iOS 14: How to pin conversations in Messages for iPhone and iPad a comment

Pin A Conversation In Messages

If you’re a fan of the pinned notes feature in Apple’s Notes app, then you’re going to love pinned conversations in Messages that debuted with iOS and iPadOS 14. You can pin both individual and group conversations that you participate in regularly for quick access to them. Plus, you’ll see an indicator for recent conversations and can see messages as they’re coming in.

For the full scoop, here’s how to pin conversations in Messages with iOS 14 and iPadOS 14.

How to pin conversations in Messages

Pinning a conversation in Messages is super simple. Tap and hold the conversation in your list of messages and select the option Pin [name/group] from the shortcut menu.

You’ll then see that conversation pinned to the top of your message list.

To unpin a conversation, tap and hold it and select the option Unpin [name/group] from the shortcut menu. You can also Hide Alerts or Delete a conversation from that menu if needed.

Indicators for pinned conversations

Upon receiving a new message for a pinned conversation, a blue dot appears below that pin. You’ll also see recent replies and Tapbacks. And if you happen to have Messages open when a message is on its way, you’ll see that lovely typing indicator on the pinned conversation.

For pinned group conversations, you’ll see the three recent participants circle around the pin when they send a message.

Rearranging chat heads

As you pin each chat, it will fall next in line in the grid at the top. But maybe you want your most favorite contact’s conversation always in the same spot. You can rearrange the pinned conversations easily simply drag a pinned conversation where you want it, then release.

You’ll see the other pins move around and out of the way.

Pinned conversations limit

You can pin up to nine conversations, to keep all of your family, friends, or business messages at the top of your list. And once you hit that limit, you’ll see a friendly message.

Using Messages with iCloud, those conversations you pin will sync across your devices and pinned conversations do show up in searches you perform in Messages, too.

Top 50 new features in iOS 14

For a quick overview of the city, 50 headlines new iPhone and iPod touch features in iOS 14, be sure to watch our hands-on video walkthrough embedded below.

Wrapping it up

Bringing the ability to pin conversations in Messages is a great update for the app.

No longer do you have to search for the conversation you want because so many have come in and moved it down the list. Just pin it to the top!