Read it and see it together
Interactive visual guide
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Do this now
Open Messages
Tap the green Messages icon.
This original visual follows the verified path. Labels can vary slightly by model, region, carrier, or device state.
Show written steps
- Open Messages. Tap the green Messages icon. The Messages conversation list opens with the compose button at the top.
- Start a message. Tap the compose button. A New Message screen appears with an empty To field.
- Enter the person’s name. Type the person’s name in the To field. Matching contact suggestions appear below the To field.
- Choose the person. Tap the correct person in the results. The selected person’s name appears in the To field, and the message field is ready.
- Write the message. Type what you want to say in the message field. Your draft appears in the message field beneath the selected person’s name.
- Check the person. Read the name at the top and make sure it is the right person. You should now see the correct name above your finished message.
- Send the message. Tap the upward arrow once. The message appears in the conversation.
Watch it happen
Helpful video
The video is optional. YouTube will not load until you choose Load video.
iPhone Basics for Seniors: How To Use Apple Messages
Published by Rich Bowlin. Shows creating a first text message at 4:29. The compose icon can look different on current iOS.
Watch directly on YouTube If the video does not load here, the direct link opens the same tutorial on YouTube.One small goal at a time
Follow the steps
Read one step, try it on your phone, then move to the next.
- Step 1
Open Messages
Tap the green Messages icon.
You should now see: The Messages conversation list opens with the compose button at the top.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary. Open a larger picture - Step 2
Start a message
Tap the compose button.
You should now see: A New Message screen appears with an empty To field.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary. Open a larger picture - Step 3
Enter the person’s name
Type the person’s name in the To field.
You should now see: Matching contact suggestions appear below the To field.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary. Open a larger picture - Step 4
Choose the person
Tap the correct person in the results.
You should now see: The selected person’s name appears in the To field, and the message field is ready.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary. Open a larger picture - Step 5
Write the message
Type what you want to say in the message field.
You should now see: Your draft appears in the message field beneath the selected person’s name.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary. Open a larger picture - Step 6
Check the person
Read the name at the top and make sure it is the right person.
You should now see: You should now see the correct name above your finished message.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary. Open a larger picture - Step 7
Send the message
Tap the upward arrow once.
You should now see: The message appears in the conversation.
Easy Phone Tech visual example. Personal details are fictional; exact wording can vary. Open a larger picture