You Can Now Create a Shortcut to Open Your Favorite IMessage Theme on Your IPhone
The Shortcuts app comes pre-loaded on iPhone and can be used to quickly set up automations; you can set up shortcuts that can perform multiple options at once. For example, you can connect to HomePod and play instrumental music while dimming your smart lights with one touch. If you’re new to the Shortcuts app, start with these seven recommended automations.
Oddly enough, Apple has never offered a shortcut to easily open an iMessage thread. However, in iOS 18.4, Apple fixes this bug. And because Shortcuts are so well integrated across all iOS software, you can add this shortcut to your Lock screen, Control Center, and even the Action button.
How to create an iMessage shortcut
Open the Shortcuts app and tap the Plus button at the top to create a new shortcut. Then, in the Search Actions panel, find “Open Conversation” and add an action.
Tap the empty Conversation field and select the iMessage conversation you want to use as a shortcut. (This could be a group message thread or an SMS conversation.)
And here it is. I would recommend that you click on the shortcut name at the top and rename it something you will remember.
How to add a message shortcut to your home screen and lock screen
You can add a message shortcut to your home screen from the Shortcuts app itself. Tap the shortcut name at the top and select the ” Add to Home Screen ” option. Here you can give the shortcut a name and customize the icon with an image.
To add it to your lock screen, first touch and hold the lock screen. Then tap Customize and select Lock Screen .
Now you will see two buttons below. First, click the Minus button on the shortcut button you want to remove, then click the Plus button in the empty space.
Here, find and select the Shortcut option. Then click the Select button and select the shortcut you just created. Tap Done to save your lock screen layout.
How to add a message shortcut to Control Center
To add a shortcut to Control Center, open Control Center, press and hold to enter edit mode, and click the Add Control button. Next, find and add a Shortcut control.
On the setup screen, tap Select and select the shortcut you just created. Return to Control Center and feel free to move the control as you see fit.
How to Add a Message Label to an Action Button
If you’re using the iPhone 15 Pro series or later, you have access to the Action button . You can use it to quickly launch the camera or any shortcut you want.
To set this up, go to Settings > Action Button and go to the Shortcuts option. Then click Select Shortcut and select the shortcut you just created.
Now, when you press and hold the Action button, the iMessage conversation of your choice will instantly open.