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Aug 12, 2007 | By Chris | Tags: , , |   113
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Update: The SMS Preview privacy issue is now resolved as of the iPhone 3.0 software update.

In my original iPhone review, I complained about having little privacy on the iPhone when receiving incoming text messages.

When you receive an SMS message on your iPhone, a preview of the message content pops up on the screen, and you can choose to either view it or ignore it. While this “SMS Preview” feature may be very convenient, it could be troublesome if a friend or family member is playing with your cool new gadget and a message you’d rather have remained private pops up on your screen — ouch!

iPhone SMS Preview

Well today I was browsing through the iPhone Settings menu, and I came across a “Show SMS Preview” ON/OFF button. The only problem is, the option to turn off SMS Preview is available only when you set a Passcode Lock for your iPhone via Settings >> General >> Passcode Lock.

Since I’d rather not have to deal with entering a password every time I want to use my phone, I set the Require Passcode field to “After 1 hour,” so that I’ll only have to enter it at most once an hour. Really, though, I rarely go 60 minutes without using my iPhone for something, so I’m hardly ever prompted for a Passcode.

Now when I receive a text message, the iPhone displays the name of the sender and “Text Message,” rather than an excerpt of the message content.

iPhone Text Message

I’m glad to have discovered this option, but I would really like to be able to turn off SMS Previews on the iPhone without having to set a Passcode Lock. What about you?

New: Has SMS Preview gotten you into trouble? Share your awkward or embarrassing stories here.

Update: A third-party app called Caterpillar solves iPhone’s SMS privacy issue. Click to read my review of the Caterpillar app’s Privacy feature.

  Subscribe to Apple iPhone Review for iPhone insights, reviews and how-to's.

113 Comments So Far...

Dimitrios Scott
Dimitrios Scott
Aug 14, 2007 @ 1:47 pm

There is a work around, enable the password lock feature then turn off preview. then turn off the password feature, the preview feature will remain off.

Chris
Aug 15, 2007 @ 1:41 pm

Thanks Dimitrios, but actually I tried that just now and the SMS Preview feature did not remain off.

Dimitrios Scott
Dimitrios Scott
Aug 16, 2007 @ 12:44 pm

Sorry to hear that,it was working before the software update,I know because use to set the password feature before my wife started asking why I lock my phone ,lol . Well maybe Apple inc. will fix this problem along with other short comings of the iPhone if they ever get off there over priced lazy tails. Strike that last part,I don’t want them to think I’m slandering them, As if.

blaq_advocate
blaq_advocate
Nov 5, 2007 @ 7:13 pm

Thanks for the tip!!!!

Steve
Steve
Nov 14, 2007 @ 3:39 pm

Nice find! Now if only they would add an option to turn off the ‘SMS sender preview’… Or ignore/deny incoming SMS from certain numbers? Then I would be happy. Just add all the numbers I don’t want to a contact named ‘Annoying Texters’, and set that one to ignore… Or perhaps, a nice feature would be a whitelist, where I add the numbers of people who I do want texting me, and deny the rest of the world! Peace at last! No more “Free Messages”!

christian
christian
Nov 30, 2007 @ 8:12 am

this is proving to be a particularly dangerous privacy issue…

I may be showing someone an internet page or map details and suddenly the partial message pops up with private details.

even tho the passlock can be turned on, it makes for a pain in the neck extra step when turning it on.

I really hope this gets attention in the next update and that only a small icon appears informing you that you have a message rather than posting it for the world to see when your showing off your iphone.

anonymous
anonymous
Dec 26, 2007 @ 11:16 pm

the preview thing helps…
but really anyone can just accidentally
hit messages on the touch screen and read
a whole conversation with somebody
and i dont like to have to worry about that
i wish you could just lock one application like
on motoraolas i can just lock my texts
it woul dbe a lot easier

Mike
Mike
Jan 6, 2008 @ 5:54 am

DEFINATELY they need to make the previw/name only/whatever pop-up go away, or give us the option to turn it completely off. Christian is def on target. Even with the message off, I still don’t need others knowing everyone who is texting me. That one time it happens and you don’t want it, you’ll become a believer.

ivan
Jan 11, 2008 @ 8:58 pm

hey dude! how can i lock text message inbox ? as i do in my motorola… … is there any way to lock text message inbox and outbox without lock al the iphone aplications?

ci
ci
Jan 21, 2008 @ 5:39 am

This method only partially works…meaning if the phone is unlocked and in use you still get the full text message preview/notification

Caz
Caz
Feb 7, 2008 @ 11:46 am

i find the MOST annoying thing and the best thing is having the whole conversastion saved. my boyfirend lives away so we contact alot by SMS. you can easily fill up your message box with whole conversations. i would love to be able to just delete some messages like “good night” and keep others like on all other phones.
does anyone have any idea if this is possible with deleting the WHOLE conversation???

thanx in advance.
C

diana
diana
Feb 7, 2008 @ 11:56 am

personally I think the whole texting thing is evil. You people out there that have to lock your phones from people texting you shows you are not trusting to your wife/gf. I leave my phone out for my bf to look through because I have nothing to hide. If you have to lock your phone or keep texting secretive, obviously you have trust issues or you are sneaking around.

jackie
jackie
Feb 7, 2008 @ 12:26 pm

The phone is so expensive you would think that it would have all the little think that other phones have like, privacy settings and speed dial for those number you use all the time. There are many steps you have to go through just to dial. I kind of regret buying this phone.

KJ
KJ
Feb 7, 2008 @ 1:00 pm

I agree with everyone. The most annoying thing is when one of my children pick up my phone and can see the entire conversation between me and whoever!!! i dont understand why there isnt an option to change the view of the conversation at least. Who cares about the ability to move the icons around. WHAT ABOUT PRIVACY!!!!!!

j
j
Feb 7, 2008 @ 1:03 pm

Is there a way to contact Apple to let them know a ‘SMS preview off’ feature is something we want?

Courtney
Courtney
Feb 7, 2008 @ 1:04 pm

I totally agree with Christian! I actually already wrote in to Apple about this issue. I think a small icon appearing would be MUCH better, rather then showing who is texting or WHAT they are texting! That was something I immediately disliked. I hope that is in the next update!

Nyprg
Nyprg
Feb 7, 2008 @ 1:16 pm

You’re right ci.

The dang texts still show in full preview if you have the phone in use even with the preview turned off.

So, if someone is using my phone they’re still gonna be able to read my business! Darn…

blank
blank
Feb 7, 2008 @ 3:18 pm

after you change your settings turn your phone off than back on

Samantha
Samantha
Feb 7, 2008 @ 3:31 pm

I agree! I don’t like these feature. It’s not an issue of my girlfriend reading my texts, it’s an issue of people still being excited over my iPhone (like in my office where I work) and them reading things they really don’t have any business reading.

Bill
Bill
Feb 7, 2008 @ 4:08 pm

Okay. So I have read the issues with Text Privacy. For all of you that have the IPhone- Do you think it is worth the money. I am looking at the new 16g, just not 100% sure if I want to spend that cash. However, I need a new phone and I would like to get an Ipod or ITouch. Worth it or not??? Thx!!

[...] owners may want to change their SMS preview settings to make incoming text messaging more private. Apple iPhone Review has very well written instructions on how to do [...]

Chris
Chris
Feb 8, 2008 @ 3:57 am

I think it’s about time Apple fix this.

Ayja
Ayja
Feb 14, 2008 @ 3:40 pm

Diana, Get a life, if we want to sneak around and hide or whatever its our business the issue been discussed here is privacy.

JS
JS
Feb 16, 2008 @ 12:24 pm

Lighten up, Diana. We may also be planning a surprise party for the significant other.

maybe not…

sil
sil
Feb 22, 2008 @ 11:35 am

PLS!!!! I need this darn thing of,…, it is very frustrateing, just do like every other phone out there!!! it is simple,.. it is amazing how such a cool thing could be soo stupid!! I need privacy

Patrick Conner
Feb 27, 2008 @ 6:41 pm

My option to do this didnt work. I put in the code, changed the option to turn off sms preview and it still shows.. I have hard reset the phone and soft reset the phone and it still shows it when the message comes through.. can anyone help me.. I sent the note below to apple.. I think it would be great to have to put in a code (4) digits to get into my pictures or my sms or my mail.. that way it would keep them private.. I cant believe there hasnt been a hack or anything for this.

Can you please please please… put in a lock down like the passcode for every application.. like have a setting in General that says lockdown or what ever and have it be able to scroll through all the aps and be able to put a lock on it. So if I lend my phone to a freind to make a call he cant hit SMS icon and get right into my messages or main or photos.. this way if you want to lock it down (IF) you can simple put in your 4 digit code after you click on that app and then you get into it great… that would make the iphone so so so so much more private.. omg I would love it..

Patrick Conner

Booger
Booger
Mar 6, 2008 @ 4:20 pm

I had a Treo 650 that had this option. Best thing in the world when your seeing mutiple women…I mean…

Sean
Sean
Mar 12, 2008 @ 11:49 pm

Just a Heads up!

On 1.1.3 even if you turn the SMS preview off, if ur phone is left on the home screen it still shows a preview. But if u put the phone on standby, eg. “Slide to Unlock” screen and you recieve a text msg, it will just show the sender. Apple really needs to fix this because it is a total invasion of privacy! almost as bad as a facebook inbox you forgot to log out of.

jb
jb
Mar 18, 2008 @ 12:33 pm

I want to disable all SMS notification. Period. How???

Patrick Conner
Mar 18, 2008 @ 9:11 pm

Right now the only thing you can do is use Catapiler or what ever it is called to block SMS… And that is ok but I want to be able to block SMS and Email and SMS by putting in a passcode to be able to get to them. This way no one can see anything.. But for now Catapiler is the only one that is working for blocking SMS nothing more and to me that isnt worth the money yet it takes to pay for Catapiler.. IF you want to know anything else let me know

ken
ken
Mar 22, 2008 @ 6:35 pm

Diana, You are very high and mighty…. and self righteous, and not very polite.
What about when you kid brother is checking out your iphone and your glorious trustworthy boyfriend texts you with something personal and perhaps (dare i say) even naughty? Or do you have issues with that too?!
You shouldn’t judge people Diana.

Tom
Mar 23, 2008 @ 1:33 pm

The problem (not being able to turn off SMS notifications) becomes particularly annoying if one uses the iPhone to follow more than a few prolific people on services like Twitter. In this case, the issue isn’t a concern about privacy or a desire to hide anything from anyone. Instead the problem is that the iPhone becomes hostage to a constant stream of SMS notifications that interrupt every other use – music, email, calendar, whatever.

Rochelle
Rochelle
Mar 24, 2008 @ 6:54 am

Sorry guys, just made it more easy to read

Steps To Disable SMS Preview
1. Go to the Settings Menu

2. Click on General (Diagram 1.0)

3. Click on the Passcode Lock Menu

4. If you have not enabled the Passcode Lock function, then you need to enable it by entering the desired Passcode number combination twice

5. Once the Passcode Lock has been engaged an extended menu will be displayed

Slide the SMS Preview switch to the OFF position to disable the SMS Preview function.

6. If you would like to disable SMS Preview but not have to enter a Passcode every time you use your iPhone, then a workaround is to set your iPhone to only require your Passcode after a given time, e.g. after 4 hours

Chris
Mar 24, 2008 @ 7:48 am

Thanks for summarizing, Rochelle :)

Red
Red
Apr 7, 2008 @ 8:56 am

Make sure the SMS preview is turned off.
Then go to General/settings/reset/reset network settings……………reset
It should work now

[...] owners may want to change their SMS preview settings to make incoming text messaging more private. Apple iPhone Review has instructions on how to do [...]

e.r.1010
e.r.1010
Jun 16, 2008 @ 2:10 am

the sms preview off function is only effective before you enter your passcode…it doesnt work when you are using the phone or at the home screen which is completley pointless because if I dont want privacy when my phone is lying around with a passcode… I also want privacy when it is in use.

Patrick Conner
Jun 16, 2008 @ 7:33 pm

Yes you would think that people would want practical stuff on the iphone like this and privacy from email and photos also… I cant find a reason why no one is putting someting out… IT would sell big bucks..

Chris
Jun 23, 2008 @ 8:35 am

I agree, Patrick. Like I mentioned in the article, there is the Caterpillar app which works really well for making text messages private.

But that is for a jailbroken iPhone. Maybe we’ll see an official app for this in the App Store next month. Thanks for your comment.

insOma
insOma
Jul 4, 2008 @ 11:31 pm

Chris wrote: “Since I’d rather not have to deal with entering a password every time I want to use my phone. . .”

You could also try setting the password to 0000, or something similar that you can enter really quickly.

Jackie wrote: “The phone is so expensive you would think that it would have all the little think that other phones have like, privacy settings and speed dial for those number you use all the time.”

Thats what the “favorites” tab is for when you open the phone application. You can easily add/delete numbers as you need to and dial them with one touch.

John
John
Jul 11, 2008 @ 1:56 pm

The Passcode is alo mandatory for Exchange. That’s understandable, but a real pain every time you use the iPhone. Couldn’t the passcode be set to certain areas, like mail, or SMS?

John
John
Jul 11, 2008 @ 2:01 pm

to clarify – Got the Exchange mail to work, however for security purposes, the phone mandates you set a passcode to operate the phone. The swap bar to open requires the passcode. Well I quickly got rid of my corporate Exchange mailbox. Who needs that pain to use the phone, six characters, including number and special character

nicks
nicks
Jul 11, 2008 @ 3:09 pm

I dont want nothing to show up at all…IM a PIMP i cant afford for any names to pop up at all…someone help ya boy out

safeword is jesus
safeword is jesus
Jul 23, 2008 @ 2:07 pm

I change all my gf’s names to guy’s names + turn preview off.
Password is always on after lock.
Usually something wrong with my phone when people want to see pics. Haven’t had an embarrassing moment yet. Fingers crossed.

RedViagra
RedViagra
Jul 25, 2008 @ 9:08 am

When someone wants to see your phone, or if it’s laying around, set the phone to airplane mode. This will prolong data until you get out of airplane mode. This is the best work around I can think of at this time… I feel you guys, trust me, this option can screw up alot of relationships.. Honestly, this is a real big problem and issue.. they need to fix this.. I paid alot of money for this phone.. I let my blackberry go for this phone.. Please fix this..

zompie
zompie
Jul 29, 2008 @ 5:44 am

I think safeword has come up with the best short term solution! But let’s hope Apple hurry up and release an update to address this shortcoming – soon!

bill
bill
Aug 1, 2008 @ 2:28 pm

I swear to god I just lost my girlfriend over this stupid SMS preview.

Brutal.

unknown2u
unknown2u
Aug 10, 2008 @ 8:27 am

holy crap you people are fricken morons. IF YOU DONT WANT TO CAUGHT THEN DONT DO IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!

There is NO INVASION OF PRIVACY because apple isn’t tapping into your phone.

You say not having a SMS preview on/off function is privacy invasion.

Hello dip shits…are you on drugs for fucks sake you’re obviously getting up to no good because you want to hide your secrets.

And I bet you’re all yanks too. So damn paranoid.

Think about what you’re doing BEFORE you blame someone or something, like the iPhone, or apple.

Show some respect for the amazing technology created by apple…for people like you.

AND GET OVER IT AND GET A FUCKING LIFE LOSERS.

sen
sen
Aug 11, 2008 @ 10:01 pm

i been trying to set my messages to private since i got the 3g, yesterday, i’ve tried everything that everyone is saying but nothing just works, i want my messages to always be private, i dont have anything to hide i just dont want everybody able to just look at my stuff. this phone really should have something as simple as a privacy mode that stays on. its supposed to be the best phone, but it has none of the REALLY important stuff like all other phones

sen
sen
Aug 11, 2008 @ 10:03 pm

and it really sucks that you lost you g/f over this bill…u should complain to Apple

Preview guy
Preview guy
Aug 13, 2008 @ 10:22 am

this feature will get you sucker punched like Bill… I’m glad you can turn that preview off because it is dangerous. You’ve got to set a lock and turn preview off.

If the wife asks tell her you have to lock it in case you lose your phone or someone at work picks it up..

DouginIndy
DouginIndy
Aug 18, 2008 @ 8:49 am

It’s all been said already.

However, to clarify for some of the idiots that think that people feel that we’re complaining about rights being violated … it’s simply a matter of I want to be able to show my mom stuff on my phone and not have one of my brothers-in-law text me something my mom might not appreciate.

All I want is to hear a simple tone (selectable by myself) to let me know that I have a text message. There is already a number that shows up on the SMS icon letting me know how many texts I have that haven’t been read.

I can’t imagine that this is such a difficult feature. I also can’t imagine that there are many people out there that would have requested to have a preview of text messages if it didn’t already exist.

I’m not even going to question why we still don’t have Multimedia Messaging yet.

liz
liz
Aug 23, 2008 @ 7:49 pm

Diana, just because we want there to be more of a privacy issue does not mean that we are cheating on our spouses, etc… This is a feature that has been blatantly overlooked by Apple and needs to be fixed, asap. Personally, I do not want co-workers (or anyone else for that matter) knowing what I do in my private life. In particular, I have a friend who loves to tell me about his crazy weekends- do I want anyone to see this? NO!!! Good for you for being honest and what not, but that doesn’t mean you need to slam everyone.

~B~
~B~
Aug 27, 2008 @ 4:54 pm

Please somebody find a fix for this!!! My son saw a preview text message from a friend that was NOT appropriate!! I just got this phone and I really like it but this should be an easy fix!!!!

Steve
Steve
Sep 2, 2008 @ 11:12 am

I suggest people use the feedback form at Apple -

http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

Flood them with complaints, they’ll fix it. Other than that and multimedia messaging it is a brilliant device.

And if the dopes have no clue of what privacy is yet, then you need to think before you open your mouth and make a fool out of yourself.

Kimmy
Kimmy
Sep 5, 2008 @ 9:49 am

Here is my solution, only works with jailbroken iPhones though (my phone is 1.1.4 firmware). Go into installer, install a program called “Pysl”,then install another program called “taskbar notifier”, now reboot your phone. A new icon for the Psyl program should appear, run the program, set “pysl enable” to on, then go into settings, where it says “sms pop up”, press it to on, now press the home button, reboot the phone once more, now hopefully when u get an sms you’ll get tone/vibrate, a number will appear above the text icon, and a small bubble will appear in the status bar, no pop up should appear. works for me. Good Luck. Kim.

pearly baker
pearly baker
Sep 14, 2008 @ 5:22 pm

diana – i think you are a paranoid madwoman.

who said they were hiding their texts from their wives/girlfriends? nobody. you just assumed that is what people meant.

what if i am receiving sensitive information about my wife’s pregnancy – and nobody knows about it yet – and i am showing a friend a youtube video on my iphone?

i don’t necessarily want him to see “It’s a boy!” before he even knows she is pregnant.

there are a million other innocent reasons why this would bother people.

your idea that it is simply based on trust issues with a wife or girlfriend are truly delusional and scary. i am willing to bet you have been cheated on before, and now you relate everything in the world to that experience.

sad.

MB
MB
Sep 16, 2008 @ 7:16 am

Why does it matter what peoples reasons are? It is your business. I work in a industry that is VERY cut throat and can not afford to lose any info that was meant for my eyes only

matt sinclair
matt sinclair
Sep 19, 2008 @ 7:51 am

I have a girlfriend/wife at the moment. I need my txt’s private. I am a data analyst for a medicare company and federal HIPPA laws require any sensitive info be pw protected…simple as that. I cant have someone msg me a members name and have it show (not likely to happen, but could). This “feature” definately is bad. Does the psyl fix work on v2.1 too?

matt sinclair
matt sinclair
Sep 19, 2008 @ 7:52 am

s/I have/I DONT have/

Cock
Cock
Sep 22, 2008 @ 7:54 am

You are bunch of shite faces. Most people here have a ligitimate large number of reasons why they need to hide the auto sms preview!!!! You make me mad!! Thinking of hiding them from my wife – that thought didnt even enter my head. It so happens that my wife may send me private texts on her lunch break and I dont want my work colleages at the desk beside me seeing that!!!!

And thats only one such reason.

MBiehn
MBiehn
Sep 22, 2008 @ 2:47 pm

unknown2u!!! You’re such a moron or narrow-minded. It’s not only about cheating. use your imagination. I don’t have to cheat on anybody. Simple situation: my kid reading a message from my wife (his mother) that tells how eager she is to do a blowjob tonight. Same thing in the office. I suppose my boss knows very well my wife does a blowjob but he doesnt have to read that. PERIOD. My wife signs up to this post…

Brenda
Sep 22, 2008 @ 6:56 pm

Or how about texting your spouse about birthday/holiday gift ideas and your child sees it?

Kev
Kev
Sep 24, 2008 @ 2:03 pm

Mmm, I don’t like the fact that any Tom Dick or Harry can see a preview of my texts, it’s not right. It’s like having the Royal Mail insist that all letters and parcels come in clear polly bags. I think we all have the right to huff and puff about this flaw in the iphone software. I wonder if it’s a breach of my Human rights. Mmmm

toxa
toxa
Sep 30, 2008 @ 3:00 am

Kimmy>>> thanks, works for me perfectly. Only with PYSL. Free, easy.

vc
vc
Oct 6, 2008 @ 9:44 am

yeah, I’m a designer and I interviewed a photographer. My GF tested me “so was the guy any good?” my husband had a FIT! Took 20 min to explain- ended up showing him whole conversation between my GF and I ugh!

hide_that_sms
hide_that_sms
Oct 7, 2008 @ 7:06 pm

Cant believe that are that many that want to NOT show sms as much as i do.
It has nothing to do with hiding anything.
Its my damn device, i want to not have by conversations in public.

I used to have a nokia phone and sms msgs could be placed into a sub folder. That was a nice touch. Really miss that feature on the iphone !

Guy in Japan
Guy in Japan
Oct 8, 2008 @ 8:59 pm

In Japan all the Cellphones have the ability to create SECRET folders, then you can make a “rule” for the setting to take certain addresses and attach them to the folder. So if you get a message from a person on the list, the message goes right to the secret folder and no preview or alert is given to you about the message. The little envelope icon will be shown but no alerts. When my Salaryman students got the new iphone they were completely shocked and awed that this expensive phone had nothing like this. Now their wives(settle down Diane) will know about their girlfriends. hahahaha. Personally I love having my I-touch. All the features and my battery will outlast yours because I’m never searching for networks….

Jole Fok
Jole Fok
Oct 13, 2008 @ 10:45 pm

Dear,

Can you help me send your iphone application to me for turn off “SMS” function, many thanks !

mate
mate
Oct 17, 2008 @ 2:28 pm

hey guys, I have the FULL solution…. email me at matematkovic@gmail.com

All the best,

Tphone
Tphone
Oct 26, 2008 @ 4:04 pm

I often show videos on my iphone to clients and business associates etc. (I work in video production and the iphone is a handy tool to have – it IS my calling card). However, in the middle of a video I have had some pretty racy and sappy msgs from girlfriends pop up or stupid stuff from some of my punk friends! MAN, talk about embarrassing!! Luckily nothing too graphic thus far but I can’t be taking any chances. SMS preview is OFF on my phone :)

KB
KB
Oct 28, 2008 @ 6:16 pm

Hi,
Ii have the older version of the IPhone and I do not have the Installer icon on my phone, so I can’t go and fix my SMS issue. Attached is the link to the IClarified and the instructions on how to make your phone more private in terms of receiving SMSs in case you have the Installer.
http://www.iclarified.com/entry/index.php?enid=636

K

Demsone
Demsone
Oct 29, 2008 @ 7:32 pm

I don’t like this major bug which apple seem to be nothing about. Why was this issue overseen prior to the release? Or is this a feature to cater for the look at me generation who have decided that privacy issues is trivial and not important (facebook et al) its not that i’m hiding things its just i am a very private person and i don’t think its necessary to have my msg on show for the whole world to read. It’s a very important bug that needs to be fixed ASAP along with some of the other annoying discrepancies. I am starting to think that this ipod with a phone feature is a complete waste of time. Again another mac product that follows their mantra of “Form over Function” and the sad thing is i am now stuck with this phone due to being on a plan.

g_wiz
g_wiz
Nov 14, 2008 @ 5:28 am

It’s irrelevant what someone’s reason is to not want the SMS preview to pop up, and all of us apparently have the need, as we’re all on this page. Anyway, if anyone figures out a way to eliminate the preview on a 3G altogether, (the pass-code lock option is lame) without jailbreak, please share the secret.
Thanks

Ryan13
Ryan13
Nov 25, 2008 @ 7:29 pm

I had my iPhone set up so SMS preview was off and you also could not see who the person that sent the text was. It simply read “Text Message”. Ever since the new update (2.2) I can turn SMS preview off but the name of the sender shows up! Can anyone help me out?

MJA
MJA
Nov 27, 2008 @ 11:11 am

I have just recently updated my 3G and before this update when I recieved SMS, the bubble stated NEW TEXT MESSAGE, and only that. Now after the update, it states the above and the sender. Does anyone know how I can not have the sender’s name pop up and simply state NEW TEST MESSAGE?

THANKS!!!

Royalsiam
Royalsiam
Nov 28, 2008 @ 11:06 am

Just updated my Iphone software to the latest version 2.2 and although with the SMS preview in the “Off” setting, the name of the SMS sender now shows up without showing the SMS message.

In the last software version, when SMS preview was in the “Off” setting, and the phone locked, the message flashed up was “New Text Message” – which is preferable….Weird how Apple forgot what the previous software version was doing !!

MJA
MJA
Dec 7, 2008 @ 10:26 pm

I agree! I have sent a complaint about this, but you are right, it seems that updates should be exactly that. This version seems as if it backpeddled a bit with some functions! I am sure that we will have a new version coming soon that will hopefully address this issue. Is there a certain time span or criteria that these new versions are released? Or is it just until they are tired of hearing everyones complaints?

Iain
Iain
Dec 16, 2008 @ 3:34 pm

Thanks – perfect advice

SG
SG
Dec 18, 2008 @ 10:59 pm

I have the same regression complaint with regard to the latest software that doesn’t just say ‘New Text Message.’ Irritating…any update?

Sakschul
Sakschul
Dec 25, 2008 @ 11:57 pm

This problem is so true. Apple need to revisit the text app and re-do it. Make it simple – too marly of an app.

Jossie
Jossie
Dec 31, 2008 @ 12:18 pm

Thanks so much! i really needed this and i didnt know what to search up but as soon as i typed iphone sms privacy it came right up. thanks again!

Elaine
Jan 5, 2009 @ 5:20 am

Thanks just what I was looking for, private once again.

Jemstar
Jemstar
Jan 5, 2009 @ 1:03 pm

Diana and unknown (also probably diana):
No one here has to justify their reasons to you. You are the one who needs to get a life.
But to show you that it isn’t about cheating as you claim, I had to call my boyfriend to tell him not to message me anything racey because I had little cousins playing crash bandicoot on my iPhone at a family reunion. I spent the whole night paranoid.
So calm the f@@k down, you make us women look crazy.

Freiteez
Freiteez
Jan 6, 2009 @ 6:10 pm

Hey everyone there is a 3rd party app(means you gotta jailbreak) that lets you block it. Its called iBlacklist. When you install it, it will say its unregistered but it will still work. You can turn the notification off and then it works just like email. Whenever you get a text, just a number goes up by SMS instead of a notification showing the entire message. Hope this helps!

Rachel
Rachel
Jan 8, 2009 @ 1:36 am

Just got an iphone, so annoying having name of who text message is from. And no time date on some txts, and the ablity to not delete some txts from the conversation! The other annoying this is it doesn’t tell you how many characters in the txt, so hard to tell if you’re going over 2 txts. Also, can txts be forwarded?? Previously had a smartphone, it had much smarter txting functions. I’m glad that there’s software on this ph, cos hopefully these things wil be fixed without having to buy a whole new handset????

Mr E
Mr E
Jan 10, 2009 @ 10:46 am

I’m not too fussed about the preview but I would prefer if I could put a passcode on my inbox, I don’t have anything to hide but I don’t like it that any one can read all my messages from my partner or who ever. Is there no way of just having a four digit lock on the SMS function?

Courtney
Courtney
Feb 7, 2009 @ 3:35 pm

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!

ladoie
ladoie
Feb 28, 2009 @ 5:40 am

there is an APP lockdown in Cydia but to get this APP you have to jailbrake your iPhone first, than install cydia and than in cydia find lockdown. with this APP u can set passcode on every APP you want (sms, email, phonebook, etc.)

Jo
Jo
Mar 26, 2009 @ 7:55 am

Brilliant mate! thanx a lot!!!!!!!!!!!

jonh
jonh
Mar 28, 2009 @ 3:10 pm

this trick works only if your iphone is not active, if you or anyone plays with it an sms will show up as usual – the whole text word by word…

brad
brad
Apr 26, 2009 @ 3:21 pm

people are complaining that they cant put it on without putting passlock on , well simple solution , keep a pass lock on , its always handy to have it on coz …
1. if you mate robs your phone trying to read texts he cant
2.say you loose your phone (touch wood you dont ) but then someone cant get into it and rack up you call bills
3.if none of the above is going to happen and u still want the feature of no text preview then just set the pass lock as 1111 then its much easyier and you get what you want

Megnmari
Megnmari
May 3, 2009 @ 5:02 pm

All u have to do is download realSMStext and iBlacklist off of cydia and u can hide just about anything ;)

Regina
Regina
Jun 21, 2009 @ 9:39 am

Hi Rochelle,

I just got the iPHONE 3GS. I am very new to iPhone.
I have software version 3.0 and I can’t see the slide to turn off SMS Preview. There is no option to do this so I am unable to disable it. Any words of wisdom?

-Rita

Jess
Jess
Jun 21, 2009 @ 9:06 pm

Rita,

I just downloaded the new software and I found the option under settings, then messages.

Jess

P -squared
P -squared
Jun 22, 2009 @ 9:14 pm

I get a text message pop up when I get a new text message in the middle of something i am doing! I just want the little red icon notification and no text message pop up. This notification pop up is sooooo damn annoying that it makes you want to break the iphone! i just want an option to turn that pop up screen to be off! is that too much to ask? a simple red icon with a number indicating text messages received in the text message app would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!

~B~
~B~
Jun 24, 2009 @ 2:16 pm

P-squared…we feel your pain!!! It is sooo frustrating!! I was hoping the new software would fix this problem…but NO!!! I was thinking about getting a new iPhone but I’m so frustrated about this one issue that I may consider buying a Blackberry instead!! Ugh!!!

Marius
Marius
Jun 26, 2009 @ 8:16 am

yeah… iblacklist… :D
it is great, no more sms notification!!! :)
in addition you can install notifier for minimum notification without any popup.

onesolution
onesolution
Jun 27, 2009 @ 9:37 pm

I think Diana is crying now. . . . =o( .. . . .

P -squared
P -squared
Jun 27, 2009 @ 10:32 pm

i had a blackberry and i’m considering going back to my blackberry curve!!! one of the best phone i ever had. it would run for days without me charging it so many times and there is no pop up freaking notification annoying me when im browsing rather a light blinking!!!!!!

Renee
Renee
Jun 28, 2009 @ 5:22 pm

Hi. Im Renee im doing a project on iPhone’s . got any infoo for me (:

Jason
Jul 7, 2009 @ 4:51 am

I’ve read all these posts, and need a solution because I have a girlfriend (only 1!), and a 7 year old son who I like to let use my new iphone for the games… BUT:

My god, who’d want to be married to or dating Diane or UNKNOWN.. I mean they’d always be checking if you’re cheating! You’d never get to use your phone because they’d always be on it in your messages…

James
James
Jul 13, 2009 @ 8:00 am

damn… today my gf spot my ex sending me an sms. now i have 2 ex. :(

Selvi
Selvi
Jul 31, 2009 @ 10:10 pm

I have 3Gs. I was playing with my txts and noticed there is an “edit” button on the top. If you push edit button, you can erase some txt and leave the others, so you dont have to keep the whole conversation…

pryanka
pryanka
Aug 4, 2009 @ 6:31 pm

i have d original version of the iphone and suddenly i noticed tat i can send messages and it sucessfully reaches the person i send it to but i cant recieve their reply.. i cant get their reply …plz help me out i am totally confused what do i do?

Johnny
Johnny
Sep 4, 2009 @ 10:15 am

This whole privacy thing is a major issue, Apple are clearly not listening to their customers.
They have a fantastic product but need to take a closer look at Nokia and the additional phone settings they offer.

senduc
senduc
Sep 8, 2009 @ 11:15 am

diana is a loser. she doesn’t even have a boyfriend. she’s pretending, it’s all in her head. she doesn’t even have an iphone. diana is actually a man. he/she is crazy in the head.

private
Sep 9, 2009 @ 9:45 am

I have an issue with all you people that need to lock your phones and “secretly” text what did you all do before these “wonderful features” ?? …. You have trust issues and should not be with the people you are with if you need to lock your phones.
What are you hiding ?? and if you women out there have husbands/bf locking their phones … you should wonder why ????

Doug
Doug
Sep 9, 2009 @ 11:02 am

Seriously? My iPhone isn’t the catalyst of the openess in my relationships with those in my life. However, I have conversations with people that I would prefer to keep private from time-to-time. As well, pop-up interrupts my work frequently when I’m using my iPhone to show a client a sneek-peek at my portfolio. I would much prefer not having to have people interrupting a conversation I’m having with their texts. And, what if that text is coming from a prospective client’s competition? How does that go unexplained? I wonder if I should be curious about my wife’s iPhone as well? You bring up a good point, maybe SHE has something to hide as well? Or is it only men that cheat in your world?

MBiehn
MBiehn
Sep 10, 2009 @ 3:06 am

Hey “private”! Read all the posts first before adding your comments. The subject has been discussed already and it is not only about cheating but also about professional data beeing exposed, about your boss reading your wife’s sms that’s says she wants to give you a blowjob when you come back home and other stuff like this. The reasons could be many and if the only reason for you is cheating on somebody then probably you have a big problem being honest. Consider this and stop posting duplicates.

Jeevan | GFO
Sep 20, 2009 @ 1:38 pm

Damn this option isnt available in 2.0

Balls
Balls
Sep 24, 2009 @ 12:03 am

Thnx For da help U rox.

Ewik
Ewik
Oct 22, 2009 @ 6:56 pm

Just put your phone in AIRPLANE MODE when people are around. The phone can still be played with curious people and you can guarantee no naughty texts or calls will come in. Works as a temp fix at least… Just turn off airplane mode every so often to see what you missed when you are in the bathroom or something. :D

Speak Your Mind

Feel free to ask for assistance in the comments, however I do not always have the time to help troubleshoot issues.