What the Tech? iPhone messaging tips and tricks – ABC 6 News
What the Tech? iPhone messaging tips and tricks – ABC 6 News
https://www.kaaltv.com/6-on-your-side/what-the-tech/what-the-tech-iphone-messaging-tips-and-tricks/
Publish Date: 2026-05-26 08:01:00
Source Domain: www.kaaltv.com
(ABC 6 News) – Your iPhone’s Messages app is probably one of the most-used apps on your phone. Most people open it dozens of times every day to send quick texts, photos, emojis, or links.
But hidden behind the little plus button inside iMessage are several features many iPhone users have never noticed.
Some are useful. Some are fun. And a few can actually help keep someone safe.
Here are some of the best hidden iMessage tricks already built into the iPhone.
Check In Automatically Lets Someone Know You Made It Home
One of the most useful hidden features in Messages is called “Check In.”
Instead of texting someone to say “I made it home,” your iPhone can do it automatically.
To use it:
- Open a conversation in Messages
- Tap the plus button
- Tap “More”
- Choose “Check In”
You can choose when you expect to arrive. Once you get there, your iPhone automatically notifies the other person.
If something goes wrong and you don’t arrive, the feature can share limited information like your location, route, battery level, and cell signal to help someone check on you.
It’s designed as a safety feature for late night drives, walks, dates, or kids heading somewhere with friends.
Handwritten Messages Add a Personal Touch
Most people never discover this one because it only appears when the iPhone is turned sideways.
Open Messages, rotate the phone into landscape mode, and tap the handwriting icon on the keyboard.
Now you can write a note with your finger directly on the screen.
It’s surprisingly good for:
- Birthday messages
- Thank you notes
- Holiday greetings
- Quick doodles for kids and grandkids
The handwritten message arrives as an animated note instead of plain text.
Digital Touch Turns Texting Into a Tiny Art Studio
Apple also hid a feature called “Digital Touch” inside Messages.
Open a conversation:
- Tap the plus button
- Choose “Digital Touch”
From there, you can:
- Draw sketches
- Send taps
- Send animated kisses
- Send heartbeat animations
- Create a “broken heart”…
