How do I start a new text thread on iPhone when the compose button is missing?
Answer
Return to the main Messages conversation list first, then look for the compose icon at the top. If it is still missing or off-screen, turn off Display Zoom and Accessibility Zoom, force-close Messages, and reopen it. You can also tap near the top center of the Messages list to make sure you are not stuck inside one thread.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Do not install untrusted configuration profiles or apps that claim they must “unlock” Messages features.
Follow these steps
Return to the main Messages list
Open Messages. If you are inside a conversation, tap Back or Filters / the back chevron until you see the full list of threads. Tap once near the top center of that list if the navigation chrome looks collapsed.
You should see: You see the conversation list rather than a single open thread.
Force-close and reopen Messages
Swipe up from the bottom (or double-click Home), flick Messages away, then open Messages again from the Home Screen or App Library. Check the top-right area for the compose icon.
You should see: Messages relaunches cleanly and the compose control is visible, or the display-size issue is still obvious.
Turn off Display Zoom
Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Display Zoom. Choose Standard instead of Larger Text, confirm, and let the iPhone restart the Home Screen layout if prompted. Open Messages again and look for compose.
You should see: More of the Messages toolbar fits on screen and the compose icon appears.
Disable Accessibility Zoom
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Zoom and turn Zoom off. Return to Messages and check the top of the conversation list for the square-with-pencil compose button. Tap it, add recipients, and start the thread.
You should see: Compose is available and a new conversation can be created.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The compose icon (square with pencil), whether you are in the conversation list versus a single thread, Display Zoom set to Larger Text, and Accessibility Zoom turned on.
Before you change anything: Note your current Display Zoom setting before changing it so you can restore preferred text size later. Do not delete the Messages app or erase the iPhone to create a thread. Avoid unknown “fix iMessage” configuration profiles.