Sending and receiving messages
Using the Messages app and the built-in iMessage service, you can send text messages over Wi-Fi
or cellular data connections to other iOS 5 users. Messages can include photos, videos, and other
info, let you see when the other person is typing, and let others be notified when you’ve read
their messages. Because iMessages are displayed on all of your iOS 5 devices logged in to the
same account, you can start a conversation on one of your devices, then continue it on another
device. iMessages are also encrypted.
Note: Cellular data charges or additional fees may apply.
Send a text message: Tap , then tap and choose a contact, search your contacts by entering
a name, or enter a phone number or email address manually. Enter the message, then tap Send.
Note: An alert badge appears if a message can’t be sent. If the alert appears in the address
field, make sure you enter the name, phone number, or email address of another iOS 5 user. In a
conversation, tap the alert to try sending the message again.
Conversations are saved in the Messages list. A blue dot indicates unread messages. Tap a
conversation to view or continue it. In an iMessage conversation, your outgoing messages are
highlighted in blue.
Tap the edit button
to edit or forward a
conversation.
Tap the edit button
to edit or forward a
conversation.
Tap the compose
button to start a
new conversation.
Tap the compose
button to start a
new conversation.
Tap the Attach
Media button to
include a photo
or video.
Tap the Attach
Media button to
include a photo
or video.
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Use emoji characters
Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > International Keyboards > Add New
Keyboard, then tap Emoji to make that keyboard available. To enter emoji
characters when typing a message, tap to bring up the Emoji keyboard.
See “Switching keyboards” on page 132.
Hide keyboard
Tap in the lower-right corner.
Resume a previous conversation
Tap the conversation in the Messages list, then enter a message and tap Send.
Display earlier messages in
the conversation
Tap the status bar to scroll to the top, then tap Load Earlier Messages.
Receive iMessages using another
email address
Go to Settings > Messages > Receive At > Add Another Email.
Follow a link in a message
Tap the link. A link may open a webpage in Safari, or let you add a phone
number to your contacts, for example.
Forward a conversation
Select a conversation, then tap
. Select parts to include, then tap Forward.
Add someone to your contacts list,
or share a contact
Tap a phone number or email address in the Messages list, then tap .
Notify others when you’ve read
their messages
Go to Settings > Messages and turn on Send Read Receipts.
Set other options for Messages
Go to Settings > Messages.
Manage notifications for messages See “Notifications” on page 121.
Set the alert sound for incoming
text messages
See “Sounds” on page 125.