Messages' 'Shared with You' disabled settings

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Level 1

15 points

Messages' 'Shared with You' disabled settings

On iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max, both on iOS 26.0.1 (and linked to the same Apple ID) I got an issue that all the configuration switches in 'Settings > Messages > Shared with you' are grayed out (unable to click). I do not have company profile or other 'weird' settings. I have all iCloud and messages syncing enabled on all devices and I forced 'Sync Now' on each device. I went through privacy/security settings and found nothing. I restarted phones and tried to disable/enable iMessage. Waited 48 hours. Nothing changed. I have also an iPad and a Macbook on the same Apple ID and the same settings are available and clickable on them. Screenshots attached.

Is anyone familiar with that? Any ideas how to overcome that without wiping the phones?

iPhone 17 Pro Max

Posted on Oct 24, 2025 2:16 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Uncle_Elly

Level 1

20 points

Nov 3, 2025 9:13 PM in response to void000

edit: wow I just stumbled upon the solution in another thread like 5 mins after posting this - I have Require FaceID turned on for the messages app and that was the obstacle. Turning it off made the Shared with you settings available again and the shared photos showed up in the Photos app

I have EXACTLY the same issue - works fine on my MacBook, doesn’t work on my iPhone. Tried the same troubleshooting steps. Even spent an hour on the phone with Apple support screen sharing with the tech. No resolution to the issue. Just updated to iOS 26.1 and the issue still persists.

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Answer 2

void000 Author

Level 1

15 points

Nov 4, 2025 9:43 AM in response to Uncle_Elly

Thank you! I confirm I had Messages app blocked with Face ID on both phones and disabling that enabled the mentioned settings.

Could you please link the 'another thread' you mentioned?

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Answer 3

TeamJoLo

Level 1

18 points

Nov 28, 2025 4:42 PM in response to void000

I have the same problem on my iPhone on 26.1 but I can't find anywhere to turn Face ID off for messages, either in the Settings - Apps - Messages or in Face ID and Passcode. Can you point me to the setting please?

Ah it's OK, found it 🙏

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Answer 4

void000 Author

Level 1

15 points

Dec 1, 2025 3:37 PM in response to TeamJoLo

It is present in the pop-up menu when you long-tap the app.

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