Summary of Key Takeaways
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Duplicate message issues on iPhone 5 usually occur due to iMessage sync, carrier glitches, or misconfigured settings.
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You can stop sending copies of messages by adjusting iMessage, Send as SMS, and email-related settings.
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Clearing network settings, updating iOS, and managing Apple ID across devices also help.
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This guide provides step-by-step instructions to fix the issue permanently.
Why Does My iPhone 5 Send Duplicate Messages?
Have you ever sent a text on your iPhone 5 only to find that the recipient got the same message two or three times? Annoying, right?
You’re not alone. Many iPhone 5 users struggle with this “stop sending copies messages write iPhone 5” problem. The issue usually happens when:
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iMessage tries to send a message over Wi-Fi and cellular.
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Apple ID is linked to multiple devices (like iPad or Mac).
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Your carrier network temporarily glitches.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, beginner-friendly steps to stop duplicate texts once and for all.
What Does “Stop Sending Copies Messages Write iPhone 5” Mean?
When users search this phrase, they typically want to:
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Stop duplicate messages (sent more than once).
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Fix iMessage and SMS conflicts.
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Write and send a single message without it being duplicated across devices.
In simple terms, it’s all about making your iPhone 5 send one clean message — not copies.
Common Causes of Duplicate Messages on iPhone 5
Before we fix it, let’s understand the root causes:
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iMessage Sync Across Devices
If your Apple ID is connected to multiple devices, the same message might get pushed multiple times. -
“Send as SMS” Setting
If iMessage fails, your iPhone may resend the same text as SMS. -
Network Problems
Weak Wi-Fi or unstable cellular signals can trigger message retries. -
Old iOS Version
Running outdated software on iPhone 5 often causes messaging bugs. -
Email-to-Text Feature
Sometimes, messages are sent to both email and phone numbers simultaneously.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Stop Sending Copies Messages on iPhone 5
Step 1: Check Your iMessage Settings
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Open Settings on your iPhone.
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Scroll down and tap Messages.
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Make sure iMessage is turned ON.
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Tap Send & Receive.
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Uncheck unnecessary email addresses.
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Keep only your main phone number active.
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✅ This ensures messages don’t get duplicated across email and phone.
Step 2: Disable “Send as SMS” Option
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Go to Settings > Messages.
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Toggle Send as SMS OFF.
This prevents your iPhone from resending iMessages as text when the internet connection is unstable.
Step 3: Sign Out of Apple ID on Other Devices
Do you use the same Apple ID on an iPad or Mac? If yes, that may cause duplicate delivery.
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On your iPhone, open Settings > Messages > Send & Receive.
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Tap your Apple ID and choose Sign Out (if needed).
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On your other Apple devices, turn off iMessage completely.
Step 4: Reset Network Settings
Sometimes the problem is network conflicts.
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Go to Settings > General > Reset.
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Tap Reset Network Settings.
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Enter your passcode and confirm.
⚠️ This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords, so note them before resetting.
Step 5: Update iOS Software
Running an old iOS version can cause messaging bugs.
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Open Settings > General > Software Update.
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Install the latest version available for iPhone 5.
Step 6: Delete Old Message Threads
Sometimes corrupted message threads cause duplicate texts.
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Open Messages app.
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Swipe left on old conversations.
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Tap Delete.
Step 7: Restart Your iPhone
It sounds simple, but restarting clears temporary glitches.
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Hold the Power button until “Slide to power off” appears.
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Turn off the phone, wait 10 seconds, then restart.
Step 8: Contact Carrier Support
If the problem continues, it might be a carrier issue (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.).
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Call your carrier.
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Ask them to check for message delivery loops or SIM issues.
Additional Fixes That May Help
Turn Off iCloud Sync for Messages
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Open Settings > iCloud.
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Toggle Messages OFF.
Remove and Reinsert SIM Card
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Sometimes, reseating the SIM helps clear duplication errors.
Use Only One Device for Messaging
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Avoid having iPad and Mac share the same Apple ID if duplication persists.
Why Does My iPhone 5 Write Messages Twice? (Explained Simply)
Think of your iPhone like a post office. When the post office doesn’t know whether to send your letter by airmail (iMessage) or regular mail (SMS), it sometimes sends both — just in case. That’s why recipients get duplicate messages.
Preventing the Issue in the Future
To avoid seeing duplicate texts again:
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Keep your iOS updated.
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Use only your phone number in iMessage settings.
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Avoid linking multiple Apple devices with the same Apple ID.
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Reset network settings occasionally to refresh connections.
Quick Troubleshooting Table
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Message sent twice via iMessage & SMS | Turn off Send as SMS in Settings |
| Messages sent to both email & phone | Remove email under Send & Receive |
| Network retry duplicates | Reset network settings |
| Apple ID sync with iPad/Mac | Sign out from extra devices |
| Old iOS bug | Update to latest iOS |
Conclusion: Fixing Duplicate Messages on iPhone 5
The “stop sending copies messages write iPhone 5” issue is frustrating but totally fixable. Most of the time, it comes down to iMessage settings, Apple ID sync, or carrier glitches.
By following the step-by-step methods above, you can finally send clean, single messages without bombarding your friends with duplicates.
✅ Start with checking iMessage and Send as SMS settings, then move on to network resets and updates if needed.
✅ If nothing works, your carrier can provide the final fix.
FAQs About Stopping Duplicate Messages on iPhone 5
1. Why does my iPhone 5 send two copies of the same text?
It usually happens when iMessage fails and resends the same message as SMS.
2. Can duplicate messages damage my iPhone?
No, but they can annoy recipients and waste mobile data.
3. Will resetting network settings delete my photos or apps?
No, it only removes Wi-Fi passwords, VPN, and APN settings.
4. Do I need to update my iPhone 5 to fix this?
Yes, running the latest iOS helps eliminate known messaging bugs.
5. What if I still get duplicates after all fixes?
Contact your carrier — sometimes the issue is on their end, not your iPhone.