iPhone Message Tricks: 10 Hidden Features You Need to Know

If you're an iPhone user, chances are you use the Messages app to keep in touch with friends and family. But did you know that the Messages app has a range of hidden features that can make your texting experience even better? From customizing your conversations to sending secret messages, here are 10 iPhone message tricks that you need to know.

1. Pinning Conversations

If you have a lot of conversations in your Messages app, it can be difficult to find the one you want. That's where the pinning conversations feature comes in handy. By pinning your most important conversations to the top of the app, you can easily find and access them without having to scroll through all your other conversations.

To pin a conversation, swipe right on the conversation and tap the pin icon. To unpin a conversation, swipe right on the pinned conversation and tap the unpin icon.

2. Memoji Stickers

If you have an iPhone X or later model, you can use Memoji stickers to add a personal touch to your messages. Memoji stickers are custom-made emojis that look like you, so you can express your emotions and reactions in a more fun and personalized way.

To create a Memoji, open the Messages app, tap on the App Store icon, and then tap on the "+" icon to create a new Memoji. Once you've created your Memoji, you can access the stickers by tapping on the Memoji icon in the app drawer.

3. Message Effects

Want to add some flair to your messages? Message effects allow you to add animations and special effects to your messages. You can choose from a range of effects, including balloons, confetti, fireworks, and more.

To add an effect to your message, type your message and then press and hold the send button. From there, you can choose the effect you want to use.

4. Customizing Group Conversations

If you're part of a group chat, you can customize the conversation to make it more fun and engaging. You can add a group name, choose a group photo, and even customize the text color and background of the conversation.

To customize a group conversation, tap on the group chat, and then tap on the group name. From there, you can customize the group photo, name, text color, and background.

5. Sending a Tapback

Tapbacks are a quick and easy way to respond to a message without having to type a full reply. Tapbacks allow you to react to a message with a thumbs up, thumbs down, heart, laughter, exclamation, or question mark.

To send a tapback, double-tap on the message you want to respond to and then choose the tapback you want to use.

6. Sharing Your Location

If you want to share your location with someone, you can do it right from the Messages app. Sharing your location can be useful if you're meeting someone in a new place or if you want to let someone know where you are.

To share your location, open the Messages app, tap on the conversation, and then tap on the "i" icon. From there, you can choose to share your current location or share your location for a set amount of time.

7. Hiding Alerts

If you're in a meeting or need some quiet time, you can hide alerts for a specific conversation. When you hide alerts, you won't receive notifications for new messages in that conversation.

To hide alerts for a conversation, swipe left on the conversation and tap on the "hide alerts" button. To unhide alerts, swipe left on the conversation again and tap on the "show alerts" button. 

8. Searching for Messages

If you need to find a specific message in a conversation, you can use the search feature to quickly locate it. The search feature allows you to search for keywords, phrases, or even specific dates.

To search for messages, open the Messages app, swipe down on the conversation to reveal the search bar, and then type in the keyword or phrase you're looking for.

9. Sending Secret Messages

If you want to send a private message, you can use the secret message feature. Secret messages are encrypted and can only be read by the recipient.

To send a secret message, open the Messages app, create a new message, and then swipe left on the message to reveal the "secret" option. From there, you can choose to send the message with disappearing ink or a hidden message.

10. Typing Shortcuts

If you find yourself typing the same phrases or sentences over and over again, typing shortcuts can save you time and effort. Typing shortcuts allow you to create a shortcut for a commonly used phrase, so you can type a few letters and have the entire phrase appear.

To create a typing shortcut, go to Settings, tap on General, and then tap on Keyboard. From there, tap on Text Replacement and then tap on the "+" icon to create a new shortcut.

In conclusion, the Messages app on your iPhone is full of hidden features that can make your texting experience more fun, personalized, and efficient. From pinning conversations to using Memoji stickers, these tricks can help you get the most out of your iPhone messaging experience. So why not give them a try? You might be surprised at how much easier and more enjoyable texting can be.

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