iOS 17.5 introduced several enhancements, one of which empowers iPhone users to maintain their privacy in everyday communication. Today’s tech-savvy users often crave ways to keep sensitive conversations under wraps, especially when planning surprises or discussing personal matters. Fortunately, you don’t need a specialized app to achieve this.
The built-in Notes app on your iPhone is surprisingly effective for secure messaging. While apps like Signal and WhatsApp are good for private chats, sometimes the most efficient tools are already on your device, waiting to be explored. Let’s dive into how to use the Notes app for discreet conversations.
Create a note in the Notes app
Begin by launching the Notes app on your iPhone. Tap the compose button at the bottom right to create a new note. Enter anything into the note to save it, as it will be deleted otherwise when you exit. You can also utilize an existing note, but starting fresh is generally cleaner.
Adjust your note’s share options to add collaborators
Once your note is ready, it’s time to invite someone to collaborate. Tap the More button at the top right, then select Share Note. Next, navigate to Share Options and ensure Can make changes is selected under Permission. It’s advisable to toggle off Anyone can add people if you prefer to have control over who can invite others.
Add people and share the link
Select how you wish to share the note—via text, email, or social media. Swipe through the options and choose Copy Link to copy the note URL to your clipboard. For our example, I’ll choose Copy Link option. Enter the email or phone number of your intended collaborator. It’s important to note that you must add at least one contact; sharing a link without adding someone means they can’t access the note.
Finally, tap Copy Link to send the note link to your collaborator.
Send secret messages using Notes
Once the recipient opens the note link and accepts your invitation, they’ll be directed to the collaborative note. You both can type messages in real-time, eliminating the need to hit send. Notifications will alert users whenever the note is modified.
You’ll see an identifier color for each user, allowing you to track who said what. By swiping right in the note, you can view names and timestamps of messages. Additionally, enabling Highlight All Changes offers a permanent color coding for easier reading.
If you prefer a more low-key approach, simply delete any messages to prevent them from being visible to prying eyes. This ensures your conversation resembles ephemeral messaging apps like Snapchat, keeping it discreet.
Delete your secret chat for good
When it’s time to wrap up your secret chat, you have a few options. If you initiated the note, you can keep it but restrict editing access. Tap the View Participants button and select Manage Shared Note. From here, you can either swipe left on a participant’s name to hit Remove, or tap their name and select Remove Access.
Alternatively, tapping Stop Sharing removes all participants and deletes the note from their devices. If you’re not the original owner, simply delete the note from your Notes application to erase it from your view.