How to use the Messages app in iOS 16?

How to use the Messages app in iOS 16? The Messages app is no exception to iOS 16‘s plethora of new features for native apps. And we’ve all wished for some of these changes for a long time. You can now, for example, edit and unsend texts.

However, this is only the beginning. The programme has also received spam reporting settings, new Memoji, fantastic Siri tricks, and other improvements. Let’s take a look at how to utilise the Messages app on your iPhone running iOS 16.

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How to use the Messages app in iOS 16?

Here is the list of 27 methods to use the messages app in iOS 16:

Method #1. Edit and undo a sent message

This was perhaps the most desired feature. So Apple has finally implemented it. You can now edit iMessages after they’ve been sent. As a result, you can quickly edit spelling errors, auto-correct errors, and other incorrect text without embarrassment. However, there are some guidelines for using it.

You have 15 minutes after the text is delivered to modify it.
You can only edit a sent iMessage five times.
When you edit a text, the label “Edited” displays beneath it. By pressing it, you or the recipient can view the history of adjustments.
People using ancient iOS or Android will receive a message that says, “Edited to [text]” when they receive a modified iMessage.

Undo an iMessage:

The feature is only active for two minutes after the SMS has been sent.
Where the message was, a notification that reads “you unsent a message” will show. On the recipient’s inbox, it will say, “[Your Name] unsent a message.”
The iMessage you wanted to delete will remain available to recipients who are running an outdated version of iOS.

Method #2. Use SharePlay inside Messages

Apple SharePlay allows for the FaceTime sharing of synchronised experiences in other apps, such as watching a movie, listening to music, or playing a game. While conversing in the Messages app, you may now start a SharePlay session. Are you curious about how to use SharePlay through the Messages App? Follow the instructions outlined below.

Start a SharePlay-compatible app, such as Apple TV or Spotify. Then, choose the content you want to watch together.
Select SharePlay by tapping Share or More.
Enter the name of the person you want to share with.
Following that, you must select between FaceTime and Messages. Now, select Messages.
Select Send to send the invite link to the contact. When they join, each of you will see a Start button in the floating SharePlay controls, and the session will begin for everyone.

Method #3. Collaboration in Messages

To some extent, iOS 16 has worked on collaboration features. You can now work on projects with others right from Messages. Send an iMessage invitation to an individual or group to collaborate with you from the share sheet. They will have immediate access to the project and can begin working on it once they accept the invitation.

Additionally, any changes to the document will be reported to you, and you can view the entire edit history at the top of the conversation. You can also start a group FaceTime call or return to the project’s Messages. This feature is supported by the Messages Collaboration API in Apple Keynote, Notes, Reminders, Safari, Freeform, and third-party apps.

Method #4. Mark texts as unread

On hectic days, I forget to respond to a text after opening it. So the new Messages feature is a lifesaver! It will remind you to respond to messages when you have time.

If you mark an iMessage, SMS, or MMS as unread, it will appear after the Unread Messages folder and the receiver will be unaware of it. Furthermore, the messages will remain highlighted after you have read them for the first time.

Find the chat you want to mark as unread and swipe right on it.
You can also long-press a chat and select Mark as Unread.
Another option is to hit the three-dot icon, then Select Messages, then select chats, and finally tap Unread.

Method #5. Junk message reporting and marking SMS/MMS as Spam

To ban spam calls on iPhone, Apple previously included a “Report Junk” option. They have now included this option in the Messages app to report spam messages on select US carriers. Prior to iOS 16, you may report unknown senders’ iMessages to Apple. However, you were required to report SMS and MMS messages to your carrier.

For SMS and MMS messages, the Report Junk option now labels the message as spam, forwards it to Apple and a supported carrier, and then deletes it. If the capability isn’t shown, it’s because not all carriers support it. To report junk:

Tap Report Junk below the text to open the message.
To confirm, select Delete and Report Junk.

Method #6. Recover deleted messages

We’re all used to the Recently Deleted option in Notes, Photos, and Mail. It’s now time for the Messages app. Deleted messages will be automatically wiped from Apple’s servers after 30 days, as is customary. As a result, if you accidentally erase a message or need to recover a deleted text, you can do it. Here’s how it’s done:

Open the Messages app Scroll all the way down to Recently Deleted.
Select the messages by tapping on them. A blue check mark will appear next to the selected messages.
Select Recover at the bottom. Tap Recover (x) Messages again to confirm.
In this case, x represents the total number of messages.

You may also select Delete All and Retrieve All to delete or recover all messages in bulk.

Method #7. Hide read receipts

In talking apps, read receipts are a prevalent feature. It’s useful to know whether or not your messages have been read. Apple now allows you to enable or disable read receipts for all users.

You may also turn them on and off for specific contacts. But keep in mind that if you turn off read receipts, you won’t know if someone has viewed your text.

On your iPhone, launch the Settings app.
Select Messages.
Turn off the Send Read Receipts switch.

Method #8. Turn on Hide Alerts

This feature is great if you are constantly assaulted with text messages or are easily distracted when a notification occurs. You can disable alerts for specific conversions. All other communications will continue to arrive and will appear as notifications on your lock screen.

Method #9. Find attachments from a conversation

Someone has sent you critical photos or attachments via iMessage. So, how do you store them on your device? Follow these steps:

Open the chat room where your desired files are located.
Tap the contact’s name at the top of the message.
All images and links can be found there. To Save, Copy, Share or Delete an attachment, long-press on it.

Method #10. Give your messages a bold heading

Select Messages from the Settings menu.
Then, under SMS/MMS, select Show Subject Field.
Return to Messages, and when you create a new message, you will see Subject and iMessage boxes. Whatever you type in the Subject box will be highlighted.

Method #11. Tapbacks for Android messages

When you receive a text message from an Android device, the text bubble colour will change to green. However, iOS 16 improved cross-platform texting. Tapbacks, or emoji answers, are now available for Android messaging.

When responding to messages received from an iPhone, the protocol for using emoji Tapbacks is the same as for iMessages. If receivers use the stock Messages programme on their Android smartphones, your reaction will be visible to them.

Method #12. Mention suggestions to use the Messages app in iOS 16

When you input @ to mention someone in a group chat or type anyone’s name, the person’s name and profile symbol will now appear in the keyboard recommendations. As a result, it’s easier to remember the people you want to mention.

Method #13. More Memoji emotions and style possibilities

I enjoy using Memoji, thus I am pleased to see the Memoji customising possibilities on iOS 16. Three new haircuts, 14 new hairstyles, nine new nose designs, a bonnet hat option, and three new neutral lip colours are included. Furthermore, six extra phrases are available for your one-of-a-kind Memoji.

You must navigate to the Frequently Used section to the left of the emoji. You can also access them via the Memoji Stickers icon in the app drawer. If you haven’t already, activate it on your keyboard. Discover how to utilise memoji on the iPhone and iPad Pro (Ultimate Guide).

Method #14. More poses for contact pictures to use the Messages app in iOS 16

Before iOS 16, you had only 12 possibilities for contact images when using Memoji and Animoji. For your profile or other contacts, you can now utilise any Memoji or Animoji. There are also three new sticker postures for contact and profile shots. To alter the contact photo of someone else, go to Settings, open the Messages menu, and enable Share Name and Photo. Following that:

Tap the contact name at the top of the conversation to open it.
Tap Edit after selecting information.
Then, click the profile picture and select a Memoji.

Method #15. Spotlight to find images in Messages

Spotlight search allows you to find photographs in your Photos app based on location, people, scenery, animals, autos, and other objects. You may even type a contact’s name into Messages to see photographs from your chat. You may now search for text within photos.

As a result, if you search for “pictures cat” without entering a contact’s name, results from Messages should appear alongside Photos and site image suggestions. All of this is possible with iOS 16’s Live Text feature.

Method #16. New Audio Messages feature to use the Messages app in iOS 16

Previously, you could send voice messages by clicking the audio button in the chat text field. It has been replaced with dictation in iOS 16, and there is a special option for audio messages. Tap the Audio Messages icon from the Messages app drawer.

It will display a microphone button with recording instructions to tap or hold. When you let go of the mic, the voice note will be sent immediately. If you never send audio messages, it is best to uninstall the programme from your app drawer or favourite apps area.

Method #17. Use Siri to automatically send messages

Note: When your iPhone is connected to headphones or CarPlay, Siri will not automatically deliver messages. As a result, you must authorise before submitting. Additionally, Type to Siri will not send messages on its own.

Select Siri & Search from the Settings menu.
Tap Automatically Send Messages on the following screen and toggle it on.

Method #18. Insert emojis via Siri to use the Messages app in iOS 16

On iOS 16, you can make better use of Siri. If you speak the emoji’s name, such as “smiley face emoji” or “heart emoji,” Siri will comprehend and insert it into your message. The nicest thing is that you don’t have to mention the emoji’s English name. Cantonese (Hong Kong), French (France), German (Germany), Japanese (Japan), Mandarin Chinese (China mainland, Taiwan), and Spanish are also supported (Mexico, Spain, U.S.).

Method #19. Focus filter on iMessages to use the Messages app in iOS 16

With the exception of “Driving,” every focus on iOS 16 can be modified to shut off distracting apps. As a result, you can establish a focus filter for Messages to include or exclude talks from specific persons. When you enable the Focus filter, the Messages app will only display the selected chats. Turn Off to view all chats.

Method #20. Dictate your message to use the Messages app in iOS 16

As I previously stated, you can now directly dictate texts. iOS 16 includes new emoji, automated punctuation, and other handy features. In the text input field box, you’ll notice a new microphone button. Simply tap it, type your message, and send it. Furthermore, you can pause dictation by tapping the microphone icon with an X.

In addition, the microphone button on the keyboard can be used to pause dictation. For the time being, dictation will time out if you are not talking. You can also type and update content while dictation is taking place.

Method #21. Convert measurements from Messages

In the Messages app, Apple has included a built-in measurement converter.

Any communication sent with a unit will be highlighted.
Simply tap or long-press on it. A pop-up menu will appear with measurement converter options such as temperature, money, weight, volume, area, angles, and time zones.

Method #22. Start a Group Chat to use the Messages app on iOS 16

In iOS 16, the group chat interface has been improved. You can now view all of the group members at the top of the conversation, with the most recently active ones appearing as larger icons.

Tap the pen icon at the top right of the Messages screen to begin a new conversation. Now, enter the names of the persons with whom you wish to create a group chat. Then type your message in the text field and press the send button.

Method #23. Change group picture or set emoji in the Messages app

Start a group discussion.
Tap the small info icon next to the group symbol at the top.
Change Name and Photo is the option.
You can now make a photo, Memoji, or emoji the group icon.
Done with the tapping.

Method #24. Start and view a thread in the group chat

As an inline reply, the Messages app allows you to respond directly to a single message. To do so, hold down on a specific message in the group chat and tap Reply. Send your response by typing it in.

It will display as a thread within the chat rather than another message. This makes it simple to stay organised. To view a specific message thread, simply tap on it to expand it.

Method #25. Share your digital keys to use the Messages app in iOS 16

Using Messages on iOS 16, you can safely share a key for a vehicle, house, or place of business. Messages currently support Wallet, thus digital keys are available. As a result, you won’t have to look for other secure third-party apps to do the same.

Method #26. Search for Emojis on iPhone Keyboard

A new search field in the emoji keyboard makes it simple to discover just the right emotion. To access this function, tap the emoji icon on the keyboard and a new Search Emoji field will appear at the top of the keyboard.

Tap in this field and type anything you want to say, such as “happy,” “heart,” “mad,” and so on. You’ll see all of the applicable emojis and may just tap the one you wish to use.

Method #27. In iPhone Messages, you can tag people in a group chat.

Within a group conversation, you can now mention specific people. Simply enter their name into the message entry form, and a suggestion will appear. Tap it to mention them, then finish writing and send your message.

Furthermore, you can choose to be notified of group messages only when you are mentioned, rather than for each individual message, which can be quite distracting. converse in iPhone Messages

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