Apple’s iOS 17 update is surprising people with its innovative features and features. While with notable updates like its standby mode, namedrop, and contact posters, the tech giant has also made some serious changes to the subtle elements, especially the Contact Widget with Call and Message Button. No longer a simple shortcut on the contact page, the widget is now a fully functional communication tool that allows you to instantly call or message your contacts.
Say goodbye to the days of navigating the Contact app and have seamless communication right from your home screen. With iOS 17, Apple has introduced Direct Call and Message buttons on the tiny Contact widget, making it a big part of how you interact with your favorite contacts. Follow the steps below to learn how you can leverage this redesigned feature to its full potential and for a smoother iOS experience.
What is the Contact Widget with Call and Message Buttons?
The Contacts widget in iOS 17 is a neat little feature that allows you to access calls and messages to your favorite contacts right from your home screen or Today View. This feature comes with built-in call and message buttons that you can use to connect with your contact instantly. No more navigating to a contact’s page in the Contacts app anymore. If your contact has multiple points of contact, such as FaceTime or several phone numbers, you can set your preferred mode of communication directly from the widget settings.
Benefits
- Quick Access: Call or message your contacts directly from your home screen or Today View.
- Ease of use: You no longer need to go through the contact information page; Instead you can communicate directly from the widget.
- Personalized settings: If a contact has multiple methods of communication, you can choose your preferred way to connect with it.
Also read – Create Custom Quick Responses in iOS 17
Why Should You Enable this Call or Message Buttons?
While accessing a contact from a widget shortens the journey to the info page, when you make that trip often, it can become very inconvenient. With the new call or message buttons enabled, you can communicate directly from the widget, significantly improving your user experience. This feature is only available for small widgets, so if you want to enjoy this feature with more than one contact, you have to add more widgets.
How to Add Contact Widget with Call and Message Button on iPhone in iOS 17
To take advantage of this new feature, you’ll first need to add a small Contact Widget to your home screen. If you already have one, skip this section.
Add Contact Widget to the Home screen
Follow the steps below to add a contact widget to the home screen of an iPhone running iOS 17:
Long press on the Home screen or Today view until all apps/widgets start to jiggle. Then tap on the “+ icon” in the top left corner.
Then scroll down find, and select the “Contacts” option.
Under Small Widget Preview, tap “Add Widget”.
Tap “Done” after the widget is added to your screen.
Then you have successfully added the contact widget on your screen.
Add a Call and Message Button on the Widget
After you have added the widget, you can add the Call and Message buttons.
Press and hold the “Contacts” widget, then tap “Edit Widget”.
Tap on “Contacts” to add contacts from your phone book here.
Once you select a contact, enable “Show buttons”. Then, tap “Select” to select the call/text method.
If the contact has multiple contact methods, select your preference.
Now you can call or message directly from the widget, but beware of pocket dials!
Wrapping Up
In Conclusion, The call and message button in the contact widget in iOS 17 is a subtle yet effective update that aims to enhance your convenience and improve your user experience. Now, reaching your favorite person is just a tap away from your home screen. Although larger widgets don’t yet have this feature, the convenience offered by the new buttons in smaller widgets definitely makes it a must. Remember, there is no confirmation before making a call or sending a message when using these widget buttons, so keep that in mind to avoid accidental dialing.
FAQs
Unfortunately, No. As of now, only the small Contact Widget supports the direct call and message buttons.
Can I select the method of contact in the widget?
Yes, if your contact has multiple points of contact such as multiple numbers or FaceTime, you can select the method of your choice from the widget settings.
