Messages app on iPhone 17 Pro (iOS 26.0.1) show green text bubbles before switching to blue

Re: Messages app on iPhone 17 Pro (iOS 26.0.1) show green text bubbles before switching to blue

How can I fix this issue?

Keeping iPhone up-to-date with the most recent iOS version often sidesteps issues.

About iOS 26 Updates - Apple Support says iOS 26.1 is the latest iOS version:

Above article also says: "This update adds new languages for Live Translation with AirPods, a new tinted option for Liquid Glass, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone.

NB: If you haven't already, and choose to update, it is always wise to back-up iPhone first"

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Else: Seems your iMessages are getting through ok ... we can not guess what settings you have in place.

Could it be a wi-fi issue ? iPhone may be checking for a strong enough signal. If you want to, you can turn off cellular data use for messages, yet you stop sending SMS messages at all.

Apple to Apple devices use wi-fi if the signal is strong enough.

If you send messages to any contacts who have non-Apple devices (eg: Android phone) the messages must go vis cellular data (SMS / green bubbles): Charges may apply, depending on your provider / plan.

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Wi-fi Assist is usually turned on by default, yet it can be turned off it you wish When on: If the wi-fi signal is not strong enough for an iMessage, then wi-fi assist switches to iusing cellular data. (ie: sending SMS)

More info: About Wi-Fi Assist - Apple Support including tips on use ...

To turn it off if you do not want it.

Above article says:

"If you don't want your iOS device to stay connected to the Internet when you have a poor Wi-Fi connection, you can disable Wi-Fi Assist. Go to Settings > Cellular or Settings > Mobile Data.

Then scroll down and tap the slider for Wi-Fi Assist."

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You may have cellular data settings in place for sending Messages via cellular data:

View or change cellular data settings on iPhone - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"Set cellular data usage for apps and services

Go to Settings  > Cellular, then turn Cellular Data on or off for any app (such as Maps) ? Messages

or service (such as Wi-Fi Assist) that can use cellular data.

If a setting is off, iPhone uses only Wi-Fi for that service."

Thank you for trying those suggestions. Seems the fact you use a phone number to send iMessages from when using wi-fi remains the most likely cause of the situation.

Messages likely has to do some checking before sending, as vin12 kindly points out. Also: SMS go without encryption, yet iMessages are encrypted for privacy while in transit, before sending.

It is up to you whether or not you want to make a change to your sender's default details, to see whether that works better for you.

Else: If you wish, you can send feedback (or a feature request) to reach those who work on the software behind-the-scenes at Apple. If others also send feedback on a similar situation, Apple may be able to introduce changes in a future update. Feedback - Messages - Apple

Try sending using your apple id alone..you wont find this issue.

The reason why this delay happens is because your mobile network needs to allow you to use imessage sending during a “session” and it appears like they are taking time while doing the lookup to see if your account is in good standing and the phone number is enabled for imessages by means of a prior SMS registration.

Sending imessage using phone number needs mobile carrier network permission.