Messaging & chat features
How swipe-to-reply works on Orbit
Last updated
Swipe-to-reply is the fastest way to quote a message on Orbit without opening a menu first.
How to do it
On a touchscreen, swipe a message bubble sideways a short distance. A reply icon appears as you swipe, and releasing at that point opens the composer with the message already quoted above it.
On desktop
Without a touchscreen, hovering over a message reveals a reply icon you can click instead of swiping, which achieves the same result.
Common mistakes
A very short swipe sometimes registers as a tap instead, which just opens the message rather than replying. Swiping too far can also feel like it is going to delete or forward the message, but on Orbit the swipe gesture is dedicated to replying only.
- Swipe sideways, not up or down
- Release once the reply icon appears
- Works on both incoming and your own sent messages
Cancelling a reply
If you swipe by accident, a close icon on the reply preview above the text box clears it before you send, so you can type a normal message instead.
Frequently asked questions
- Which direction do I swipe to reply?
- Swipe the message sideways; a reply icon appears as you drag, and releasing there opens the reply composer.
- Does swipe-to-reply work on my own messages?
- Yes, you can swipe-to-reply on messages you sent as well as ones sent by others.
- Can I cancel a reply after swiping?
- Yes, tap the close icon on the quoted preview above the composer to remove it before sending.
Still stuck? Contact support or browse the full Help Center.