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Send and reply to messages on iPad

You can send text messages, images, and much more. You can reply within a conversation or to specific comments in a thread. You can even use Siri to listen and respond to your messages.

To fully use all the features in the Messages app, make sure you set up Messages.

The conversation list on the left and a conversation on the right. Tap the Compose button at the top right of the conversation list to start a new message. A blue dot to the left of a message indicates it’s unread.

Send a text message

You can send a text message to one or more people to start a new conversation.

The conversation list on the left and a conversation on the right. The name of the person or group you’re sending messages to is at the left of the screen. You can tap their name at the top of the screen to see conversation details. The Add button is at the bottom of the screen.

  1. Go to the Messages app on your iPad.

  2. Tap the Compose button at the top of the screen.

  3. Enter the phone number, contact name, or Apple Account of each recipient.

    Or tap the Add Contact button, then choose contacts from the list.

  4. Do any of the following:

  5. Tap the Send button to send.

    If a message can’t be sent, an alert appears. Tap the Send Failure button to try sending the message again.

To return to the Messages list from a conversation, tap the Back button.

Reply to a message

Messages are grouped by conversation in the Messages list. A dot indicates you haven’t yet read one or more messages in that conversation.

  1. Go to the Messages app on your iPad.

  2. In the Messages list, tap the conversation that you want to participate in.

  3. Tap the text field, create your message, then tap the Send button to send your message.

Tip: Find out when a message was sent to you. Drag the message bubble to the left to see timestamps for all messages in the conversation.

Reply inline to a specific message

You can respond to a specific message inline. An inline reply quotes the message you’re responding to. This keeps a busy conversation organized by clarifying which response relates to which message.

  1. Go to the Messages app on your iPad.

  2. Swipe right on the message bubble that you want to reply to.

  3. Enter your message, then tap the Send button.

  4. To return to the main conversation, tap the blurred background.

Touch and hold a message to react with a Tapback, such as a thumbs-up or a heart.

If you’re replying in a group conversation and you don’t want everyone to read your message, start a new conversation with the person you want to reply to.

Use Siri to send, read, and reply to messages

You can use Siri to send messages for you, read your incoming texts out loud, and reply to messages. Learn how to use Siri.

Siri: Say something like:

  • “Send a message to Mayuri saying, how about tomorrow?”

  • “Read my last message from Antonio”

  • “Reply, that’s great news!”

Siri can send a message right after it has been read back to you. Go to Settings > Siri (or Apple Intelligence & Siri) > Messaging with Siri, then turn on Automatically Send Messages.

WARNING: Avoid distractions while driving. See Important safety information.

Reply to messages from your Lock Screen

You can reply to messages on your Lock Screen without opening Messages. See Turn on Lock Screen features.

Why are some bubbles blue and others green?

If a message can be sent using iMessage, you see a blue Send arrow the Send button, and the message appears in a blue bubble.

If you can’t use iMessage (which happens, for example, when a recipient isn’t using an Apple device), you can use SMS, MMS, or RCS. Messages sent with SMS, MMS, or RCS appear in green bubbles.

For more information, see the Apple Support article What is the difference between iMessage, RCS, and SMS/MMS?

A group conversation in Messages. The message bubbles are green, which indicates that at least one person isn’t using iMessage.

Note: Content may not appear as expected when you send messages to recipients who are using non-Apple devices.

See alsoUnsend and edit messages on iPadHave a group conversation in Messages on iPadCollaborate on projects with Messages on iPad
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