Duplicate text messages

Ever since the iOS 26.1 update, if someone not using an iPhone sends me a text message, it comes in duplication. I have restarted my iPhone by pressing the buttons on the side, and going through and doing a complete shut down.

iPhone 12, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 6, 2025 4:09 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 7, 2025 2:30 AM

Turn off Wi-Fi Calling, then turn it back on

This forces the carrier to drop the duplicate registration.

  1. Settings → Cellular
  2. Wi-Fi Calling → turn OFF
  3. Restart iPhone
  4. Turn Wi-Fi Calling back ON (if you use it)

For many users, this solves it immediately.

4 replies

Dec 7, 2025 2:44 AM in response to Panda-Kid

Occasionally, an update leaves your messaging settings in a partial state.


Go to:


Settings >> Messages >>


Turn Off Send as SMS


Turn Off MMS Messaging


Wait 10 seconds


Turn both back On


Then test with someone who is not using an iPhone.


Reset Network Settings


(This resolves most carrier-related SMS duplication issues.)


Settings >> General >> Transfer or Reset iPhone >> Reset >> Reset Network Settings


This will not delete your data but will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings and VPN profiles.


Update Carrier Settings


Sometimes, after an iOS update, the carrier settings do not fully update.


Go to:


Settings >> General >> About


Wait 5 – 10 seconds.


If a pop-up says Carrier Settings Update, tap Update




Turn off iMessage temporarily


This forces your phone to re-register its SMS routing with your carrier.


Settings >> Messages >> iMessage >> Off


Wait 30 seconds.


Turn it On again.



Duplicate text messages

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