How to Select and Copy Part of a Text Message in iOS 26

How to Select and Copy Part of a Text Message in iOS 26

Trimming down a long text to just the essential lines used to require workarounds on iPhone. With iOS 26, Apple finally added a way to select and copy only the words you need.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 29, 2026

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If you’ve ever wanted to grab just a phone number, address line, or specific snippet from a message without copying the entire bubble, you know how frustrating it has been. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Copy a Part of a Text Message in iOS 26.

Prior versions of iOS forced you into awkward edits or managing a pasteboard cleanup after pasting everything you didn’t want. iOS 26 changes that by letting you highlight and extract the exact text you need straight from the Messages app.

Feature Explanation

In iOS 26, the Messages app introduces a new “Select” option when you long-press a message bubble. This lets you zoom in on parts of the text and choose just the portion you want to copy. 

It works in both standard SMS and iMessage threads and matches copy behavior found in third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

What You’ll Gain

• Copy only the relevant text you need.
• Reduce editing time after pasting.
• Use extracted text in other apps or documents.
• Faster workflows for business or personal use.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

iOS

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone running iOS 26.
2. Tap the conversation containing the message you need.
3. Press and hold the message bubble until a menu appears.
4. Tap Select in the menu.
5. Drag the selection handles to highlight only the text you want.
6. Tap Copy in the floating toolbar that appears above the selected text.
7. Paste the copied text into your destination app.

fig. 1 - Select Message Text Example

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Saves time by avoiding full message copies and edits.
• Works for both SMS and iMessage conversations.
• Matches modern user expectations for text selection.

Cons

• Requires iOS 26 or later.
• Some users may still face quirks depending on device and build.

Feature Access

Partial text selection in Messages is part of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. 

If you do not see it, update your device to the current available iOS version. 

Availability may vary by region and beta status.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Substantial improvement for everyday messaging efficiency.

Usability 8

Easy to use, intuitive for experienced users.

Wow Factor 7

Not flashy, but solves a longstanding pain point.

Total: 24/30  👍 Good

A practical enhancement that brings Messages in line with expectations for text control.

Key Takeaways

iOS 26’s partial text selection makes grabbing exactly what you need from a message fast and clean. It streamlines workflows where only a snippet is relevant to your next task.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Partial Text Selection.
• Platform(s): iOS 26, iPadOS 26.
• Quick Benefit: Copy only the text you want.
• Access Type: Free with iOS update.

Try It Yourself

Open Messages on your updated iPhone, find a long text, and try selecting just a phrase you need.

Leave a comment on your experience and share this tip with your colleagues and friends.

READ MORE

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• Send Messages Later on iPhone
  
• Spice Up Your Texts: Master Emoji Layering in iMessage
  
• MORE iOS 26 Cool Tips

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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