How to Get an AI Reply From a Screenshot of a Conversation
Short answer: screenshot the conversation, share the screenshot to an AI app that reads images, and add one line about what you want to say. On iPhone with TextAI, tap the screenshot preview, tap Share, choose Reply with TextAI, and it drafts a reply from the whole thread.
Why a screenshot works better than pasting one message
A single message has no context. "lol ok" can be fine, annoyed or done with you, and only the previous five messages tell you which. A screenshot carries the thread: who said what, how long the replies are, the emoji, the energy. An AI that sees that matches the register of the conversation instead of guessing.
How to do it on iPhone
- Take the screenshot with the side button and volume up. Scroll so the last few exchanges are on screen, not just the final message.
- Tap the preview in the corner, then the Share button.
- Choose the AI app. In TextAI it is listed as Reply with TextAI. The app opens with the screenshot attached.
- Say what you want. One line is enough: "agree but push it to Saturday", "flirty but not too much", "end this politely".
- Pick a version and paste it back into the chat.
You can also open the Reply to a conversation tool inside TextAI and choose the screenshot from your photos.
What to add so it sounds like you
- Your intent. The screenshot sets the tone; your line sets the content. Without it the AI defaults to something safe.
- How you text. "Short, lowercase, no emoji" or "I always text in full sentences."
- What not to do. "Don't apologise", "don't ask a question back."
Read it before you answer
If you are not sure what the other person meant, decode first and reply second. TextAI has Decode a message, Vibe check, Is this flirting?, Red or green flag and Am I overthinking? for exactly that moment, and Possible response scenarios shows how different replies might land.
Privacy
Crop out names, numbers and anything you would not want to share before you send a screenshot to any AI service. In TextAI the screenshot is sent to OpenAI to generate the reply and your history stays on your phone; the privacy policy has the details.