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Find out why you may not see the option to turn off Text Message Forwarding for a Mac or iPad on your iPhone, and how to fix this issue.

For context, the Text Message Forwarding feature allows you to send and receive iPhone texts on your iPad or Mac. In addition to the obvious benefit of communicating from the big screen, Text Message Forwarding can also help autofill OTPs in Safari.

You can set it up in iOS Settings > Apps > Messages > Text Message Forwarding. From this same screen, you can also turn off the switches next to a specific Mac or iPad where you don’t want your iPhone texts to be forwarded.

But if you notice that there is no turn-on or turn-off switch next to a device name, and just an untappable, unchangeable ‘On’ status, then this is because you have set up iCloud Messages on that device.

iCloud Messages backs up all your iPhone texts to iCloud for safekeeping and also makes them available in the Messages app on macOS and iPadOS for a uniform texting experience. If you have set up iCloud Messages on a Mac or iPad, then you won’t see an option to disable Text Message Forwarding for that device in your iPhone settings (see the screenshot above).

To fix that, turn off iCloud Messages, and then you will be able to disable Text Message Forwarding for that machine.

Fix: Unable to turn off Text Messages Forwarding on Mac or iPad

It involves three easy steps.

Step 1: Disable iCloud Messages on Mac or iPad

• Go to System Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > Messages and turn off ‘Use on this Mac.’ Confirm by clicking ‘Disable This Device.’

• Now open the Messages app on your Mac and press the Command + , (comma) keys to access its Settings. Then, go to the iMessage tab and make sure ‘Enable Messages in iCloud‘ is unchecked. If it’s checked, uncheck it and confirm by clicking ‘Disable This Device.’

For iPad, go to iPadOS Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > Messages and turn off Use on this iPad.

Step 2: Wait a few minutes

After turning off Messages in iCloud, give it a couple of minutes for the changes to propagate. Make sure all devices are connected to the Internet, preferably via Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Turn off Text Message Forwarding

With Messages in iCloud no longer active on your Mac or iPad, follow these steps to ensure Text Message Forwarding is disabled.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Apps at the bottom.
3. Select Messages from the list of applications.
4. Tap Text Message Forwarding.
5. The switch next to that Mac or iPad should be off now. But if it isn’t, you can turn it off manually.

This is how you can fix the issue of the missing switch next to a Mac or iPad in your iPhone Text Message Forwarding settings.

Also, check out:

• Fix iPhone messages not forwarding to Mac
• How to sync all your iPhone messages to Mac

Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2026/07/23/cant-turn-off-text-message-forwarding-mac-ipad/

Apple has quietly shut down a popular workaround that let customers finance new iPhones through T-Mobile or Verizon while still receiving fully unlocked devices.

For years, savvy buyers exploited a quirk in Apple’s sales process. They could stack generous carrier promotions — like massive trade-in credits or bill credits — on installment financing through Apple’s website or stores, and walk away with an iPhone that was carrier-unlocked from day one. This allowed them to use the phone on any network, switch carriers mid-contract, insert international eSIMs while traveling, or even resell the device at a premium before paying it off.

That loophole is now closed for T-Mobile and Verizon customers. Starting recently, any iPhone financed through these carriers’ installment plans will remain locked to the carrier until the balance is paid in full. This brings T-Mobile and Verizon in line with AT&T’s long-standing policy.

Carriers frequently offer deep discounts to attract customers, such as $1,100 off select iPhone models. Previously:

• AT&T-financed phones bought via Apple were locked.

• T-Mobile and Verizon versions were delivered unlocked, even when financed through their respective Equipment Installment Plans or Device Payment Programs.

Buyers took full advantage by financing through Apple’s site, claiming the carrier promo, and ending up with a flexible, unlocked flagship phone. Some used it to jump ship to cheaper MVNOs, while others flipped the devices for profit.

Apple made the change without fanfare or press release. It was first spotted by users on Reddit’s r/tmobile subreddit and confirmed via an updated FAQ on Apple’s iPhone purchase pages. The new language states clearly:

“If you choose to finance an iPhone through the AT&T Installment Plan, T-Mobile Equipment Installment Plan, or Verizon Device Payment Program, your iPhone will be locked to the carrier until paid in full.”

Apple has offered no official explanation. However, the timing suggests it was responding to abuse of the system—particularly resale of subsidized but unlocked phones. The change also likely pleases carriers, who want to ensure customers remain committed during promotional periods and installment terms.

There may be a temporary mismatch. Some checkout flows still indicate T-Mobile and Verizon phones as unlocked. Always double-check the fine print before completing a purchase.

The policy shift only affects carrier-financed devices. You can still get an unlocked iPhone immediately by:

• Buying it outright (no financing).

• Financing through Apple Card Monthly Installments — these remain unlocked from activation.

• Purchasing directly from third-party retailers or carriers with full upfront payment.

Once a carrier-financed phone is paid off, it will unlock automatically per standard carrier policy.

This update reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to balance customer flexibility with carrier partnerships in a competitive wireless market. If you’re planning an upgrade soon, review your financing options carefully to avoid surprises.

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[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]

Source link: https://macdailynews.com/2026/07/16/apple-closes-unlocked-iphone-loophole-for-t-mobile-and-verizon-financing-buyers/