How to mention someone in iMessage iOS 17.4.1

Mentions on Messages App is an amazing feature Apple has added to its default Messaging App, learn how to use it.

Every new update brings tones of features; Apple introduced some of the most remarkable features that we were waiting eagerly. One of them is Mentions in Messages App. Of course, it is a group chat feature, but when you want to write a message to someone specifically, Mentions is much helpful to grab attention. It’s nothing new; we’re already using it with popular social apps like WhatsApp for the past few years. But bringing this to the default Messages App of iPhone, iPad, and Mac is something we can never expect.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use the Mention feature on the Messages App in iPhone, iPad, and Mac, alongside how to disable Mention if you don’t want to use it.

How to Mention Someone in iMessage on iPhone?

Mentioning someone in iMessage is as easy as using the mentioning feature on WhatsApp or any other social apps. Just open the iMessage App and then group chat in which you want to Mention the member of the group. Then, type the first name or last name, type @, and choose the name from the suggestions. At first, the name will appear in grey, and after selecting the name, it will immediately change into blue color.

You can follow the same process and keep mentioning multiple members in the same message. Moreover, the mentioned name could appear differently on different receivers, as the Mention feature displays the name saved in the receiver’s number.

When you mention someone in a group chat, they will receive a notification that you’ve mentioned them in a group chat on iMessage.

Note that Mentions only work when you’re sending multimedia like Images, Videos, etc., and mentioning someone in the group chat.

How to Mention Someone in iMessage on Mac

On Mac, the process remains the same since the logic behind this program is alike. The essential condition is the contact of that person should be saved in your Mac.

Go to the iMessage in your Mac. Open the Group Chat. Type a message or directly, type the person’s name or use @ before typing the name and from the suggestions, select the contact. When you select the contact that you wish to Mention, it will turn Blue. The recipient will receive a notification indicating that they’ve been mentioned in the group chat on iMessage.

How to Mute/Unmute Mentions and Alerts in iMessage?

One of the best parts about the iOS /macOS Mention feature is even though the group chat is muted, iMessage will still notify you when someone directly mentions you on the group chat.

That’s too helpful when you don’t want to be part of a general discussion, but keep an eye on members who mention you.

NOTE: When Do Not Disturb and Do Not Disturb While Driving is enabled, you won’t get alerts from the Messages App, despite someone mentions you. 

On iPhone, iPad:

When Hide Alerts is enabled, iMessage will send you alerts when someone mentions you.

  1. Go to the iMessage on your iPhone, iPad.
  2. Tap on the Group Chat.
  3. Tap on the group name.
  4. Select the info button.
  5. Turn On/Off Hide Alerts.

On Mac:

  1. Open the iMessage app on your Mac.
  2. Go to the Group Chat, which you wish to mute/unmute.
  3. On the top-right screen, click on the info button.
  4. Check/Uncheck Hide Alerts.

How to Disable/Enable Notifications for Mentions

If you don’t find mentions helpful and completely mute the group notifications, then disable the notifications for Mentions right away on iPhone, iPad, Mac.

On iPhone, iPad:

  1. Navigate to the Settings App.
  2. Scroll down to the Messages App.
  3. Under MENTIONSdisable Notify Me to toggle.

On Mac:

  1. Go to the Messages App.
  2. Click on Messages in the top menu bar.
  3. Select Preferences.
  4. Select the General tab.
  5. Uncheck Notify me when my name is mentioned.

Why can’t I mention someone in Message?

message mentions not working? Can’t Mention someone in Messages App? This could happen due to minor software bugs, system outages, outdated firmware, and more. Let’s troubleshoot the issue.

Update iPhone, iPad, Mac

Before diving into any other solution, let’s check the software version of the device, to use the Mentions in Messages App, the iPhone, iPad, and Mac must be running latest iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.

At the same time, ask other group chat participants to keep their devices up to date; otherwise, conflicts like this are likely to happen.

To update iPhone, iPad, open the Settings App > General > Software Update. Download and Install the software update.

To update Mac, click on Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

Make Sure You’re Typing Name Correctly

Mentions are solely dependent on the name of the contact you want to mention. It won’t work if you mistype the name. Either try to type the exact name by which the contact is saved in your device; this might work.

Restart Device

The final solution is to force close the Messages App and reboot the device. This will eliminate the possibility of firmware crashing and app crashing.

To force close the app on iPhone with Face ID, swipe up from the bottom, and from the app switcher, close the Messages App. After that, you can restart the device. While for iPhone with Touch ID, double press the home button and close the Messages App.

To force close the app on Mac, press Command + Option + Esc and select Messages App and Force Quit.

What happens when you Mention someone in a Message?

Unlike any other apps, Apple’s Mention feature works differently, no matter you’ve muted the group, but if someone mentions you, it’ll send a notification. Though, you can completely avoid notifications of group chat including Mentions, which we’ve already mentioned in the above section. The objective of the Mention feature is to let the specific member know that this message is for you.

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

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