Composing and Managing Emails on Your iPhone
Writing emails from your iPhone is more powerful and flexible than many people realize. Whether you’re just sending a quick message or need more control over how and when it’s sent, the built-in Mail app offers a range of useful tools. In this article, I’ll walk you through composing messages, formatting text, attaching files, and using features like scheduling and follow-ups. These tools make staying in touch easier and more efficient, right from your iPhone.
Writing a New Email
To start composing a message, open the Mail app and tap the compose icon in the lower-right corner. This brings up a blank email, where you can begin writing immediately. If you already have a draft, tapping this icon will open your last unfinished message. The Mail app makes it easy to jump in and start typing with minimal steps, so you’re never far from sending a message.
Choosing the Recipients
You’ll notice fields for “To,” “Cc,” and “Bcc.” The “To” field is where you type the primary recipients. You can also tap the blue plus button to browse your contacts. If you need to send a copy of the email to others, use the “Cc” field. The “Bcc” field lets you hide recipients from each other—perfect for sending group messages without revealing addresses. Using these fields properly helps ensure your message reaches the right people and respects their privacy.
Changing the Sender
If you have more than one email account set up on your iPhone, you can choose which one to send from. Tap the “From” field and select the account you’d like to use. This is helpful for keeping work and personal emails separate. It also allows you to maintain the right tone and identity when communicating in different roles.
Adding a Subject and Body
Just below the recipient and sender info, you’ll see the Subject line. Add a clear and relevant subject so your recipient knows what the message is about. Below that is the main body of the email, where you can type out your message. Writing a well-organized message with a subject line improves the chances of your email being read and responded to.
Formatting Your Message
To format your email text, select the text you want to style, then use the toolbar that appears. You can change fonts, adjust sizes, bold or italicize, and even create bullet lists. This helps your message look more polished and easier to read. Good formatting can also make your key points stand out, especially in longer emails.
Adding Attachments and Drawings
Need to include a photo or document? Tap inside the body of the message, then choose “Insert Photo or Video” or “Add Attachment.” You can also scan a document or even add a drawing using your finger. These options allow you to include exactly what your recipient needs without switching apps or using another device.
Saving a Draft
If you’re not ready to send the message, you can save it as a draft. Tap “Cancel” in the upper left, then choose “Save Draft.” To return to it later, press and hold the compose icon to see a list of drafts. This is especially helpful when you need to gather more information before finishing a message or if you get interrupted.
Scheduling a Message
You can now schedule an email to be sent later. When you’re ready to send, press and hold the blue send arrow. You’ll see options to send it later today, tomorrow, or at a custom time. This is especially handy for writing emails in advance or reaching people at the right moment. It’s a great tool for staying organized and respectful of others’ time zones.
Undoing a Sent Email
If you accidentally hit send too soon, you now have a short window to undo it. After sending, a small “Undo Send” option will appear at the bottom of the screen. Tap it quickly to bring the message back as a draft. This feature can save you from sending a message with a typo or incomplete thought.
Replying, Forwarding, and Blocking
When reading an email, you can tap the reply icon to reply, reply all, or forward the message. You also have the option to block the sender if you’re getting unwanted emails. This helps cut down on spam and distractions, keeping your inbox focused and manageable.
Printing an Email
You can print an email directly from your iPhone. Tap the reply icon, scroll down, and choose “Print.” If you have a printer connected via AirPrint, you’ll be able to select it and send the job wirelessly. It’s a useful option when you need a hard copy of travel plans, receipts, or other important documents.
Using Remind Me
The Remind Me feature allows you to set a time for a message to return to your inbox. This is great for messages you want to handle later without forgetting them. Swipe left on an email and choose “Remind Me,” or tap the reply icon and pick a time. It’s a convenient way to keep your inbox organized without losing track of important messages.
Following Up on Sent Emails
If you send an email and haven’t received a reply, your iPhone may automatically suggest a follow-up. This appears at the top of your inbox and gives you a quick way to check in with the recipient. It’s a helpful nudge that ensures important conversations don’t slip through the cracks.
Signatures and Personalization
Want to personalize your messages? You can create and manage signatures for different accounts. Go to Settings > Mail > Signatures to edit or add new ones. You can set a default for all accounts or customize by account. Adding a signature makes your emails look more professional and saves time with common sign-offs.
Wrapping Up
The Mail app on your iPhone makes it easy to do more than just send basic messages. With tools like formatting, scheduling, attachments, and follow-ups, you can manage your email communication more efficiently and professionally. Taking a few minutes to explore these features can greatly improve how you stay in touch with others.