You can set up little text shortcuts, like 'On my way' on your mobile phone to save typing them out. Read on to find out how.
Most of us have been there. We are running late for a job, an appointment or meeting someone we have never met before. We weigh up stopping and sending a message but cannot afford to lose any more time. Rising to the occasion, we channel our inner Bolt. Pumping our arms and powering up our legs, we commence the speediest effort of our lives. Now in a social situation, a quick message in ‘text speak’ would suffice. Unless, of course, your friend is a complete and utter grammar pedant. However, in professional scenarios ‘OMW. 10 mins late’ isn’t going to cut the mustard. Turning up sweaty and nauseous, having run eyeballs out achieving your personal best in the process, is probably not ideal either.
Well fear not, as we have a few technology hacks to help you out when you find yourself in a tight spot.
How to create text shortcuts
You can actually set up text shortcuts on your mobile phone for key phrases you frequently use. For example you can type ‘ttyl’, which on your phone will read as ‘talk to you later’, saving you from typing it all out.
- Go to Settings > General > Keyboards > Text Replacement.
- Press the Add Button + icon.
- Enter the phrase and the accompanying shortcut. For example, ‘by the way’ becomes BTW.
- Press save when you are done.
In order to remove a text replacement:
- Tap Edit > Remove > Delete and press Done to save your changes.
How to message directly from your lock screen
Most people will know this but another trick is that you can reply to messages directly from the lock screen on your device. It is a nice handy way to throw back a reply whilst on the go.
- Just touch and hold the message you want to reply to. This works on a majority of devices unless you use iPhone SE (2nd generation). Then you will need to swipe left on the notification and tap View to reply.
- Type your message.
- Press the send button.
If you follow these instructions and find you cannot reply to a message from your Lock Screen:
iPhone X or later | iPad with Face ID
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode
- Turn on Reply with Message
iPhone SE (2nd generation) | iPhone 8 or earlier | iPad
- Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Allow Access When Locked
- Turn on Reply with Message.
This is a shortcut but it would be irresponsible of us not to mention the security implications. You might want to require a password before these messages are sent to prevent anyone who gets hold of your phone responding to your messages for you. Think kids, prankster friends or if your phone is stolen. It is not too much hassle to set up on a phone.
Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode or Face iD and then switch off ‘Reply with Message.’