Have you ever noticed a little moon icon next to a text message on your iPhone and wondered what it means? Well, let me tell you, it’s actually a pretty cool feature that Apple has included in their messaging app. So, let’s dive in and find out why there’s a moon next to your text message and what you can do about it.
How to Remove the Moon Icon from Your Text Messages
Before we get into the steps to remove the moon icon, let’s take a quick moment to understand what it signifies. That little moon symbol indicates that you’ve enabled “Do Not Disturb” mode for that particular message thread. This means you won’t get notifications for any new messages from that conversation until you turn it off. Now, let’s get to the steps.
Step 1: Open the Messages App
Open the Messages app to see your list of conversations.
When you open the app, you’ll see all the conversations you have. Look for the one with the moon icon; that’s the one you have silenced.
Step 2: Swipe Left on the Conversation
Swipe left on the conversation with the moon icon.
Swiping left will reveal more options for that specific conversation. You’ll see a bell icon, which is what we’re looking for.
Step 3: Tap the Bell Icon
Tap the bell icon to turn off “Do Not Disturb” for that conversation.
Once you tap the bell, the moon icon should disappear from the conversation, and you’ll start receiving notifications again.
After you complete these steps, you’ll start receiving notifications for new messages in that conversation as normal. No more wondering why you’re not hearing from someone when they’ve actually been texting you all along!
Tips for Managing Text Message Notifications
Here are some additional tips to help you manage your notifications like a pro.
- Use “Do Not Disturb” for individual conversations when you’re in a meeting or need to focus without distractions.
- Remember that “Do Not Disturb” can be set for a specific time frame, perfect for those times when you need a temporary break.
- You can also enable “Do Not Disturb” for your entire phone through the Control Center if you need complete silence.
- Check your “Do Not Disturb” settings in the Settings app to customize how you want it to work.
- If you’re not getting any notifications, make sure you haven’t accidentally turned on “Do Not Disturb” for your entire device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a moon next to my text message?
The moon icon next to a text message on your iPhone indicates that you’ve enabled “Do Not Disturb” mode for that particular conversation.
Can I still receive messages when “Do Not Disturb” is on?
Yes, you will still receive messages, but you won’t get any notifications about them.
Will the sender know I have “Do Not Disturb” enabled?
No, the sender will not be aware that you’ve silenced the conversation.
Can I schedule “Do Not Disturb” to turn on and off automatically?
Absolutely! You can schedule it in the “Do Not Disturb” settings in the main Settings app.
Is there a way to exclude certain contacts from “Do Not Disturb”?
Yes, you can set up “Emergency Bypass” for certain contacts, which allows their calls and messages to come through even when “Do Not Disturb” is on.
Summary
- Open the Messages app.
- Swipe left on the conversation with the moon icon.
- Tap the bell icon to turn off “Do Not Disturb.”
Conclusion
So, now you know why there’s a moon next to your text message on an iPhone and how to deal with it. It’s a nifty feature that Apple has included to give us more control over our notifications and our attention. Whether you’re in a meeting, studying, or just need some quiet time, “Do Not Disturb” for individual message threads is a great tool to have at your disposal. Remember, staying connected is important, but so is managing your digital well-being. Use these features wisely, and you’ll strike a perfect balance in no time. And if you ever find yourself puzzled by any other iPhone features, don’t hesitate to reach out for answers!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.