Unable to select text within text message

[jsva420]

How do you select text within a text message?

For example, if I received a text with: your temporary code is 123456 click below to reset your password

How do I select JUST the code?

I do see that if I long-press the message, a copy button appears at the top of the screen, but that copies the entire text message. I just want to copy the code from within the text.

The only other options I see are to delete, favorite, share, forward, or view details.

I did try searching for this topic, but the only answers I can find explain how to copy the entire text, not text within the text.

[BamaRob · Accepted solution]

Copy the entire text and paste into someplace like Google Docs then select and copy. After you do it a few times it becomes fast and easy. I have a document called "cut & paste" just for this.

[jsva420]

This is also the solution I came up with. I had just hoped there was a different solution. Oof.

[Robin621k]

If in Google Messages the only way to copy part of a text message other than the whole text, take a screenshot, open the screenshot in gallery, and long press the text you want to copy!

[realaud]

I don't ususally try to copy otps from a txt message because a) i can usually remember a 6 digit code, and b) i have turned on the setting to autofill otps. It doesnt work in all apps, but it does in most browsers. Some websites don't allow the autofill, but in that case the code usually populates the clipboard where it can then be pasted in the code field.

Settings/google/(all services tab)/autofill/sms verification codes. Then enable autofill services and default browser.

[jsva420]

I figure this response is also the thinking of Samsung. However, not every OTP or even text message scenario is the same.

So this is on the record, this OTP is not used on the site where the OTP process is initiated. If it was, I would probably expect autofill to work.

Instead, this message sends the OTP along with a link where the OTP is to be used.

The ideal and most common sense procedure would be to copy the OTP, click the link, navigate to the field for the OTP, then paste it. But this is not possible as the app works now, apparently. There will be additional steps required. Such as, finding a pencil and paper, writing down the 12 digit OTP that uses letters and numbers, then tapping the link, then copying the OTP from the paper into the field on the site.

I wonder, will Samsung start selling phones with a notepad and pencil holder since we can't do this in the message app itself?

[realaud]

This behavior is not unique to Samsung messages. I can't copy and paste specific text selections from within Google messages or Facebook messenger either. I'm not sure it can be done in any messaging app. Do you have the option to request the code via email rather than text? At least we know we can copy and paste from an email. I have found, personally, that when a code is sent with a specific link, clicking that link usually auto-populates the code field. Perhaps you should direct your irritation to the sender of the code.

[realaud]

We know all that, it cannot be done in text messages.

[realaud]

Weird, I just went through every text message I currently have on my phone. I can select specific text in only one message, but all the others select the entire message.  The message string is a dialog between me and United customer service.  I have tried with messages containing OTPs, RCS messages and plain old SMS messages, and only the United one allows copying specific text. I cannot figure out what's different about that conversation, it's regular SMS

[Eightys]

It's ridiculous. Not just samsung but many apps/browers dont allow one to copy some or any text anymore. Have to use a browser or, as in this case, copy to another app to select the desired portion.

I'm amazed at how easily you all just accept this inconvenience and waste of your time.

Also the same with grabbing a screenshot, sometimes that is blocked.
I don't know how often I see a website or a post on Facebook or a text message that someone sent me and want to do more research on a particular phrase or term and have to come up with time wasting work around for select, copy and paste.

It's so pervasive it makes one wonder if this was a collaborative effort, or some new industry standards