Open Your Favorite Messages Chat From Your iPhone Lock Screen

[MacRumors]

In iOS 18.4, Apple added a new Shortcuts action to open a specific conversation in the Messages app. This means it's now possible to open a chat thread with someone important to you straight from your Lock Screen, for example. Keep reading to learn more.

If you'd like to reduce the time it takes to chat with a frequently contacted person, this new shortcut action is for you. Placing a shortcut on your Lock Screen to a spouse or family member's chat thread allows you to contact them without navigating through the app, making it perfect for quick updates, urgent communications, or daily check-ins.

The feature also streamlines interactions by minimizing distractions, since it lets you bypass the Messages interface, so you won't be tempted to engage with other messages or notifications. It could be handy in situations where rapid access matters, such as emergencies or business communications. The following steps show you how it's done.

Create Your Shortcut Action

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the + button in the top-right corner of the app.
3. Start typing "Open Conversation" in the Search Actions input field, then select the action in the results.
4. Tap "Conversation" in blue, then select the Messages conversation you want from the dropdown.
5. Tap Done to finish.

Add Shortcut to Your Lock Screen

1. Long press your Lock Screen, tap Customize on the Lock Screen you want to use, then tap Lock Screen again.
2. Tap the minus symbol on one of the bottom buttons to remove the existing control.
3. Tap the plus symbol that replaces it, then select Shortcut from the Controls menu.
4. Tap "Choose" in blue, then select Open Conversation from the shortcuts menu.
5. Tap Done on the Lock Screen customize screen to finish.

That's all there is to it. The "Open Conversation" is more versatile than you might think. For example, you could use it to add a neat shortcut to a particular chat thread on your Home Screen, or even pop one on your Control Center. Have a play around with it, and see what works for you.

Article Link: Open Your Favorite Messages Chat From Your iPhone Lock Screen

 

[vegetassj4]

My favorite chat? I can't find the ICQ app anywhere.

 

[Lyrics23]

Best way to remind yourself about your favourite used 2FA codes and old package deliveries.

 

[Lioness~]

It's what I use the app Things for, and a lot more.
C/P and if I need reminder - but that app have good organization for me.
Usually the 1st and last app I check on days.
Apple's way are not always my way. I use the Calendar some, but Things is my no.1 organization app.

 

[Aeronauts]

I use WhatsApp rather than Messages most of the time. Apple should consider developing their own software to compete with WhatsApp.

 

[scorpio vega]

In all the years I’ve used iPhone I literally have never used the Lock Screen shortcuts.
I forget they are there lmao

 

[darngooddesign]

My favorite chat? I can't find the ICQ app anywhere.

ICQ recommends VK Messenger

 

[dominiongamma]

In all the years I’ve used iPhone I literally have never used the Lock Screen shortcuts.
I forget they are there lmao

I use it for “find my” for quick access and other is to launch google maps to home. Quite helpful

 

[RestlessCaviar]

Why is “right” so massively overused? Would read fine without it, and it’s hardly so amazing it needs any emphasis.

 

[macbookj0e]

“Open Conversation” doesn’t appear when I search for it on the shortcuts app 🤷‍♂️

 

[bunce66]

I use the flashlight icon and camera shortcuts all the time.
I'd love to add ChatGPT and messages to the Lock Screen.
Would it really kill them to allow more than 2 shortcuts at a time?

 

[darngooddesign]

I use the flashlight icon and camera shortcuts all the time.
I'd love to add ChatGPT and messages to the Lock Screen.
Would it really kill them to allow more than 2 shortcuts at a time?

I dont use a shortcut for Camera because I can just swipe left on the lock screen for that.

 

[darkslide29]

“Open Conversation” doesn’t appear when I search for it on the shortcuts app 🤷‍♂️

Same, came here to figure out what I’m doing wrong. Not showing up in results.

Edit: I searched for “Messages” and it gave me enough recommendations to find what I needed to have it ‘send a message’ to my wife, which is what I was trying to get to. Not sure if the interface is the same as “open conversation” but good enough I guess.

 

[svish]

Nice article. Should be useful. Will try setting it up and using it soon, though I might go back to the normal camera and torch layout.

 

[HighwaySnowman]

I dont use a shortcut for Camera because I can just swipe left on the lock screen for that.

Yep, replaced the camera with the magnifier.

I'd still like more than a few shortcuts there - and a way to disable the annoying swipe for camera.

 

[Chungry]

In all the years I’ve used iPhone I literally have never used the Lock Screen shortcuts.
I forget they are there lmao

Only ever triggered them by accident

 

[darngooddesign]

Only ever triggered them by accident

You can remove them.

 

[imtoretto]

I use WhatsApp rather than Messages most of the time. Apple should consider developing their own software to compete with WhatsApp.

I opened WhatsApp not to long ago and I have to close right away..... as soon as I opened the account a bunch of models with n*dity and close to P*rn appeared, it was disgusting. ill stick to iMessage and Facebook messenger.

 

[Aeronauts]

I opened WhatsApp not to long ago and I have to close right away..... as soon as I opened the account a bunch of models with n*dity and close to P*rn appeared, it was disgusting. ill stick to iMessage and Facebook messenger.

That’s very strange. In my experience you have to add your contacts to WhatsApp to start a group chat. Random things like that don’t just appear.

 

[cutcopypaste]

“Open Conversation” doesn’t appear when I search for it on the shortcuts app 🤷‍♂️

Same. Is this only available on phones that support Apple intelligence or something ?? 😅

Weird

 

[cupcakes2000]

I opened WhatsApp not to long ago and I have to close right away..... as soon as I opened the account a bunch of models with n*dity and close to P*rn appeared, it was disgusting. ill stick to iMessage and Facebook messenger.

Strange. Considering you have to add contacts in order to receive messages, I suggest you should be more careful about who you add.

 

[imtoretto]

Strange. Considering you have to add contacts in order to receive messages, I suggest you should be more careful about who you add.

it was a brand a new number also that I use to opened an account; yes it was strange and very disgusting, honestly the new way this platform operates now, you also allow to follow people, to all the suggestions I was giving to follow was nasty.

 

[imtoretto]

That’s very strange. In my experience you have to add your contacts to WhatsApp to start a group chat. Random things like that don’t just appear.

I guess there's a first time for everything... this time was lame after opening the account.

 

[cupcakes2000]

it was a brand a new number also that I use to opened an account; yes it was strange and very disgusting, honestly the new way this platform operates now, you also allow to follow people, to all the suggestions I was giving to follow was nasty.

Are you sure you’re talking about WhatsApp?

 

[imtoretto]

Are you sure you’re talking about WhatsApp?

affirmative