To mention someone in iMessage on your iPhone or iPad, you simply need to type their name as it appears in your contacts. Once their name is typed, tap on it to highlight and select from the list of suggestions. The person you mentioned will then receive a notification that they’ve been mentioned in the conversation.
After you mention someone in iMessage, their name will appear highlighted in the conversation thread. This makes it easy for others in the group chat to see who is being directly addressed or referred to in the message.
Introduction
iMessage is Apple’s built-in instant messaging service that allows iPhone and iPad users to send texts, documents, photos, videos, and contact information to other iOS or macOS users. One of the key features of iMessage is the ability to mention someone in a group chat. This feature, which is similar to tagging on social media platforms, can be incredibly useful for drawing a particular person’s attention to a message, especially in busy or large group chats. But why is this important, and who stands to gain from this feature?
For one, it streamlines communication; you no longer have to send a separate message or text to ensure someone sees an important note. And let’s face it, we’ve all been in those group chats that can go off on tangents, burying essential messages under a pile of GIFs and side conversations. By mentioning someone, you can make sure they get a notification, pulling their focus back to the matter at hand. This feature is particularly relevant for professionals who use their iPhones or iPads for work, students coordinating group projects, or even families trying to organize a get-together. With a quick mention, you ensure that your message doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
How to Mention Someone in iMessage Tutorial
The following steps will guide you through the process of mentioning someone in an iMessage group chat on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 1: Open the iMessage App
Open the iMessage app on your iPhone or iPad.
When you open the iMessage app, ensure you have the group chat you wish to send a message to open. If you aren’t already in the group chat, you can find it by tapping the pencil icon in the top right corner and selecting the chat from your message list.
Step 2: Type the Contact’s Name
Type the contact’s name as it appears in your contacts.
As you begin to type the name, suggestions will appear based on your contacts. Make sure to type the name as accurately as possible to get the correct contact suggestion.
Step 3: Tap on the Contact’s Name to Highlight it
Once the contact’s name is typed, tap on it to highlight it.
After tapping the contact’s name, it should appear highlighted in blue, indicating that you’ve successfully mentioned them in the message.
Step 4: Select the Correct Contact
Select the correct contact from the suggestions list.
If there are multiple contacts with similar names, ensure you choose the correct one from the suggestions list to ensure the right person gets mentioned.
Step 5: Send Your Message
Send your message as normal.
After mentioning the contact, continue typing your message if necessary, then hit send. The mentioned contact will receive a notification about being mentioned in the conversation.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Ensures Message Visibility | Mentioning someone in iMessage ensures that the individual receives a notification, making it more likely that they will see the message promptly. |
| Streamlines Group Communication | In busy group chats, mentioning individuals can help keep the conversation organized and relevant to those involved. |
| Personalization | It allows for a more personalized interaction, as the mentioned individual knows that a particular message is meant for them. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited to iMessage | This feature is only available for iMessage users, meaning it can’t be used in SMS texts or with non-Apple devices. |
| Privacy Concerns | Mention notifications can be a privacy concern as they can pop up even when the device is locked, potentially revealing sensitive information. |
| Overuse Leading to Notification Fatigue | If overused, mentions can lead to notification fatigue, causing users to ignore or disable notifications altogether. |
Additional Information
Understanding the mechanics of mentioning someone in iMessage can enhance your messaging experience. It’s important to remember that the person you mention must be part of the group chat. You can’t mention someone who isn’t in the conversation, as this feature is designed to direct a message to a specific person in a shared chat.
Moreover, while the name appears highlighted in blue in the chat, the mention does not act as a hyperlink. You can’t tap on the person’s name to view their contact info directly from the message. That said, mentioning someone is a nifty way to engage in digital conversations actively and ensure that your messages are seen by the people you want to see them.
One more pro tip: you can also use this mention feature when replying to a specific message in a group chat. Simply swipe right on the message you want to reply to, type the person’s name, and follow the same steps as above. This adds clarity to your response and keeps the conversation neatly threaded.
Summary
- Open the iMessage app.
- Type the contact’s name as it appears in your contacts.
- Tap on the contact’s name to highlight it.
- Select the correct contact from the suggestions list.
- Send your message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the contacts I mention in iMessage need to have an iPhone?
Yes, the mention feature only works if the person you are mentioning is also using an iPhone or iPad with iMessage enabled.
Can I mention multiple people in one message?
Absolutely, you can mention as many people as are in the group chat. Just ensure you follow the same steps for each person.
Will the person I mention know they were mentioned?
Yes, when you mention someone, they will get a notification saying they were mentioned in the conversation.
Can I mention someone in an iMessage if they’re not in my contacts?
No, the person you’re trying to mention needs to be saved in your contacts for the feature to work.
What happens if I misspell the contact’s name?
If you misspell the name, the suggestion might not appear, and the person won’t be mentioned. Ensure you type the name correctly.
Conclusion
Mentioning someone in iMessage is a fantastic feature that enhances communication within group chats by ensuring that messages are noticed by those they’re intended for. Whether it’s coordinating with coworkers, planning events with friends, or keeping family conversations organized, mentions can be incredibly helpful.
Remember to use this feature thoughtfully and sparingly to avoid overwhelming your contacts with notifications. As you grow more accustomed to mentioning others in iMessage, you’ll wonder how you ever managed group chats without it.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.