Why does my iPhone show I have 5 messages but my iPad says I have 47?
Cmarcush
User level: Level 1 (4 points)
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Message count differs between iPhone and iPad
Posted on Oct 14, 2026 9:28 AM
2 replies
LotusPilot
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)
User level: Level 10 (334,506 points)Oct 14, 2026 3:10 PM in response to Cmarcush
To keep messages and the message-count synchronised between devices, ensure that you have enabled the synchronisation service (in this case, iCloud Messages) on both your iPad and iPhone. Both devices must also be signed-in to iCloud with the same Apple Account (formerly known as your AppleID):
Settings > [Your Name / Apple Account] > iCloud > Messages > Messages in iCloud - set to ON
The iCloud User Guide provides additional information:
Set up iCloud for Messages on all your devices - Apple Support
sberman
User level: Level 10 (280,982 points)
User level: Level 10 (280,982 points)Oct 14, 2026 2:44 PM in response to Cmarcush
Because generally deleting a message from one device does not delete it on the other.
This assumes you are not using iCloud for Messages.
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256376173