How to identify the specific phone number a message was sent to when a contact has multiple numbers?

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Level 1

10 points

How to identify the specific phone number a message was sent to when a contact has multiple numbers?

I have a contact with several phone numbers. When I sent a IMessage to that person months ago, all I see in messages is I sent it to their name. No number. I realize I had to pick a number initially, but that was long ago and don't recall choosing one. Months go by, several other messages sent, no response to any of them other than seeing they had been read according to iMessage. I finally dig in and notice one of the numbers I have for them is wrong. That's simple to fix, and I was able to reach them after removing the old number from the contact, but what's bothering me is, once I needed to know, I find there seems to be no way I can see in the IMessage app, on a modern, updated iPhone which number precisely, a given iMessage was sent to? I know there is the RECIENT label, but that seems to only show up when you receive a message, not when you send a message. Any help?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: How to determine the exact phone number a IMessage message was sent to when the contact has multiple numbers?

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Jan 3, 2026 12:34 PM

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Answer 1

-Bubba-

Level 6

10,926 points

Jan 4, 2026 4:35 PM in response to Lee_Buskey

Lee_Buskey wrote:

I have a contact with several phone numbers. When I sent a IMessage to that person months ago, all I see in messages is I sent it to their name. No number. I realize I had to pick a number initially, but that was long ago and don't recall choosing one. Months go by, several other messages sent, no response to any of them other than seeing they had been read according to iMessage. I finally dig in and notice one of the numbers I have for them is wrong. That's simple to fix, and I was able to reach them after removing the old number from the contact, but what's bothering me is, once I needed to know, I find there seems to be no way I can see in the IMessage app, on a modern, updated iPhone which number precisely, a given iMessage was sent to? I know there is the RECIENT label, but that seems to only show up when you receive a message, not when you send a message. Any help?

Apple seems to have removed the 'Recent' tag in 26. As far as I know, the only way to see which number your recipient is using is to move each listed number to a different temporary contact and see which messages become associated with each number.

You can give feedback here: Feedback - Contacts - Apple

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