Replying to text messages quickly is something we all like to do to save time and make our iPhones more convenient to use. However, iOS doesn’t really make this process as easy as it could be.
The only way to get a quick response with the Messages app on your iPhone is to jailbreak it and download a tweak like Messages+. Although it is considered that the latest version of iOS is not jailbroken, this is not the best option.
Never fear, as it’s a nifty workaround you can do on your iPhone and iPad in iOS 7 that lets you quickly reply to a text message without having to exit apps and it works without jailbreaking your device. It’s not the prettiest option, but sometimes it can be better than having to switch to the Messages app just to send a reply.
Instructions
We found this little trick from YouTuber jakx102, who posted a quick video tutorial on how to quick respond on an iPhone or iPad, so keep scrolling down if you want to watch it. Otherwise, read on for a more detailed explanation on how to quick reply to text messages in iOS 7.
When you receive a text message while playing a game in another app, you will get a banner notification at the top. Usually, just tap this notification and it will automatically switch you to the Messages app. However, to take advantage of this trick, you will use the Share button implemented in almost every iOS app, and it is represented by a square icon with an arrow pointing up.
So, when you receive a text message, read the notification banner that pops up, but don’t tap on it. Instead, tap the Share button and the Messages app icon.
This will open a popup where you enter the recipient name at the top followed by your reply in the message window. The caveat here is that you have to write it next to the person’s name. Also, since iOS thinks you’re actually sharing the web page you’re on, you’ll need to clear the URL that appears in the text body and write your own response. However, it brings up the conversation of the person you entered, so it’s almost like you’re in the Messages app.
Granted, this only takes a few seconds, but as mentioned earlier, it’s not entirely ideal.
After typing your answer, you can simply press and then press top to return to the app you were playing before.
Quick Answer Jailbreak Tweaks
If you have a jailbroken iPhone or iPad, you don’t need to use this workaround as there are better options available if you want to bring quick reply text messages to your iOS device. We’ve already discussed these in the past, but it’s worth repeating if you haven’t heard of them yet.
Messages+
Messages+ ($7.99) is a component of IntelliScreen X, but can also be used standalone. It allows users to reply to iMessages with a popup.
This ensures that users don’t need to open the Message app just to reply to a message. It’s a pretty useful jailbreak tweak, especially if you text a lot.
auki
Auki is a new jailbreak tweak (pictured above) that makes responding to iMessages and text messages easier and faster. Message+ is great but I found Auki to fit the iOS 7 UI much better.
Auki lets you reply to a text message directly from the home screen by tapping the notification banner that pops up at the top of the screen. From there, you can type your reply and even add a photo directly from that popup with the option to add the last photo you took; this makes adding photos easier than Apple’s default method.
You can also start a new text message using Auki by swiping down in Notification Center to start a new message, or you can use Activator to start Auki your own way.
Auki also gives you the convenience of muting a specific person so you don’t get notification banners from them until you turn them on; this can be great if they send you a ridiculous amount of text messages.
Auki is $3.99, which is a bit pricey for a jailbreak tweak, but worth every penny if you’re looking for ways to make text messaging from your iPhone easier.
If you haven’t jailbroken your iPhone or iPad, you should consider this. Here is a list of reasons to Jailbreak iOS 7 and a link to our guide on how to jailbreak iOS 7. .
