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iOS 14 lets you send inline replies in your iPhone's Messages app to start multiple conversation threads in the same chat — here's how to do it

Written by Dave Johnson
woman texting on smart phone using cell
Images By Tang Ming Tung/Getty Images
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For years, Apple's Messaging app has lacked a useful way to manage related "threads" in the same conversation. Starting with iOS 14, you can now add inline replies within a conversation.

Inline replies only work in conversations with other iMessage users – the option won't be available if you are texting with a non-iPhone user. But you can use inline replies in two-person conversations or in group chats. 

How to inline reply in Messages on iPhone

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone and open a conversation. 

2. Tap and hold the message you want to reply to. Hold it until you see the pop-up menu. 

3. Tap "Reply."

How_to_inline_reply_in_Messages_on_iPhone 1
Tap and hold a message to see the "Reply" menu option.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

4. Type your message and send it. 

Replies appear in two places within your conversation:

  • If you scroll to the location in the conversation where you replied, you should see how many replies there are to that message. Tap it to expand the text and continue replying.  
How_to_inline_reply_in_Messages_on_iPhone 2
Inline replies appear in the appropriate part of the conversation, and also at the bottom.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider
  • The reply will also appear at the bottom of the conversation, so you can respond to it without having to scroll back up to find it. A gray bracket indicates the reply.
How_to_inline_reply_in_Messages_on_iPhone 3
Inline replies also appear at the bottom, where they're easy to find.  Dave Johnson/Business Insider

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dave june
Dave Johnson
Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.