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The Complete Guide to Every iOS 27 Feature

How to filter emails in Mail on iPad

by Moses Johnson

You can use filters to show messages that meet criteria you choose, control which accounts appear during a Focus, or let Apple Intelligence surface priority emails at the top of your inbox.

You can turn off all filters, or just one specific filter. Your work email account and its notifications, for example, can show up only when your Work Focus is on. And during a Focus, you can choose which email accounts you receive notifications from.

Here’s how to filter emails in Mail on iPad.

Note: Apple Intelligence on iPadOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*

Filter emails

  1. Go to the Mail app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Toggle Filtering button.
  3. Tap Filtered by, select or turn on the criteria for messages you want to view and then tap Done.

To turn off all filters, tap the Toggle Filtering button. To turn off a specific filter, tap “Filtered by,” then deselect it.

Match a mail account to a Focus

You choose which email accounts you get notifications from when a Focus is on. With your Work Focus on, for instance, a filter can show only your work email account and its notifications.

  1. Open Settings and tap Focus. Then tap a Focus.

    If you don’t see the Focus option you want, tap the Add Focus button. See Set up a Focus.

  2. Tap Add Filter below Focus Filters and then tap Mail.
  3. Select the accounts you want to see in your inbox during that Focus.

View Priority Messages in your inbox

  1. Start the Mail app on your iPad.
  2. Tap your inbox, tap the Sidebar button and tap the More button. Then tap Show Priority.

    Time-sensitive messages appear at the top of your inbox in the Primary category or in List View.

    Note: Apple Intelligence on iPadOS 27 or later is available on an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later. Apple Intelligence is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.*

*Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish, or Vietnamese. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions. Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and visionOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence–enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions.

See also

Tag: Mail
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How to search for email in Mail on iPad

by Kevin Hollington

You can search for email messages using different criteria.

Mail searches the address fields, the subject, the email body, plus documents and links, and the most relevant messages appear in Top Hits. You can narrow a search with a keyword, search by timeframe, or search by email attributes, like flagged or unread. And you can quickly find travel booking confirmations for flights and hotels with the three-letter airport code or the city name.

Here’s how to search for email in Mail on iPad.

Quick tip: Mail can give you search results based on what you mean, not only the words you type. For example, a search for “NYC business trip” brings up emails about your itinerary, travel details, and event locations, plus other relevant messages.

A message is open in the Mail app, and search terms are being typed in the screen’s sidebar.

Search for text in an email

  1. Go to the Mail app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Search button to reveal the search field. Then type the text you’re looking for.
  3. Choose between searching all mailboxes or the current mailbox above the results list.
  4. Tap a message in the results list to read it.

When you search, Mail looks through the address fields, the subject, the email body, documents, and links. Top Hits shows the most relevant messages above the search suggestions as you type.

Quick tip: Enter the three-letter airport code or the city name to quickly find travel booking confirmations for flights and hotels.

Search by timeframe

  1. Open the Mail app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the search field of a mailbox list.
  3. Enter a timeframe, like “September” and then tap the calendar suggestion button to see all emails from that timeframe.

    To narrow the search, tap the search field again, then enter a keyword, like “meeting.”

Quick tip: The Date, Before, and After options above the message list let you refine your search by timeframe.

Search by email attributes

  1. Open the Mail app on your iPad.
  2. In a mailbox, tap the search field.

    Before you begin typing, you may see suggested recent searches, recent documents, and links listed.

  3. Enter your search criteria. Then tap one of the listed items, or do any of the following:

    • Find all flagged messages: Enter “flag” in the search field. Tap “Message is flagged” below Suggestions.
    • Find all unread messages: Enter “unread” in the search field, then tap “Message is unread” below Suggestions.
    • Find all messages with attachments: Enter “attachment” in the search field. Tap “Messages with attachments” below Suggestions.

See also

Tag: Mail
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How to flag or block emails in Mail on iPad

by Chris Smith

You can flag important email messages, create flagged mailboxes, and flag messages from VIPs. You can also block messages from specified senders.

A message you flag stays in your Inbox and is easier to find later. You can flag a Primary message, flag all Transactions, Updates, or Promotions messages from a single sender, or flag just one of them, and change or remove a flag later.

Here’s how to flag or block emails in Mail on iPad.

Flag an email

Flag an important email message so it’s easier to find later. It stays in your Inbox. It also appears in the Flagged mailbox.

  1. Go to the Mail app on your iPad.
  2. Do any of the following:

    • Flag a Primary message: Swipe left on the Primary message, then choose Flag.
    • Flag all Transactions, Updates, or Promotions messages from a single sender: Swipe left on a message in the Transactions, Updates, or Promotions message list. Choose Flag.
    • Flag a single Transactions, Updates, or Promotions message: Tap a message to open the sender’s digest view and swipe left on the message. Tap the Flag Message button.

    To change or remove a flag, open the message, tap the More Actions button in the bottom-right corner of the message, tap Flag, then select another color, or tap Unflag.

A flag you add to a message shows up on it in Mail on all your Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account.

Quick tip: Add the Flag button to the Mail toolbar, and it’s easier to access. See our article, Customize the Mail toolbar.

An open email. The menu with options for adding or removing a flag is shown on the right.

Create a Flagged mailbox

You can add a Flagged mailbox so all your flagged email messages are easily accessible in one location.

  1. Start the Mail app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the Show Sidebar button in the upper-left corner.
  3. Tap Edit, then select Flagged.

Flag emails from your VIPs

When you add important people to your VIP list, their email messages show a VIP flag and land in the VIP mailbox. Read our guide, Add someone to your contacts or make them a VIP.

Block email from specified senders

You can block an email address to prevent a particular sender from emailing you in the future.

  1. Start the Mail app on your iPad.
  2. Tap a message from the sender you want to block.
  3. Tap their email address, tap View Contact Card, and tap Block this Contact.

See also

Tag: Mail
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How to set email notifications on iPad

by Chris Smith

You can change your Mail notification settings and choose which mailboxes and email threads to receive notifications from.

Busy threads can be muted so they stop interrupting you, and you choose what happens to muted messages in Mail settings. You can also get notified about replies to an email or thread, and add the Mute button to the Mail toolbar. Notifications can also let you know when email arrives in your favorite mailboxes or from your VIPs.

Here’s how to set email notifications on iPad.

Mute email notifications

To cut down on interruptions from busy email threads, mute notifications from messages in a conversation.

  1. Go to the Mail app on your iPad.
  2. Open a message in the conversation.
  3. Tap the More Actions button in the bottom-right corner and then tap Mute.

To specify what you want done with email messages you muted, go to Settings > Apps > Mail > Muted Thread Action, then select an option.

Quick tip: For easier access to the Mute button, add it to the Mail toolbar. Read our guide, Customize the Mail toolbar.

Receive notifications about replies to an email or thread

Mail notifications can let you know when email messages arrive in your favorite mailboxes or from your VIPs.

  1. Start the Mail app on your iPad.
  2. Do any of the following:
    • When reading a message: Tap the More Actions button in the bottom-right corner and tap Notify Me.
    • When writing a message: Tap the Subject field and tap the Notify Me button in the Subject field. Tap Notify Me.

To change how notifications appear, go to Settings > Apps > Mail > Notifications.

Change your Mail notifications

  1. Start the Settings app on your iPad.
  2. Tap Apps and then tap Mail.
  3. Tap Notifications and then make sure that Allow Notifications is on.
  4. Tap Customize Notifications. Tap the email account you want to make changes to.
  5. Select the settings you want, like Alerts or Badges. When you turn on Alerts, you have the option to customize your sounds by changing the alert tone or ringtone.

You can set times for allowing notifications from the Mail app; see our guide, Change notification settings.

See also

Tags: Mail, Notifications
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How to change your appearance in a FaceTime call on iPad

by Kevin Hollington

During video calls in the FaceTime app, you can become your favorite Memoji.

On an iPad with a TrueDepth camera, your Memoji does the talking while the other caller hears your voice. iPad captures your movements, facial expressions, and voice, then conveys them through your character. You can also use a filter to change your appearance, and add a text label, stickers, or shapes.

Here’s how to change your appearance in a FaceTime call on iPad.

Become a Memoji

If your iPad has a TrueDepth camera, you can create a Memoji character in the Messages app for your FaceTime calls. As iPad captures your movements, facial expressions, and voice, your character conveys them. It imitates you even when you stick out your tongue.

To make your own Memoji, check out our guide, Create and send Memoji.

  1. During a video call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap your tile.
  2. Tap Memoji, swipe through the characters at the bottom, and choose the one you like.

    The other caller hears what you say, but sees your Memoji doing the talking.

Use a filter to change your appearance

  1. During a video call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap your tile and tap the Effects button (supported models).
  2. Tap the Filters button to open the filters.
  3. Change your appearance by tapping a filter at the bottom (swipe left or right to preview them).

Add a text label

  1. During a video call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap the screen and tap the Effects button.
  2. Tap the Text button, then tap a text label.

    To see more label options, swipe up from the top of the text window.

  3. While the label is selected, type the text you want to appear in the label. Then tap away from it.
  4. Drag the label where you want to place it.

    To delete the label, tap it, then tap the Done Editing button.

Add stickers

  1. During a video call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap the screen, tap the Effects button, and do any of the following:

    • Tap the Memoji Stickers button to add a Memoji sticker or the Emoji Stickers button to add an Emoji sticker.
    • Tap the Text button, swipe up, then tap the Emoji button.
  2. Tap a sticker to add it to the call.

    To see more options, swipe left.

  3. Drag the sticker to place it where you want.

    To delete the sticker, tap it, then tap the Done Editing button.

Add shapes

  1. During a video call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap your tile and tap the Effects button.
  2. Tap the Shapes button and then tap a shape to add it to the call.

    To see more options, swipe up from the top of the shapes window.

  3. Drag the shape where you want to place it.

    To delete the shape, tap it, then tap the Done Editing button.

See also

Tag: FaceTime
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How to leave a FaceTime call or switch to Messages on iPad

by Stacey Butler

You can leave a call in the FaceTime app at any time, or continue your conversation in Messages. Mid-call, you can jump to one Messages thread with everyone who’s on the call.

Here’s how to leave a FaceTime call or switch to Messages on iPad.

Leave a FaceTime call

  1. During a call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap the screen to show the FaceTime controls (if they aren’t visible).
  2. Tap the End button.

Switch to a Messages conversation

During a call, you can jump straight to a Messages thread with everyone on the call.

  1. During a call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap the screen to show the FaceTime controls (if they aren’t visible).
  2. Tap the contact information or people count at the top of the controls and then tap Message.

See also

Tag: FaceTime
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How to change FaceTime video settings on iPad

by Tyler Stephen

During a call in the FaceTime app, your video settings let you turn Portrait mode, Studio Light, and Center Stage on or off, switch between cameras, or turn your camera on or off.

Portrait mode blurs the background and puts the visual focus on you, while Studio Light dims the background and illuminates your face. Both are available on supported models, and you can adjust the amount of background blur or the intensity of light, too. You’ll also be able to switch to the rear camera.

Blur the background with Portrait mode

Turn on Portrait mode on supported models, and it automatically blurs the background and puts the visual focus on you, much like Portrait mode in Camera.

  1. During a call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap your tile. When you’re on a call in a third-party videoconferencing video app, open Control Center. Then tap the name of the app.
  2. Tap Portrait.

    To turn Portrait mode off, tap the button again.

To adjust the amount of background blur in Portrait mode, open Control Center, tap FaceTime (or the name of the third-party videoconferencing app), then use the Portrait slider.

Highlight your face

Studio Light, on supported models, dims the background and lights up your face.

  1. During a call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap your tile. When you’re on a call in a third-party videoconferencing video app, open Control Center. Then tap the name of the app.
  2. Tap Studio Light.

    To turn Studio Light mode off, tap the button again.

To adjust the intensity of light in Studio Light mode, open Control Center, tap FaceTime (or the name of the third-party videoconferencing app), then use the Studio Light slider.

Turn Center Stage off or on

With Center Stage on supported models, your front camera adjusts automatically to keep you in frame as you move around within the field of view during a FaceTime call.

  1. During a call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap your tile. When you’re on a call in a third-party videoconferencing video app, open Control Center. Then tap the name of the app.
  2. Center Stage is on by default. Tap Center Stage to turn it off.

    To turn Center Stage on, tap it again.

On some iPad models, the Center Stage button appears in your tile. To turn on Center Stage, you can tap your tile, then tap the Center Stage button.

Switch to the rear camera

  1. During a call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap your tile.
  2. Tap Flip.

To switch back to the front camera, tap Flip again.

Note: With the rear camera, tapping 1x enlarges the image, and tapping it again brings the image back to normal size.

Turn off your camera

  1. During a call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap the screen to show the FaceTime controls (if they aren’t visible).
  2. Tap the Camera Switch button.

    Tap the Camera Switch button to turn the camera back on.

See also

Tag: FaceTime
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How to hand off a FaceTime call from your iPad to your other Apple devices

by Dave Johnson

You can start a FaceTime call on your iPad and move the call to another device where you’re signed in to the same Apple Account, like an iPhone with iOS 16 or later or a Mac with macOS 13 or later.

A call can even continue on the bigger screen of Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later), with your iPad serving as its webcam and microphone. And if you change your mind, you can bring the call back.

With Continuity Camera and Mic, you can also use iPad as a webcam and microphone for FaceTime calls on your Mac or Apple TV 4K.

Note: The contact information you’ve chosen for the call (shown in Settings > Apps > FaceTime) has to match the contact information selected in Settings > Apps > FaceTime on whichever device you want to hand off to.

Hand off a FaceTime call from iPad to iPhone or Mac

You can hand off a FaceTime call in progress on your iPad to your Mac (macOS 13 or later) or iPhone (iOS 16 or later). Both devices need to be signed in to the same Apple Account.

  1. During a call in the FaceTime app on your iPad, do one of the following on your other device:

    • Tap the notification with the suggestion “Move call to this [device].”
    • Tap the Video Handoff button at the top of the screen.
  2. Tap Switch or Join.

    The call moves to the new device. On the original device, a banner appears confirming that the call was continued elsewhere, along with a Switch button, which you can tap if you want to bring the call back.

Hand off a FaceTime call from your iPad to Apple TV 4K

If you’re signed in to the same Apple Account on both devices, you can start (or receive) a FaceTime call on your iPad, then hand off the call to Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later) for a larger screen. Once you hand off the call, it continues on Apple TV 4K, and your iPad works as the webcam and microphone for Apple TV 4K for the whole call. Supported iPad models can use Continuity Camera with Apple TV 4K (2nd generation or later).

See also

Tags: Continuity, FaceTime
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How to share screens using Messages on iPad

by Tyler Stephen

While using Messages on an iPad that meets minimum system requirements, you can share your screen or ask to see someone else’s. In supported apps, you can also use SharePlay to get together with friends while you watch the latest episode of your favorite show or listen to a new song in real time.

From Messages, you jump to FaceTime to share your screen and bring apps and webpages into the conversation, or to see another person’s screen and even control it remotely.

Show someone else what’s on your screen

Jump from Messages to FaceTime and share your screen, bringing apps, webpages, and more into the conversation.

  1. Go to the Messages app on your iPad.
  2. In a conversation with just one other person, tap the FaceTime button.
  3. Tap Share My Screen. See Share your screen in a FaceTime call.

See another person’s screen

To see another person’s screen, or even remotely control it, you can jump from Messages to FaceTime.

  1. Open the Messages app on your iPad.
  2. In a conversation with just one other person, tap the FaceTime button.
  3. Tap Ask to Share Screen. See Request remote control.

Use SharePlay to enjoy content together

Supported apps like Apple TV and Music let you start a Messages conversation right from the app.

SharePlay in Messages requires you and your recipients to be using iMessage, and shared playback controls keep everyone in sync.

  1. In a supported app, find a show, movie, song, album, or other content you want to share. Tap the item to see its details.
  2. Do one of the following:

    • Tap the Share button, then tap SharePlay.
    • Tap the More button at the top right, tap the Share button, then tap SharePlay.
    • Tap the More button next to the content, then tap SharePlay.
  3. In the To field, enter the contacts you want to share with and tap Messages.
  4. Tap Start or Play to begin using SharePlay.

    To begin viewing or listening, recipients tap the content’s title at the top of the Messages conversation, then tap Open. For everyone who has access to the content, the video starts playing at the same time.

    Note: If the shared content requires a subscription, the service may ask those who don’t have access to subscribe, make a transaction, or sign up for a free trial, if available.

    When you select content to share and tap the Play button, you can also select Play for Everyone (if it appears) to begin it for everyone in the conversation. (Others on the thread may have to tap Join SharePlay to see the video.)

Anyone in the conversation can play, pause, rewind, or fast-forward for everyone with the playback controls, while settings like closed-captioning and volume are up to each person.

Use Messages when you want no interruptions to the sound of the movie, show, song, or podcast, or tap the FaceTime button to switch to FaceTime when you want to see and hear other people as you chat.

Quick tip: Once the video is playing, you can stream it to Apple TV 4K. See our article, Send what you’re watching in SharePlay to Apple TV 4K.

See also

Tag: Messages
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How to request or give remote control in a FaceTime call on iPad

by Chris Smith

During a one-to-one FaceTime video or audio call, you can remotely control another participant’s screen or allow them to remotely control yours. The person controlling the screen can help with an issue or demonstrate how to use an app.

Both of you need iPadOS 18, iOS 18, or later. If the other person accepts your request, you can interact with their shared screen and even use the onscreen keyboard within apps. Either of you can decline a request.

Note: Remote control isn’t currently available in the European Union.

Request remote control

You can request control of an iPad or iPhone screen someone is sharing with you.

Note: You and the other participant must both have iPadOS 18, iOS 18, or later.

  1. Go to the FaceTime app on your iPad.
  2. Tap the window showing the shared screen.
  3. Tap the Remote Control button.

    If the other participant accepts your request, you can tap or swipe to interact with the shared screen. You can also use the onscreen keyboard within apps.

Accept a remote control request

Participants saved in your contacts can remotely control your screen if they’re using an iPad or iPhone with iPadOS 18, iOS 18, or later. To help protect your data and privacy, remote control requests may come with additional restrictions.

When you receive a remote control request notification in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap Allow.

WARNING: The person remotely controlling the screen can perform actions on your iPad such as opening and closing apps, changing settings, deleting items, or sending messages. Only approve remote control requests from people you trust.

Making payments, erasing your device, or changing your Apple Account or Face ID settings may be off-limits to the person remotely controlling the screen. During a remote control session, your Face ID and Touch ID are disabled.

You can still tap, swipe, or type while your screen is remotely controlled—your actions take priority over remote actions.

Decline a remote control request

When you receive a remote control request notification while sharing your screen in the FaceTime app on your iPad, tap Don’t Allow. Screen sharing continues, and the other participant can still tap, draw, or write on your screen to highlight important areas.

Stop remote control

Do one of the following to end remote control at any time:

  • If you’re allowing someone to control your screen: Tap Stop at the top right of the screen sharing window.
  • If you’re controlling someone else’s screen: Tap the Remote Control button.

Remote control and screen sharing also end when a FaceTime call ends.

According to Apple, remote control isn’t available in all countries or regions.

See also

Tag: FaceTime
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