How to Mark Messages as Unread in macOS 13

Apple introduced the ability to mark message threads as unread in macOS 13 (Ventura), making it easy to flag conversations you want to revisit later. This guide walks you through the four quick and simple ways to mark any conversation as unread in the Messages app using gestures, menus, or keyboard shortcuts.

Method 1: Use a Trackpad Swipe

  1. Open the Messages app on your Mac.
  2. In the conversation sidebar on the left, place two fingers on your trackpad over the conversation you want to mark.
  3. Swipe to the right until you see the blue message bubble icon.
  4. Click the blue icon (or complete a full swipe to the right) to mark the conversation as unread.

Method 2: Use the Right-Click Menu

  1. Open Messages.
  2. Right-click (or hold the Control key and click) on the conversation thread in the sidebar.
  3. Select Mark as Unread from the contextual menu.

Method 3: Use a Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Open Messages and click on the conversation thread in the sidebar to highlight it.
  2. Press Shift + Command + U (⇧⌘U) on your keyboard.

Method 4: Use the Menu Bar

  1. Open Messages and select the conversation thread you want to mark.
  2. Click Conversation in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
  3. Select Mark as Unread.

Once marked as unread, a blue dot will appear next to the conversation in your sidebar, and the unread badge count on the Messages app icon in your Dock will update accordingly.