Why Haven’t You Enabled This Essential iOS Feature

Consider this a Public Service Announcement for a significant iOS feature you’re likely not using. Why do I think you’re not using this feature? Because, based on my contacts, most people aren’t. My contacts don’t provide a broad sample size, but I’m willing to take the bet.

iOS makes it easy (and preferred) to share your contact name and photo with others. This feature ensures your messages list is filled with color and not a bunch of grey initials. It’s a minor feature, but it makes using the phone much more pleasant.

I requested contact photo sharing years ago while testing a previous beta version of iOS. About three years ago, Apple added the feature to iOS. I was ecstatic and saw the future of graphical messages and the lack of missing profile pictures would soon be days of the past. It wasn’t.

Here’s how to activate this amazing feature:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Messages
3. Tap Share Name and Photos
4. Go nuts

Please, for the love of everything holy, enable contact sharing. Turn those boring initials into a photo. Show off your personality. Be creative.

That’s it. That’s the whole post. Thank’s for hearing me out.