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Basic iPhone Navigation and Gestures

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Welcome to our guide on basic iPhone navigation and gestures! If you’re new to the iPhone or just want to get more comfortable using it, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through the essentials so you can use your iPhone with confidence.

Table of Contents

Turning the iPhone On and Off

To turn on your iPhone:

  1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button (on the right side or top of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.
  2. Release the button and wait for your iPhone to start up.

To turn off your iPhone:

  1. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until you see “slide to power off” on the screen.
  2. Swipe the slider to the right to turn off your iPhone.

Understanding the Home Screen and Lock Screen

The Home screen and Lock screen are where you’ll spend most of your time.

Home Screen:

  • The main screen with all your app icons.
  • You’ll see a status bar at the top showing the time, battery level, and signal strength.
  • The dock at the bottom holds your most-used apps.

Lock Screen:

  • Shows the time, date, and any notifications you have.
  • To unlock your iPhone, use Touch ID (place your finger on the Home button) or Face ID (look at your screen), or enter your passcode if you have one set up.

Using Basic Gestures

Using gestures is an easy way to control your iPhone.

Swipe:

  • Swipe left or right to move between Home screens or delete emails and messages.
  • Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.

Tap:

  • Tap on apps, buttons, and links to open or select them.
  • Tap and hold an app icon until it wiggles to rearrange or delete it.

Pinch:

  • Place two fingers on the screen and bring them together to zoom out.
  • Move your fingers apart to zoom in. This works in photos, maps, and webpages.

Understanding Common Icons and Buttons


Icons and buttons help you navigate and use your iPhone effectively.

Status Bar Icons:

  • Battery: Shows your battery level. A lightning bolt indicates charging.
  • Wi-Fi: Indicates Wi-Fi connection strength.
  • Signal: Shows your cellular signal strength.

Control Center:

  • Swipe down from the upper-right corner (iPhone X and later) or swipe up from the bottom (iPhone 8 and earlier) to access.
  • Use controls for brightness, volume, airplane mode, Wi-Fi, and the flashlight.

App Icons:

  • Recognize common apps like Phone, Messages, Safari (internet), and Photos.
  • Tap and hold an app icon to move it or delete it. Tap the “x” to delete an app.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of your iPhone:

Using Siri:

  • Hold down the Home button (or the side button on iPhone X and later) to activate Siri.
  • Ask Siri to make calls, send texts, set reminders, or answer questions.

Taking Screenshots:

  • Press the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time (or the volume up button on iPhone X and later) to take a screenshot.
  • Find your screenshots in the Photos app.

Using Search:

  • Swipe down from the middle of the Home screen to bring up the search bar.
  • Type the name of an app, contact, or anything else you’re looking for.

Conclusion

You’ve now learned the basics of navigating your iPhone and using gestures! Practice these steps to become more comfortable with your device. Stay tuned for more tips and guides to help you get the most out of your iPhone. Happy exploring!

10 Must-Know iPhone Tips for Everyone

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Mastering a few essential tips can significantly enhance your experience, making your device more intuitive and enjoyable to use. In this article, we’ll uncover ten must-know iPhone tips specifically tailored for seniors. These tips will help you customize your iPhone to better suit your needs, improve accessibility, and take full advantage of the device’s powerful features.

Table of Contents

Enlarge Text Size

Larger text can make reading messages, emails, and browsing the web much easier on the eyes.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Display & Brightness.
  3. Select Text Size.
  4. Drag the slider to increase the text size to your preference.

Use Siri for Hands-Free Commands

Siri can help you perform various tasks without touching your iPhone, from making calls to setting reminders.

  1. Press and hold the Side Button (or the Home Button on older models) to activate Siri.
  2. Alternatively, say “Hey Siri” if you have voice activation enabled.
  3. Ask Siri to perform tasks like “Call [contact name]” or “Set a reminder for [task].”

Set Up Emergency Contacts

Having emergency contacts set up allows first responders to quickly contact your loved ones in case of an emergency.

  1. Open the Health app.
  2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
  3. Select Medical ID > Edit.
  4. Scroll to Emergency Contacts and add contacts from your list.

Enable Voice Dictation

Voice dictation allows you to speak instead of type, which can be easier and faster.

  1. Open any app where you can type, like Messages or Notes.
  2. Tap the microphone icon on the keyboard.
  3. Start speaking, and your words will be transcribed into text.

Use the Magnifier Tool

The magnifier tool can turn your iPhone into a digital magnifying glass, making it easier to read small text or see fine details.

  1. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.
  2. Toggle on Magnifier.
  3. Triple-click the Side Button (or the Home Button) to activate the magnifier.

Create a Medical ID

A Medical ID can provide important health information to first responders, such as allergies and medical conditions.

  1. Open the Health app.
  2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
  3. Select Medical ID > Edit.
  4. Fill in your medical information and tap Done.

Set Up Find My iPhone

Find My iPhone helps you locate your device if it’s lost or stolen.

  1. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone.
  2. Toggle on Find My iPhone and Send Last Location.

Customize Ringtones and Alerts

Custom ringtones and alerts can help you easily identify calls and notifications from important contacts.

  1. Go to Settings > Sounds & Haptics.
  2. Select Ringtone or Text Tone.
  3. Choose a tone from the list or tap Tone Store to download more.

Use the Flashlight

The flashlight feature can be handy in low-light situations.

  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
  2. Tap the flashlight icon to turn it on or off.

Manage Notifications


Managing notifications can reduce distractions and help you focus on what’s important.

  1. Go to Settings > Notifications.
  2. Select the apps you want to adjust.
  3. Toggle off Allow Notifications or customize the alert style and sound.

Conclusion

By implementing these ten tips, you can transform your iPhone into a more senior-friendly device, making it easier and more enjoyable to use. From enlarging text to setting up emergency contacts and using Siri for hands-free commands, these adjustments will enhance your overall experience. Keep exploring your iPhone’s features and settings to find more ways to tailor it to your needs, ensuring that technology remains a helpful tool in your daily life.

Managing Your Photos and Videos on iPhone

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Capturing and managing photos and videos on your iPhone can be a delightful way to preserve memories and share moments with loved ones. With the user-friendly Photos app, it’s easy to take, organize, edit, and briefly share your photos and videos. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to make the most of your iPhone’s photo and video capabilities.

Table of Contents

Taking Photos and Recording Videos

How to Take Photos:

  1. Opening the Camera App:
  2. Different Modes:
    • Photo: This is the default mode for taking pictures.
    • Portrait: Provides a depth effect, making the subject stand out by blurring the background.
    • Panorama: Captures wide landscape shots by panning your phone.
  3. Using Zoom and Flash Options:
    • Pinch the screen to zoom in and out.
    • Tap the flash icon to turn the flash on, off, or set it to auto.
  4. Tips for Taking Clear Photos:
    • Hold your phone steady and tap the screen to focus on your subject.
    • Use natural lighting whenever possible.

Recording Videos:

  1. Switching to Video Mode:
    • Open the Camera app and swipe to select the Video mode.
    • Tap the red record button to start recording and tap again to stop.
  2. Recording in Different Resolutions:
    • Go to Settings > Camera > Record Video to select the desired resolution (e.g., 1080p or 4K).
  3. Using Slow-Motion and Time-Lapse Features:
    • Swipe in the Camera app to select Slo-mo or Time-lapse modes for creative video effects.

Viewing and Organizing Photos

Viewing Your Photos:

  1. Accessing the Photos App:
    • Tap the Photos app icon to open it.
  2. Navigating Through Tabs:
  3. Searching for Specific Photos:
    • Use the search bar to find photos by date, location, or keywords.

Creating and Managing Albums:

  1. How to Create a New Album:
    • In the Albums tab, tap the “+” sign and select “New Album.”
    • Name your album and select photos to add.
  2. Adding Photos to Albums:
    • Select photos, tap the share button, and choose “Add to Album.”
  3. Organizing Albums:
    • Drag and drop albums to reorder them.
    • Use folders to group similar albums together.

Editing Photos and Videos


Basic Editing Tools:

  1. How to Crop and Rotate Photos:
  2. Adjusting Brightness, Contrast, and Color:
    • Tap the adjust icon (a dial) and use the sliders to enhance your photo.
  3. Using Filters:
    • Tap the filter icon (three overlapping circles) and choose a filter to apply.

Advanced Editing Features:

  1. Using the Markup Tool:
    • Tap the three dots in the edit menu and select “Markup” to add text or drawings.
  2. Editing Videos:
    • Tap “Edit” on a video to trim its length, adjust playback speed, or apply filters.
  3. Third-Party Apps:
    • Explore apps like Snapseed or VSCO for more advanced editing options.

Sharing Photos and Videos (Brief Overview)

Sharing your photos and videos is simple and can bring joy to others. Tap the share button on any photo or video to send it via Messages, Mail, or social media. You can also create shared albums to invite family and friends to view and add their own photos.

Backing Up Your Photos and Videos (Brief Overview)

Ensuring your photos and videos are backed up is crucial. Enable iCloud Photos in Settings to automatically back up your media to the cloud. This allows you to access your photos from any Apple device and ensures they are safe even if you lose your phone. Other backup options include using iTunes or Finder to back up to a computer or utilizing third-party cloud services like Google Photos or Dropbox.

Conclusion

Managing your photos and videos on your iPhone can be easy and enjoyable. By following these steps, you can capture beautiful moments, organize them efficiently, edit them to perfection, and keep them secure. Explore and make the most of your iPhone’s capabilities to preserve and share your precious memories.

Personalizing Your iPhone: Customizing Settings for Ease of Use

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Getting comfortable with your iPhone can significantly enhance your daily experience, especially if you’re not very tech-savvy. Personalizing your iPhone makes it easier to use and more enjoyable. This guide will walk you through simple steps to customize your iPhone, ensuring it suits your preferences and needs. From changing the wallpaper to organizing apps, setting up shortcuts, and managing notifications, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and make your iPhone truly yours!

Table of Contents

Changing the Wallpaper

Changing the wallpaper on your iPhone can give it a fresh and personalized look. You can choose from Apple’s selection of wallpapers or use a photo from your own collection.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Wallpaper.
  3. Tap Choose a New Wallpaper.
  4. Select a wallpaper from the options available (Dynamic, Stills, Live) or tap Photos to choose one from your gallery.
  5. Adjust the image as needed and choose Set.
  6. Select whether you want to set the wallpaper for your Lock Screen, Home Screen, or Both.

Organizing Apps into Folders


Organizing your apps into folders can help you keep your home screen tidy and make it easier to find the apps you use most frequently.

  1. Press and hold an app icon until it starts to jiggle.
  2. Drag the app icon over another app you want to group it with and release it. A folder will be created.
  3. You can name the folder by tapping on the name field at the top.
  4. To add more apps to the folder, simply drag and drop them into the folder while the icons are still jiggling.
  5. Press the Home button or tap Done in the top right corner to stop the jiggling and save your changes.

Setting Up Shortcuts for Frequently Used Apps

Creating shortcuts for frequently used apps can save you time and make accessing your favorite apps more convenient.

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the + icon in the top right corner to create a new shortcut.
  3. Tap Add Action and select the action you want the shortcut to perform (e.g., open an app).
  4. Choose the app you want to create a shortcut for.
  5. Tap Next and give your shortcut a name.
  6. Tap Done to save your shortcut.
  7. To add the shortcut to your home screen, tap the three dots on the shortcut, then tap the share icon and select Add to Home Screen.

Customizing Notification Settings to Reduce Distractions

Customizing your notification settings can help you manage your time better and reduce distractions from unnecessary alerts.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on Notifications.
  3. Scroll through the list of apps and tap on the one you want to customize.
  4. Toggle off Allow Notifications to turn off notifications for that app completely, or adjust the alert settings to your preference (e.g., lock screen, notification center, banners).
  5. You can also set the Notification Style to be less intrusive by selecting options like Sounds and Badges only.
  6. Repeat these steps for any other apps you wish to customize notifications for.

Conclusion

Customizing your iPhone doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these simple steps, you can make your device more intuitive and tailored to your personal needs. Whether it’s changing the wallpaper, organizing your apps, setting up convenient shortcuts, or managing notifications, each adjustment helps make your iPhone more user-friendly. Take a little time to personalize your iPhone today, and enjoy a more seamless and enjoyable experience with your device!

5 Ways to Make Your iPhone More User-Friendly

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As we age, technology can sometimes feel more like a hurdle than a help. However, the iPhone is designed with numerous features that can make everyday use simpler and more accessible, especially for seniors. Whether it’s adjusting the display for better visibility or setting up quick access to frequently used contacts, these small changes can have a big impact. In this article, we’ll explore five practical tips to make your iPhone more user-friendly, ensuring you get the most out of your device without any hassle.

Table of Contents

Adjust Display Settings for Better Visibility

As we age, our vision might not be as sharp as it once was. Luckily, the iPhone offers several settings to make the display easier to see and use.

Steps to Adjust Display Settings:

  1. Increase Text Size:
    • Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size.
    • Drag the slider to increase the text size to a comfortable level.
  2. Enable Bold Text:
    • Go to Settings > Display & Brightness.
    • Toggle on Bold Text.
  3. Use Display Zoom:
    • Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > View (under Display Zoom).
    • Select Standard or Zoomed based on your preference.
    • Tap Set and confirm your choice.

These adjustments will make reading text and viewing icons on your iPhone much easier.

Set Up One-Touch Dialing for Frequently Called Numbers

Calling loved ones can be made much simpler by setting up one-touch dialing. This feature allows you to quickly call your most frequent contacts with just a tap.

Steps to Set Up One-Touch Dialing:

  1. Add Contacts to Favorites:
    • Open the Phone app and go to Favorites.
    • Tap the + icon in the top-left corner.
    • Select a contact and choose the preferred number (e.g., mobile or home).
  2. Use the Contacts Widget:
    • Swipe right on the home screen to access the widgets screen.
    • Scroll to the bottom and tap Edit.
    • Tap the + icon in the top-left corner, search for Contacts, and add the widget to your home screen.
  3. Create Shortcuts:
    • You can also create shortcuts using the Shortcuts app.
    • Open Shortcuts and tap Create Shortcut.
    • Tap Add Action > Contact > Call.
    • Select a contact, then tap Next and give the shortcut a name.
    • Add the shortcut to your home screen for quick access.

Now you can quickly call important contacts with just a tap, saving time and effort.

Organize the Home Screen with Essential Apps

Having your most-used apps readily accessible on the home screen can make using your iPhone much more convenient. Organizing your apps will help you find what you need quickly.

Steps to Organize the Home Screen:

  1. Rearrange Apps:
    • Press and hold any app until all apps start to jiggle.
    • Drag the app to your desired location.
    • You can also drag apps onto each other to create folders.
  2. Create Folders:
    • To create a folder, drag one app onto another.
    • The iPhone will automatically create a folder with a suggested name (which you can edit).
    • Add more apps to the folder by dragging them into it.
  3. Use the Dock for Most-Used Apps:
    • The dock at the bottom of the screen can hold up to four apps.
    • Drag your most frequently used apps to the dock for easy access.

A well-organized home screen makes navigating your iPhone smoother and faster.

Use Widgets for Quick Access

Widgets provide quick access to information and frequently used functions directly from your home screen. They can show you the weather, your calendar events, and more at a glance.

Steps to Add Widgets:

  1. Access the Widgets Screen:
    • Swipe right on the home screen to access the widgets screen.
  2. Add Widgets:
    • Scroll to the bottom and tap Edit.
    • Tap the + icon in the top-left corner to open the widget gallery.
    • Browse or search for the widget you want, then tap Add Widget.
  3. Customize Widget Placement:
    • You can drag and place widgets anywhere on your home screen.
    • To remove a widget, press and hold it, then tap Remove Widget.

Widgets provide quick access to important information without needing to open apps.

Enable Voice Control

Voice Control allows you to operate your iPhone using just your voice. This can be particularly helpful for those who find it challenging to use the touchscreen.

Steps to Enable Voice Control:

  1. Enable Voice Control:
    • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control.
    • Toggle on Voice Control.
  2. Learn Voice Commands:
    • Tap Customize Commands to see a list of available commands.
    • You can also create your own commands by tapping Create New Command.
  3. Use Voice Control:
    • Once enabled, you can say commands like “Open Safari” or “Scroll Down” to navigate your iPhone.
    • To turn off Voice Control, say “Go to sleep.”

Using Voice Control makes operating your iPhone easier and more intuitive, especially if you have difficulty with the touchscreen.

Conclusion

With these simple adjustments, your iPhone can become an even more powerful tool to support your daily activities. From making calls with a single touch to easily accessing important information through widgets, these tips are designed to enhance your user experience and make technology work for you. Embrace these changes and enjoy the convenience and efficiency that a well-optimized iPhone can bring to your life. If you found these tips helpful, be sure to explore more of our guides to keep discovering ways to simplify your tech use.

Did You Get My Message

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Open the Message app. Scroll up till the Search box with magnifying glass displays. Type in the person’s name.

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Your phone rings. You answer.

The person on the other end says, “Hey, did you get my text message?”

“What text message?” you say.

“The one I sent you a hour ago”.

Oops – somehow you missed the message. How do you find it?

Open The Message App

If you are lucky, the message will be right there at the top, waiting. It not, then…

Scroll up till the search box with magnifying glass and microphone displays.

Search Message App
Search Message App

Start Typing

As you type, results will display what you are typing.

Recommend you type the person’s name 😊

Scroll down in the results and you can see all the messages that reference what you type.

Message Search
Message Search

12 Common iPhone Problems – How To Fix Them

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As iPhones become an essential part of our daily lives, encountering occasional issues is inevitable. Whether it’s a frozen screen or battery drain, these problems can be frustrating. This guide provides straightforward solutions to 12 common iPhone problems, ensuring your device runs smoothly and efficiently.

Table of Contents

Frozen or Unresponsive Screen

Solution:

  • Force restart your iPhone by pressing and holding both the Home button and the Power button (for iPhone 8 and earlier) or the Volume Up button and the Power button (for iPhone X and later) until the Apple logo appears.

Battery Drain Issues

Solution:

  • Check for apps using excessive battery: Go to Settings > Battery.
  • Reduce screen brightness or enable Auto-Brightness: Settings > Display & Brightness.
  • Enable Low Power Mode: Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode.
  • Turn off Background App Refresh: Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

Storage Full

Solution:

  • Review and delete unused apps: Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
  • Offload unused apps: Enable Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Offload Unused Apps.
  • Delete old messages and attachments.
  • Use iCloud to store photos and videos: Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos > iCloud Photos.

Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

Solution:

  • Toggle Wi-Fi off and on: Settings > Wi-Fi.
  • Forget and reconnect to the network: Settings > Wi-Fi > [Network Name] > Forget This Network.
  • Restart your router.
  • Reset network settings: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Bluetooth Connectivity Issues

Solution:

  • Toggle Bluetooth off and on: Settings > Bluetooth.
  • Forget and reconnect to the Bluetooth device: Settings > Bluetooth > [Device Name] > Forget This Device.
  • Ensure the Bluetooth device is fully charged.
  • Restart your iPhone.

App Crashes and Glitches

Solution:

  • Update the app: App Store > Updates.
  • Restart the app: Swipe up from the bottom and swipe the app away.
  • Reinstall the app: Delete it and download it again from the App Store.
  • Check for iOS updates: Settings > General > Software Update.

Restoring from a Backup

Solution:

  • Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
  • Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Follow the setup process and choose Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from iTunes Backup.
  • Select the backup you want to restore.

Sound and Audio Problems

Solution:

  • Check the volume level and mute switch.
  • Ensure Bluetooth is off if not using a Bluetooth device.
  • Clean the speaker and microphone openings.
  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Check for updates: Settings > General > Software Update.

iMessage and FaceTime Issues

Solution:

  • Ensure iMessage and FaceTime are activated: Settings > Messages > iMessage and Settings > FaceTime.
  • Toggle iMessage and FaceTime off and on.
  • Sign out and back into your Apple ID: Settings > [your name] > Sign Out.

Slow Performance

Solution:

  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Close unnecessary apps running in the background.
  • Free up storage space.
  • Update to the latest iOS version.
  • Reset settings: Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.

Touch Screen Sensitivity

Solution:

  • Remove any screen protectors or cases.
  • Clean the screen with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Adjust 3D Touch settings: Settings > Accessibility > Touch > 3D & Haptic Touch.

Overheating

Solution:

  • Avoid using your iPhone in direct sunlight.
  • Remove any case when charging.
  • Close unused apps running in the background.
  • Turn off unnecessary features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
  • If overheating persists, allow the iPhone to cool down before using it again.

Conclusion

By following these simple solutions, you can tackle most common iPhone problems with ease. Keeping your device updated and properly maintained will help prevent many issues from occurring in the first place. If you encounter persistent problems, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance. Stay connected and enjoy your iPhone experience with confidence!

How to use Voice Control on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch | Apple Support

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Voice Control enables navigation of iPhone and iPad using voice commands, aiding those with limited mobility. To activate, access Accessibility settings, then Voice Control, and set it up. Commands like “go home” or “open notes” are used for navigation, while overlays simplify interaction with on-screen elements. Overlays include names, numbers, and grids for precise control. Siri can activate or deactivate Voice Control. Additional commands and tips are available in settings or via Siri.

Summary:
– Voice Control facilitates device navigation via voice commands.
– Activated through Accessibility settings or via Siri.
– Offers overlays like names, numbers, and grids for enhanced interaction.
– Commands range from basic navigation to controlling specific app functions.
– Allows pausing or resuming with commands like “go to sleep” or “wake up.”

How to restart your iPhone or iPad if it’s frozen on the Apple logo | Apple Support

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To turn off your iPhone, if it has Face ID, press and hold the side button and either volume button until the sliders appear, then drag the power off slider. If it has a home button, press and hold the side button until the sliders appear, then drag the power off slider. To turn it back on, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. For more iPhone tips, subscribe to the Apple Support YouTube channel or watch another video.

Summary:
– To turn off an iPhone with Face ID, press and hold the side button and either volume button until sliders appear, then drag the power off slider.
– For iPhones with a home button, press and hold the side button until sliders appear, then drag the power off slider.
– To turn on the iPhone, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. – For more iPhone tips, subscribe to the Apple Support YouTube channel.
– Alternatively, watch another video for additional assistance.

iPhone Messages Swipe Left Swipe Right

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iPhone Messages Swipe Left Swipe Right

Depending on which direction you swipe a message conversation or a particular reply will determine what you can do.

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Swipe Conversation

Swiping a conversation to the left allows you to mark the conversation as unread.

Swiping a conversation to the right allows you to mute a conversation or delete a conversation.

Swipe conversation
Swipe conversation

Muting a conversation means you won’t get a ‘ding’ or vibration when a new message is added to the conversation. You will still get new messages, just no notifications.

Deleting a conversation does what it is – mostly. If you tap Edit near the top you can Show Recently Deleted.

From there you have the options to Delete, Recover, Delete All or Recover All.

Recover conversation
Recover conversation

Swipe Message

You can swipe a message within a conversation left to reply to that particular message no matter where it is in the conversation. If you decide you do not want to reply to a particular message, then tap anywhere outside of the response.

You can swipe a message within a conversation right to see when that particular message was sent.

Swipe message
Swipe message

With that said, keep on swiping in the free world.