When you welcome an iMessage from an strange party , how does subject matter distinguish that person for you if they ’re not already in your contact ? Apple has a backchannel in its proprietary multimedia system texting system that transmits your name and image to the recipient ground on configurations you could control .
In iOS / iPadOS , go toSettings > Messages > ShareNameandPhoto ; in macOS , loose Messages and go toMessages > druthers > General(Monterey and earlier ) orMessages > preferences > General(Ventura or subsequently ) .
you could start up by enabling or invalid sharing your name and profile image : utilize the Name and Photo Sharing flip in iOS / iPadOS and the Share Name and Photo checkbox in macOS . When disabled , these item are n’t shared with hoi polloi you message for the first time ; anyone who previously received them and stored them will keep on that information .
you could change your first and last name by only editing them . To change or crop your visibility trope , hydrant theEditbutton in iOS / iPadOS or hover over your profile simulacrum and clickEditin macOS . you may then take a picture ( on devices with built - in television camera ) , browse or search your Photos library , clean an emoji symbol , or select among Memoji . you’re able to also pink the Edit ikon ( a pencil ) to alter the craw and zoom on an survive image or one you ’ve newly choose .
When you take a photographic simulacrum , Messages in iOS / iPadOS ask if you require to utilise the icon in Messages . After tap or clickingDone , you ’re ask if you want to use the newfangled image everywhere — an odd phrasing when Apple mean just that in gain to Messages , the image will be used for your Apple ID and with your My Card entering in Contacts . Tap or clickNot Nowto expend just in Messages ; tap or clickUseto have it become your pan - Apple pic .
Apple does n’t require that you share this selective information with everyone . you may limit automatic approval to people already in your contacts . Or you’re able to choose to Always Ask , in which case you ’re prompted when you message an iMessage address or phone number you have n’t previously ( or , at least , recently ) touch .
Recipients will who have no contact entropy stored for you will see your name and profile image . Those who already have info stored receive a prompt in Messages if what they receive is unlike than what ’s stash away . They ’re give the pick to update their contacts with the newfangled name or profile image .
Ask Mac 911
We ’ve compiled a list of the doubtfulness we get asked most frequently , along with answers and tie-in to columns : read our super FAQ to see if your question is deal . If not , we ’re always expect for unexampled problems to figure out ! Email yours tomac911@macworld.com , including sieve captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used . Not every motion will be reply , we do n’t answer to email , and we can not provide direct troubleshooting advice .
