SMS Text Message Forwarding from iPad fails after iOS 27/iPadOS 27 update

Update: Performing a forced restart (hard reset) on both my iPhone 16 Plus and iPad Air 5 completely resolved the issue!

The test SMS went through immediately, synchronized with my iPhone, and after waiting and testing further, the red "Not Delivered" error hasn't returned. Clearing the system cache after the OS 27 update did the trick.

Thank you so much for the suggestion and guidance!

For information, I have updated both iPad and iPhone to iPadOS/iOS 27 - and having done so, Message Forwarding between iPad and iPhone is functioning entirely as expected.

As such, this would logically suggest that the issue that you describe is with either your iPad or iPhone configuration - or a settings corruption that occurred during the upgrade of your devices to OS 27 - and not due to a fundamental problem with the new OS versions.

Having verified your Message Forwarding settings, if your iPad/iPhone services are not operating as expected, begin with a forced forced-restart of both - as this will often clear an isolated or post-update software issue:

Force restart iPad - Apple Support

Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPhone and/or iPad settings - this often being the only method by which a settings corruption can be successfully cleared. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup of the device(s) before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad | iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the devices to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively you can initiate and manage your support cases from Apple devices using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to assist with troubleshooting the iPad and iPhone:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Since iMessage works and the iPad already shows as enabled for forwarding, I’d check one thing before changing anything else: can the iPhone itself send a green-bubble SMS to a non-iMessage number?

Apple’s forwarding feature still depends on the iPhone being able to send and receive SMS through the carrier. Messages in iCloud includes SMS forwarding, so you normally don’t need a separate forwarding setup when that’s enabled. → Forward text messages from your iPhone to other devices – Apple Support

If SMS works normally from the iPhone, compare Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive on both devices and make sure they show the same Apple Account. I’d also open Settings > General > About on the iPhone for a few seconds in case Fizz has a carrier settings update waiting. → Manually update carrier settings on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Given everything you’ve already reset, I wouldn’t do another network reset or erase either device. If the iPhone can send SMS normally but every relayed SMS from the iPad immediately shows Not Delivered, that would make an iOS/iPadOS 27 relay issue much more likely.

Muhammedtk wrote:

I am also facing this problem after updating to ios 27.0.1 in my iPhone 16 pro. Now I cannot forward message, it’s not giving the provision to enter the contact number. Raised complaint in apple support but no response from their side

Consider updating your device to the most recent version of iOS. At the time of writing, iOS/iPadOS 27.2.1 is current.

Keeping your devices updated ensures that you benefit from functional updates and fixes - and, essentially, important security updates for your devices.

A forced restart is certainly worth trying if you haven’t already.

Personally, though, I wouldn’t jump to a factory restore for this yet. You’ve already confirmed that SMS works from the iPhone, both devices use the same Apple Account, and forwarding is enabled. If a forced restart doesn’t change anything, I’d contact Apple Support before erasing either device so they can look at the relay issue and, if possible, collect diagnostics.

“Reset All Settings” doesn’t erase your personal data, but a factory restore does, so make sure you have a current backup before going anywhere near that step.

Thanks for the suggestions!

To answer your points:

 SMS from iPhone: Yes, the iPhone itself sends and receives SMS (green bubbles) perfectly on its own without any issue.

 Apple Account & Settings: Both devices are signed into the exact same Apple Account under Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive.

 Carrier Settings: I checked Settings > General > About on the iPhone. I'm currently on carrier settings version 72.0.2 (Fizz) and no new update popped up.

Since the iPhone handles SMS normally and network resets have already been done, this really points toward the iOS/iPadOS 27 relay/handshake issue as you suggested.

Thanks again!

I am also facing this problem after updating to ios 27.0.1 in my iPhone 16 pro. Now I cannot forward message, it’s not giving the provision to enter the contact number. Raised complaint in apple support but no response from their side

Muhammedtk wrote:

Updated to 28.2.1 still not able to forward messages to any phone. It’s not giving the provision to enter the

contact number of the recipient.

This thread refers to message forwarding between iPad and iPhone.

Your latest description suggests that you are trying to accomplish something else entirely - and forward text messages that you have received on your own Apple device(s) to someone else.

I'm delighted that you have successfully cleared the problem.

Thanks for the update — glad the forced restart fixed it!

Updated to 28.2.1 still not able to forward messages to any phone. It’s not giving the provision to enter the

contact number of the recipient.