How To Set Privacy For Lock Screen (SMS and iMessage) Messages?

I have an iPhone 11 Pro Max running iOS 13.2.3 and I can't figure out (if it's even possible) to have better privacy for text messages on my lock screen, let me explain.


When I receive a message through Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp and my phone is locked then all I see on my lock screen is "Message" in blue/white (Facebook Messenger) or green (WhatsApp). There is no name or phone number that shows, great privacy feature.


When I receive a text message to my iPhone (SMS or iMessage) I will either see "Message" but with the person's name (if they are saved in my address book) or the entire phone number (if they aren't saved in my address book).


***Also if I recieved a text message after turning off and on my iPhone without unlocking it once then every single message shows the entire phone number (even if the contact is saved in my address book).


Apple loves to talk about privacy, privacy, privacy but these are huge privacy issues to me and I'm sure other people. This seems to be a basic feature (thus why Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp use it for example along with other apps) but I can't seem to figure out how to set it up...if it's even possible for text messages?


I have "Show Previews" turned off under the notifications for Messages in settings but nothing. I know I can turn off message notifications from showing on my lock screen but that's stupid...


Please help and thank you!

iPhone 11 Pro Max, iOS 13

Posted on Nov 28, 2019 9:52 PM

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3 replies

Nov 28, 2019 11:19 PM in response to SravanKrA

That's easy -


Go into the iPhone setting, under notifications and turn off "Show Previews" if it's not off already and that's all. Also in the WhatsApp app go to settings, notifications and turn off "Show Preview" there as well.


I noticed you're using Airtel so I assume you don't live in America. I know apps can have different settings/features depending on country. These are the Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp versions I'm currently on if that matters.


Facebook Messanger version 243.0


WhatsApp version 2.19.120


I don't use the Hangouts app so I don't know if it has the same lock screen feature sorry.

Nov 28, 2019 10:50 PM in response to Extremevl

This is quite fascinating information. I am also looking for suppressing the senders name on WhatsApp & Messenger. But I am unable to do so. If you can guide me how you did this that would be wonderful.


Please look at the Pic below the messages on WhatsApp, Messenger and Duo.




However for SMS and iMessages on an iPhone, you need to disable Lock screen notifications for maintaining privacy.



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How To Set Privacy For Lock Screen (SMS and iMessage) Messages?

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