iPad messages sync but do not show read even when they’ve been read on iPhone

Question

Level 1

4 points

iPad messages sync but do not show read even when they’ve been read on iPhone

After being asleep for a few days if I open my iPad all of the messages come in no problem. The issue is they all show as unread. I’ve got over 100 unread… I don’t want to mark all as read since some have actually not been read yet on iPhone.

Yes syncing to the cloud

Yes all phone numbers and IDs match

Updated to iOS 26.0.1

new 2025 iPad Air

this seems to be a background refresh issue and I don’t know how to solve it.

opening the iPad every day is not practical for me

i appreciate all advice you can give! It’s driving me nuts!

iPad Pro (M5, 2025)

Posted on Nov 2, 2025 10:47 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Community+ 2025

Level 10

300,836 points

Nov 2, 2025 11:05 AM in response to Dagwoman

While your messages are clearly being delivered to both your iPhone and iPad (this controlled by other settings), you need to check that you have enabled a key iCloud setting on both devices:

Settings > [Your Name / Apple Account] > iCloud > [Saved to iCloud] See All > Messages in Cloud > Use on This iPad | iPhone - set to ON

With this setting verified as being enabled, tap Sync Now on each device.

Reply