Discover the hidden features in the Messages app that can elevate your texting experience on your iPhone. Below, we’ve collected 10 of our favorite tips that we hope will make your Messages experience more convenient and enjoyable.
1. Faster Access to Photo Library
In iOS 16, sharing photos required tapping the Photos icon in the row of apps below the text input field. With iOS 17, the Photos button has disappeared, seemingly necessitating an extra step to access your photo library. However, there’s a quicker way:
How to Use This Feature:
- Press and hold the + button to the left of the text field.
- You will be immediately directed to your photo library, ready to select and send pictures.
This method bypasses the need to tap through multiple options, streamlining the process and saving you valuable time.
2. Customize Messages Menu
The Messages app allows you to customize the order of your frequently used options for quick access.
How to Customize:
- Tap the + button in Messages to bring up the options column.
- You will see options like Camera, Photos, Stickers, Cash, Audio, and Location.
- At the bottom, tap the More button to reveal additional installed Messages apps.
Reorganize Apps:
- Press and hold an app icon and drag it to your preferred position.
- To move an app to the top of the screen, simply drag it to the desired location.
3. Quicker Replies
Responding to specific messages has become faster with the new swipe to reply feature in iOS 17.
How to Use Swipe to Reply:
- Select an iMessage conversation.
- Swipe right on the message you want to reply to.
- A text box will appear, allowing you to type your reply directly.
- Tap the blurred background to return to the main conversation.
This feature helps keep track of replies, especially in group chats, by visually connecting your response to the original message.
4. Turn Live Photos into Live Stickers
iOS 17 introduces the ability to turn Live Photos into Live Stickers, which can be shared in Messages.
How to Create Live Stickers:
- Tap the + button next to the text input field and select Stickers.
- Tap the + button in the stickers menu and choose Live below the image search bar.
- Select a Live Photo, tap Add Sticker, and it’s ready to send.
You can also rearrange, add effects, or delete your Live Stickers as needed.
5. Use Emoji as Stickers
Emojis can now be used as stickers, enhancing your message interactions with customizable emoji placements.
How to Use Emojis as Stickers:
- In a Messages conversation, tap the Emoji button in the bottom-left corner.
- Press and hold an emoji, then drag it onto the message bubble you want to react to.
- Layer multiple emojis on the same message bubble to create fun scenes.
To edit or delete emoji stickers, press and hold the emoji, select Sticker Details, or swipe left and tap the red Trash button.
6. Manage Sticker Apps
Managing sticker packs has been simplified in iOS 17, allowing for easier access and organization.
How to Manage Stickers:
- Tap the + button and select Stickers.
- Swipe left across the installed sticker apps and tap Edit.
- Rearrange apps by dragging them to your preferred order or delete them by tapping the red delete button.
7. Use Search Filters
Enhanced search capabilities in iOS 17 allow for more precise message searches using filters.
How to Use Search Filters:
- Enter a person’s name or a keyword in the search field.
- Tap Messages with: [person’s name] and select filters like Photo or Link.
- Narrow down results by adding additional keywords.
These filters make it easier to find specific messages, images, or links quickly.
8. Save Audio Messages
Saving audio messages is more straightforward in iOS 17, with a clear destination for saved files.
How to Save Audio Messages:
- Press and hold an audio message and select Save to Voice Memos.
- Open the Voice Memos app to find the saved message.
From there, you can enhance the recording, skip silences, rename, or delete it.
9. Adjust Audio Message Speed
Listen to audio messages at different speeds to save time or skip over silences.
How to Adjust Speed:
- Long press the play button on an audio message.
- Choose from playback speeds of 1x, 1.25x, 1.5x, and 2x.
This feature allows you to tailor the listening experience to your preference.
10. Send Audio Messages Faster
Sending successive audio messages is now quicker with a persistent audio waveform icon.
How to Send Audio Messages:
- After sending an audio message, an audio waveform icon appears next to the text input field.
- Press and hold the icon to record your next message.
This feature remembers your last action, making it easier to send multiple audio messages without extra steps.
These hidden features in iOS 17’s Messages app enhance usability and efficiency, making communication more enjoyable and effective.