imessage no reply option

Hello again aerie124,

Thanks for your reply. We'd like to confirm what you see when you open a message next.

• First, Restart your iPhone. Restarting the device resets the software and will often resolve anomalies such as you've experienced.
• Open Messages, and tell us if you're able to tap the message to reach the reply screen which is pictured in the following link: Use Messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch under the caption "Turn on Hide alerts". We're sharing this article which includes a picture so we can clarify just what you see, and what happens when you are using Messages. You should be able to tap an individual message, which will open the message thread, where you're able to respond.
• If you're able to advance to the next screen, do you see the message in the reply screen, as pictured here? About iMessage and SMS/MMS.

If you cannot do either of the last two steps, then please tell us:

• Have you ever been able to perform those actions successfully when using Messages on your iPhone X?
• If so, when did that change?
• Do any other apps fail to respond as expected when using your iPhone X?
• Has the device been dropped, damaged, or exposed to liquid?
• Do you use a screen protector, case or cover on your iPhone X? If yes, do you continue to encounter an issue when you remove them?

We look forward to hearing back at your convenience.

Good day aerie124,

Thanks so much for your reply, and for answering each of our questions!

We are glad to know that you were able to complete the suggestions in bullets 2 and 3, and initiate a new message. Based on what you've shared, Messages is working perfectly for you!

The short answer to your question is no. The messages will appear in a continuous thread, and you'll see 'Delivered' once each reply has been sent. For additional insights, we invite you to check out the Messages section which can be found here, and in the subsequent pages of the iPhone User Guide.

If you have further questions, don't hesitate to contact Apple Support directly.

Kind regards.

Hello aerie124,

We want to help get you back to replying to messages again, so let's see what is happening there.

You should be able to simply tap once on the message to reply. A double tap or firm press will bring up the options you mentioned. This resource should help: Use Messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

If you are replying from the Lock screen, this section specifically: "From the Lock screen, touch and hold the notification that you want to reply to. Or depending on your device, you might need to swipe left over the notification and tap View.*

Type your message.Tapto send.

If you have an iPhone X or later, or an iPad with Face ID, and can't reply to a message from the Lock screen, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, and turn on Reply With Message. If you have an iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 8 or earlier, or an iPad, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Allow Access When Locked, and turn on Reply with Message.

* Touch and hold is available on most devices that support iOS 13 or iPadOS. On iPhone SE (2nd generation), you'll need to swipe left on the notification, then tap View to reply to a message from the Lock screen."

We hope this helps. Have a great day.

Greetings aerie124,

It's our pleasure to help. Thanks for letting us know exactly what you've experienced. We'll continue to drill down on this together to move toward the answer as quickly as possible.

• Based on what you've shared, you're only encountering this when your iPhone is locked. Is that correct? If so, please go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, and turn on Reply With Message. Then test the result.
• If the issue is not occurring on the Lock screen, kindly share a few more details to help us clearly understand, and tell us if you can reply within the Messages app without encountering any snags.

All the best!