How to open a message conversation from the iPhone lock screen

Want to quickly access your favorite conversations in the Messages app on your iPhone? With the update iOS 18.4Apple has added a great new feature to the Shortcuts app that lets you open a specific conversation directly from the lock screen. Whether you want to communicate with a family member, a close friend, or even a coworker faster, this feature will make your experience easier. In this article, we'll walk you through step-by-step how to set up this shortcut and add it to your lock screen, along with tips for getting the most out of it.

Why do you need a shortcut to open conversations?

In a world full of notifications and apps, it can be annoying to search for a specific conversation in the Messages app every time you want to send a quick message. Here are some reasons why this shortcut is useful:

◉ Save time: Instead of opening the Messages app and searching for a conversation, you can access it with one tap.

◉ Reduce distractions, shortcut takes you directly to the desired conversation without having to browse other messages.

◉ It is also suitable for emergency situations. If you need to communicate quickly, this method is ideal.

◉ Customize usage, you can set up multiple shortcuts for different conversations according to your needs.

Whether you want to send a quick message to your spouse, or share an urgent update with your boss, this shortcut will change the way you use the Messages app.

How to create a shortcut to open a conversation

Let's start setting up the shortcut in the Shortcuts app. The process is simple and only takes a few minutes. Follow these steps:

◉ Open the Shortcuts app, and create a new shortcut by tapping the “+” button in the top corner to create a new shortcut.

◉ The shortcut editor will appear with a blank interface ready for you to add actions.

◉ In the search field at the top of the editor, type “Open Conversation.”

◉ Then choose the “Open Conversation” action from the results that appear.

◉ To select a conversation, click on the word “Conversation” in blue.

◉ A drop-down list of your conversations in the Messages app will appear. Select the conversation you want to create the shortcut for, such as a conversation with a family member or friend.

◉ Tap “Done” in the top right corner to save the shortcut.

◉ You can rename the shortcut if you like, such as “My Mom’s Chat,” “My Wife,” or even “Work Messages,” to make it easier to recognize later.

Add shortcut to lock screen

Now that you've created the shortcut, it's time to add it to your lock screen for quick access. Here's how:

◉ Enter customization mode by long pressing on the lock screen until the customization options appear.

◉ Click on “Customize”, then choose “Lock Screen”.

◉ Remove the button at the bottom of the lock screen. You'll see control buttons such as the flashlight or camera button. Tap the (-) sign on a button to remove it.

◉ To add the shortcut, click on the (+) symbol that appears in place of the deleted button.

◉ From the control menu, choose “Shortcut”.

◉Click the blue “Choose” button, then choose the shortcut you created, such as “Open Conversation.”

◉ To save your changes, tap “Done” on the lock screen customization screen.

◉ Now, you will see the shortcut on your lock screen ready to use.

Using and testing the shortcut

After adding the shortcut to your lock screen, try running it:

◉ To test the shortcut, from the lock screen, tap the shortcut button. The Messages app will open directly to the conversation you selected.

◉ Check your settings. If the shortcut doesn't work, make sure you've allowed the Shortcuts app to access your messages. You can check this in Settings > Privacy > Messages.

◉ Try Siri. You can also run the shortcut using Siri. Say, “Hey Siri, run [shortcut name],” and the conversation will open immediately.

Additional tips to improve your experience

This feature is versatile, and you can use it in more creative ways. Here are some ideas:

◉Add the shortcut to your Home screen. If you prefer to access the conversation from your Home screen, long-press the shortcut in the Shortcuts app, then select "Add to Home Screen." You can customize the icon with a personal image to make it stand out.

◉To add it to Control Center, go to Settings > Control Center, and add "Shortcuts" to Controls. Then, you can choose the Open Conversation shortcut to access it from Control Center.

◉Create multiple shortcuts. If you communicate with multiple people frequently, create a shortcut for each conversation and add them to different places, such as the lock screen and home screen.

◉Use Tap on the Back of the iPhone. In Accessibility settings, you can set “Tap on the Back of the iPhone” to launch the shortcut with a double or triple tap on the back of the iPhone.

Solve common problems

You may encounter some problems while setting up the shortcut. Here are solutions to some common problems:

◉ If the shortcut doesn't work on the lock screen, make sure your device is updated to iOS 18.4 or later. Also, check your lock screen settings in Settings > Lock screen & security.

◉If the conversation doesn't appear in the list, open the Messages app and make sure the conversation is active. If the conversation is new, send an initial message to make it appear in the shortcuts menu.

◉ Performance issues: If the shortcut is slow or unresponsive, restart your iPhone. You can also use tools like Tenorshare ReiBoot to fix system issues if the problem persists.

Why is this feature revolutionary?

This feature may seem simple, but it reflects Apple's commitment to improving the user experience through personalization and automation. By integrating the Shortcuts app with the Lock screen, you can now control your device smarter and faster. Imagine you're in an emergency and need to send a quick message—this shortcut can save precious seconds.

For example, imagine you're a parent and want to check in on your kids during a busy workday. Instead of unlocking your phone and scrolling through apps, you can tap a button on the lock screen to start a conversation directly with your spouse or kids. This simplicity puts technology to work for you, not the other way around.

Adding a shortcut to open a Messages conversation from your iPhone's Lock screen is a simple yet powerful feature introduced by Apple in iOS 18.4. With a few easy steps, you can customize your device for quick access to your most important conversations, saving time and reducing distractions. Whether you use this shortcut for personal or business communications, it adds a touch of efficiency to your daily routine.

Source:

macrumors