How do I read a text message while on an iPhone phone call?
Answer
On an iPhone you can leave the call screen without hanging up, then open Messages. Use the Home gesture or Home button, or tap the green call status bar later to return to the call.
Follow these steps
Leave the call screen without hanging up
On Face ID iPhones, swipe up from the bottom to go Home. On Home button iPhones, press the Home button once. Do not tap End.
You should see: You return to the Home Screen while the call stays connected, often with a green status bar or call indicator still visible.
Open Messages and read the text
Open Messages, open the conversation that just arrived, and read or copy the information you need.
You should see: You can see the text content while the call continues in the background.
Return to the call
Tap the green status bar at the top of the screen, or tap the call indicator in the Dynamic Island, to bring back the in-call controls.
You should see: The Phone call screen returns and you can continue the conversation.
Use Picture in Picture or speaker if helpful
If you need to keep glancing at Messages, put the call on speaker or use a headset so you can navigate apps more easily without holding the phone to your ear.
You should see: You can manage the call and Messages at the same time more comfortably.
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Extra tips
What to look for: An active call screen, a green status bar or Dynamic Island call indicator, and the Messages app still available on the Home Screen.
Before you change anything: Stay on the call; do not tap End. Note whether your iPhone has Face ID (swipe gestures) or a Home button. Avoid force-closing Phone unless you know how to return to the call. Never share passwords or one-time codes from a text with unexpected callers.