Here are some methods to fix the problem of iMessages appearing out of order on iPhone, in case you are experiencing this problem, even after updating your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
iMessages Appearing Out of Order On iPhone
If you open an iMessage conversation on your iPhone and find it difficult to follow the conversation, it is likely that your iPhone is not displaying Messages in the order in which they are being received.
Going by user forums, iMessages are occasionally appearing out of order, which can cause more confusion and lead to improper understanding of the conversation thread.
The problem is apparently due to a bug in iOS 11.2.1 update, which has already been addressed in the iOS 11.3 update. However, if you have updated your iPhone and are still experiencing this problem, the following methods should help.
1. Restart Your iPhone
Press and hold the Power button on your iPhone, until you see “Slide to Power off” option appearing on the screen of your iPhone. Next, power off your iPhone by sliding the Power Icon to the right.
Note: In case of iPhone X, press and hold the Side (Power) + Volume down buttons, until you see Slide to Power Off screen.
After the iPhone is powered Off, wait for about 30 seconds and restart your iPhone by pressing the Power button.
This method often works, if the problem with iMessages is due to a temporary or minor software glitch on your iPhone.
2. Check For Software Update
For any problem being reported by iPhone users, you can expect Apple to address the issue via a software update. Hence, make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS.
Tap on Settings > General > Software Update.
On the next screen, see if there are any updates available and tap on Download to Install the updates to your iPhone.
3. Update Using iTunes
Going by user reports, manually updating iPhone using iTunes appears to fix problems better than wireless updates.
If you are experiencing the problem of iMessages being out of order, even after updating to the latest version of iOS, try updating your iPhone using iTunes.
Open iTunes on your PC or Mac, plug iPhone into the USB port of the Computer and click on the iPhone icon as it appears in iTunes.
Next, click on Check For Update button
On the pop-up that appears, tap on Download and Update.
4. Check Date & Time Settings
Some iPhone users have been able to fix the problem of iMessages appearing out of order on iPhone by disabling the Auto Time option on iPhone and re-enabling it again.
Tap on Settings > General > Date & Time.
On the “Date and Time” screen, toggle ON the option for Set Automatically (in case it was OFF) and Toggle OFF the option (in case it is ON).
Next close the iMessage App and re-open it again. You should now find iMessages appearing in proper order.
Note: After the problem is fixed, make sure “Set Automatically” option is always enabled for Date & Time on your iPhone.
5. Restart iMessage Service
The simple act of restarting iMessage service on iPhone can clear out temporary bugs (if any) and restore proper functionality to iMessage service on your device.
Tap on Settings > Messages and turn OFF iMessage.
Now, turn OFF your iPhone, wait for 30 seconds and turn ON your iPhone. After your iPhone opens, go to Settings > Messages and turn ON iMessage.
6. Reset All Settings
In case none of the above methods are working, it is time to Reset All Settings on your iPhone and see if this helps in fixing the problem.
Reset All Settings will not wipe your Data, but it will remove your WiFi Network name and password. Hence, make sure that you note down your WiFi Network Name (SSID) and Password.
Tap on Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Wait for your iPhone to Restart and connect to your WiFi Network by entering your WiFi Network Password. Once you are connected to the internet, sign-in to iMessage and see if Messages are now appearing in proper order.
