Reacting to a message on your iPhone is a simple task that can be accomplished in just a few taps. With the introduction of iOS 17, Apple has made it even easier to express yourself through message reactions. Whether you want to show love, laughter, or surprise, reacting to a message can help you communicate more effectively and add a personal touch to your conversations.
You can also watch this video about how to react to a message on iPhone for additional info.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to React to a Message on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what message reactions are. They’re a quick way to respond to a text with an emoji instead of typing out a full reply. It’s perfect when you’re on the go or just want to acknowledge a message without getting into a long conversation.
Step 1: Open the Messages app
Open the Messages app on your iPhone to get started.
When you open the app, you’ll see all of your conversations. Find the one you want to react to and tap on it to open the message thread.
Step 2: Locate the message you want to react to
Scroll through the conversation until you find the message you want to react to.
The message can be anything—a text, a photo, or even a video. Just make sure it’s the one you want to react to.
Step 3: Press and hold the message
Press and hold the message until the reaction options appear.
You’ll see a selection of emoji pop up above the message. These are your reaction options.
Step 4: Select the reaction you want to use
Tap on the emoji reaction you want to use.
Choose the emoji that best fits your response. There are several options, like a heart, a thumbs up, or a laughing face.
After you’ve selected your reaction, it will appear on the message for both you and the sender to see. It’s a great way to acknowledge a message without sending a text back.
What happens after you react to a message
Once you’ve reacted to a message, the sender will get a notification (if they have notifications enabled) letting them know about your reaction. The reaction will also be displayed on the message itself, so anyone in the conversation can see it.
Tips: Enhancing Your Message Reactions on iPhone
- Experiment with different reactions to find your favorites.
- Use reactions to show support or empathy without sending a full message.
- Remember that reactions can be seen by everyone in the conversation, so choose wisely.
- If you change your mind about a reaction, you can press and hold the message again to remove it.
- Reactions are a fun way to add personality to your conversations—don’t be afraid to use them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I react to a message with my own custom emoji?
No, you cannot use custom emojis for message reactions. You can only use the default options provided by iOS.
Can I react to a group message?
Yes, you can react to messages in a group chat, and all participants will see your reaction.
How do I remove a reaction from a message?
To remove a reaction, press and hold the message again and tap the reaction you want to remove.
Will the sender know if I react to their message?
Yes, the sender will receive a notification about your reaction if they have notifications enabled.
Can I react to a message more than once?
No, you can only react to a message once. But you can change your reaction by selecting a different one.
Summary
- Open the Messages app.
- Locate the message to react to.
- Press and hold the message.
- Select your desired reaction.
Conclusion
Reacting to a message on your iPhone is a breeze with iOS 17. Whether you’re dashing off a quick acknowledgment or want to inject some fun into your digital conversations, emoji reactions are a fantastic way to do it. They’re not only a time-saver but can also help convey emotions and add a touch of personality to your texts. So, the next time you receive a message, give it a thumbs up, a heart, or even a ha-ha, and let the sender know exactly how you feel. Who knows, you might just start a whole new trend among your friends! Keep in mind, though, that reactions should be used thoughtfully, as they can be seen by everyone in the conversation. Happy texting, and go ahead, give those reactions a try!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.