iPhone instant message glitch: How to prevent pranksters from slamming your phone

Apple says a new iPhone bug lets a bad text crash the phone. The bug also affects an Apple Watch that is linked to the phone. The bad text uses a special set of characters, some of them Arabic. The problem was first shared on Reddit and then reported by tech sites on Tuesday.

What is the iPhone instant message glitch?

The glitch is a piece of code in the latest iOS version. It reacts to a certain string of Unicode characters. When the string arrives in an iMessage, the phone tries to show a preview on the lock screen. The preview makes the phone restart instantly. The same thing can happen on a paired Apple Watch.

How does the glitch work?

Here is a simple way to picture it:

• A sender types a message that contains the special characters.
• The message is sent over iMessage.
• If the receiver’s iPhone is locked, iOS tries to show a short preview.
• The preview contains the bad characters.
• The phone’s software crashes and restarts.

The crash does not delete any data. It only forces the phone to reboot. However, it can be annoying and can be used as a prank.

How can you protect your iPhone right now?

Apple says a fix will come in a future update. While you wait, you can stop the crash by turning off message previews. Follow these easy steps:

• Open the Settings app.
• Tap Notifications.
• Scroll down and select Messages.
• Find the Show Previews option.
• Change it to Never or When Unlocked.

When previews are off, the phone will not try to display the bad characters on the lock screen. The message will still arrive, but it will not cause a crash.

What is Apple doing about the bug?

Apple released a short statement. It said:

“We are aware of an iMessage issue caused by a specific arrangement of Unicode characters and we will make a fix available in a software update.”

Apple has a history of fixing similar bugs quickly. In 2018, the company rushed a fix for a Telugu‑letter text bomb that caused the same kind of crash. The fix was delivered through a regular iOS update. News outlets like BBC and CBS reported those fixes at the time.

When the new update arrives, you will see a notification in Settings > General > Software Update. Install it as soon as possible.

Tips to avoid other text‑based pranks

Even after the fix, it is good to stay safe. Here are some simple habits:

• Do not click on unknown links in messages.
• Keep iOS updated. Updates often contain security patches.
• Turn off message previews if you share your phone with others.
• Report suspicious messages to Apple via the feedback page.

FAQ

What exactly triggers the iPhone crash?

The crash happens when a locked iPhone receives an iMessage that contains a special Unicode string. The preview tries to render the string and the software fails.

Will the crash delete my data?

No. The phone only restarts. Your apps, photos, and messages stay safe.

How do I turn off message previews?

Go to Settings → Notifications → Messages → Show Previews and set it to Never or When Unlocked.

Is there a permanent fix?

Yes. Apple will release a software update that removes the bug. Install the update as soon as it appears.

Does the bug affect Android phones?

No. The problem is specific to Apple’s iMessage service and iOS devices.

Conclusion

The iPhone instant message glitch is a real problem, but it is easy to manage. Turn off message previews today. Keep your phone updated. When Apple’s fix arrives, install it quickly. These steps will keep your iPhone and Apple Watch safe from prank crashes.