How to Like a Text Message on iPhone Using Tapback
Want to quickly show someone you saw and liked their message without sending a full reply? Your iPhone makes that easy with built-in message reactions. Here’s how to “like” a message using the Tapback feature in the Messages app on iOS 15.6 or later.
What Is Tapback on iPhone?
Tapback is Apple’s quick reaction feature in the Messages app. It lets you respond to texts with emojis like:
- ❤️ Love
- 👍 Like
- 👎 Dislike
- 😂 Laugh
- ❗ Emphasize
- ❓ Question
These reactions appear directly on the message bubble and notify the sender, making it a fast, simple way to engage without typing a reply.
How to Like a Text in Messages
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Go to the conversation thread that has the message you want to like.
- Touch and hold the message bubble (don’t tap—just press and hold).
- A reaction menu will pop up above the message.
- Tap the thumbs-up icon (👍) to like the message.
Your like will instantly appear on the corner of the message, and the sender will be notified.
Want to Remove or Change Your Reaction?
- To remove the reaction, just tap and hold the message again, then tap the same reaction icon (👍) to unselect it.
- To change it, tap and hold the message and select a different reaction from the menu.
Can You Like Images or Media in Messages?
Yes! Tapback works on:
- Text messages
- Photos
- Videos
- Voice messages
Just use the same touch-and-hold method to add a reaction to any kind of message content.
Bonus: “Liking” Photos in the Photos App
You can also mark favorite pictures in your Photos app:
- Open a photo.
- Tap the heart icon below it.
- That photo will now appear in your Favorites album.
Keep iOS Updated for the Best Tapback Experience
To make sure you have the latest Tapback features and reaction support:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Install any available iOS updates.
This ensures smooth messaging features and compatibility across all your Apple devices.