressed)
   5. See typing indicators or read receipts
3. Carrier Charges May Apply – Since messages are sent via cellular SMS/MMS rather than the internet-based iMessage, carrier messaging rates may apply depending on your plan.
4. No End-to-End Encryption – Unlike iMessage, which is encrypted, Group SMS/MMS messages do not have end-to-end encryption.

If everyone in the group is using an iPhone with iMessage enabled, the conversation will automatically be an iMessage group chat, enabling all of the features above.

Types of group text messages

There are three types of group messages that you might see: group iMessage, group MMS, and group SMS. The Messages app automatically chooses the type of group message to send based on settings, network connection, and carrier plan. For example:

• If you and your recipients are using Apple devices and iMessage is turned on, then the group message is sent as an iMessage.
• If you send a group message to people who aren't using iMessage, then the message is sent as an MMS or SMS message.
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I'm having the same issue. VERY frustrating.

That worked for us, thanks!

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