Did You Know Every One of These iMessage Tricks?
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Apple’s Messages app seems like a simple texting platform. But thanks to the internet-based iMessage system, Messages actually has a lot more to it than first meets the eye.
Whether you’re new to the Apple ecosystem or you’ve been using iPhones for years, continue reading to browse seven iMessage tips you may not know about that will help you make the most of Apple’s messaging system.
Tailor Your Read Receipts
Read receipts can be simultaneously amazing and terrible, depending on who you’re communicating with. Luckily, as long as you’re using iMessage, you can actually selectively toggle read receipts on or off for specific contacts.
- Just open an iMessage thread with a contact and tap the contact’s photo at the top of the screen.
- You’ll see three small options appear — tap on Info.
- Then, all you need to do is tap the toggle next to Send Read Receipts.
- You can disable read receipts with the exact same process.
Tap and Hold on the Blue Bubbles for New Options
The iMessages interface looks like a standard texting app, but there are some hidden features underneath the surface. For example, have you ever tried tapping and holding on a text bubble? Even if by accident, you may have noticed new options appear.
For one, you can add reactions to individual messages. But by tapping on the More option, you can unlock some additional functionality. Just as an example, you can easily forward texts without copying and pasting by tapping the right-facing arrow icon on the right side of the screen.
Group Texting Tips
Ever get added to a group thread on iMessage, which then bombards you with endless text notifications? You can actually “mute” individual messaging threads, whether in a group or with a single contact, by swiping to the left on it and tapping Hide Alerts.
Group texts can also get confusing pretty quickly, especially if some of the people in the group aren’t in your Contacts app. But to help keep them organized, you can actually assign a name to group messaging threads. Just open the thread, tap the “i” icon, and tap Enter a Group Name.
Hide Text Previews
Being able to see the contents of an iMessage on your Lock Screen or as a banner notification is useful sometimes. But it can also make your texts visible to prying eyes. That’s worrisome if you’re receiving sensitive or confidential information.
You can individually tailor your settings for this, however. Just head to Settings > Notifications > Messages and scroll down until you see Show Previews. From here, you can choose between When Unlocked or Never depending on your preferences and circumstances.
Text Businesses via iMessage
Ever run into a problem with an Amazon order and wish you could text with the company? With iMessage, you can — sort of. Apple Business Chat is a feature that lets businesses and customers communicate via Apple’s ubiquitous texting app.
To chat with a customer support person via iMessage, you’ll need to find a “Chat with Messages” button. Typically, it’ll be on a business' Apple Maps information page or within the help section of an app. You can also find a full list of companies that offer Business Chat over at Apple’s website.
iMessage from Your Mac or iPad
While iMessage is commonly associated with the iPhone, you can actually access the Apple messaging service on most of the company’s devices. That includes devices that don’t typically have a phone number, such as Macs or iPads.
In these cases, you’ll be able to text other iMessage users, but it’ll rely on the email connected to your Apple ID. Just make sure iMessage is enabled (Settings > Messages on iOS, or Messages > Preferences on macOS.)
If you're having trouble with some only devices receiving messages, head over to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and make sure the relevant addresses are selected.
Add Personality to iMessages
iMessage effects have been around for a while, but they’re worth revisiting. In more recent versions of iOS, you’ll find plenty of reactions and message effects, as well as even more options in the bottom toolbar. (That includes the ability to add third-party iMessage tools, like a GIPHY search.)
New in iOS 13 is the ability to set up an iMessage profile, which includes your name and an image that represents you. That could be a simple photo, or it could be a customized Memoji — whatever you pick. Just open iMessage, tap the three-dot icon, and select Edit Name and Photo.