Despite the abundance of multifunctional social apps, many still prefer traditional text messages. However, no one can deny the convenience and control you get on third-party messaging apps. Deleting sent messages from both sides is undoubtedly everybody’s favorite option.
Fortunately, there are ways to use this feature with iMessage on your iPhone, but not all users are familiar with them. Whether clearing the phone storage or removing text before the other person can see it, following the given solutions gives you complete control.
Key Takeaways:
- iPhones have the Undo Send feature, which lets you delete text messages for both sides, and the Edit Text option to change the sent message.
- You can retrieve the message within 2 minutes of sending it or edit it within 15 minutes.
- Create space on your iPhone by removing all the unwanted texts and attachments in a few simple steps.
If You Delete An iMessage Does It Unsend?
Accidentally sending a message to someone is a common mistake that can happen to anyone. However, the problem arises when you do not want the other person to see that message. In such a situation, iPhone users can rely on two iMessage features to fix this mistake.
Edit Text and Undo Send options are available in iOS 16 and later versions. You can utilize either of these features after accidentally sending a text. The Edit text option lets you modify sent messages, and Undo Send deletes them for both sides.
How to Delete Messages on iPhone From Both Sides
iPhone users can remove the text on the phone’s default messaging app, but the purpose of this action may vary. For example, you may want to delete messages for recipients or eliminate those that take up too much storage space. Further in the article, you will discover solutions addressing every possible need.
Method 1) Unsend Messages With Undo Send
In a few simple steps, withdraw a message you accidentally sent. Before you begin with it, you should know the limitations of the Undo Send feature. It allows you to retract text on iMessage, but only within two minutes of sending it.
Moreover, the function only works if the recipient device runs on iOS 16 or above. Otherwise, Undo Send will only remove the text from your side.
Follow the steps to delete iMessages so the other person can’t see it:
Step 1) Initiate the messages app on your iPhone and navigate to the recently sent chat.
Step 2) Hold the message sent less than 2 minutes ago, and select Undo Send.
The text will now be removed from the recipient device, and you will see a note stating that you have successfully unsent a message. Remember, to benefit from this feature, you should be using iMessage.
Method 2) Change A Sent Message Via Edit Text
Edit Text is another technique you can use after accidentally sending the wrong message to someone. You may have made a typo or entered something not intended for that user. The feature helps you to edit a text up to five times within 15 minutes of sending it.
Moreover, the edited message will indicate to you and the recipient that you have changed the text. By hitting the Edited option, both sides can access the previous version of the message. For recipients using iOS 16 or older variants, follow-up messages will be accompanied by the preface ‘Edited to’ and your new message enclosed in quotation marks.
Follow the steps to edit sent text in iMessage of iPhone:
Step 1) Open the messages app on iPhone and go to the chat you wish to edit.
Step 2) Hold the recently sent text bubble. Select the Edit option.
Step 3) Make changes to the text and hit the blue tick icon to resend it.
Method 3) Delete Messages and Attachments
Delete messages on iPhone anytime without affecting anything on the recipient’s end. You can remove texts and attachments to create space on the device.
Follow the steps to delete texts on iPhone:
Step 1) Navigate to the Messages app and then open any conversion.
Step 2) Press the message bubble or the attachment you want to delete. Then hit on More.
Step 3) Hit the Bin icon at the top. (Remove multiple messages by checking their boxes individually and then tap on Delete)
Method 4) Remove the Same Type of Attachments At Once
Removing text messages alone might not be the right way to free up space. To clear the most storage, delete the same type of attachments at once, such as photos, videos, and documents.
Follow the steps to delete attachments of the same type at once on iMessage:
Step 1) Open the individual or group chats in messages on your iPhone.
Step 2) Tap the display picture at the top and select info.
Step 3) Scroll down to a category like photos and hit See All Photos.
Step 4) Tap Select to choose the items and then hit Delete.
Method 5) Delete the Entire Conversions At Once
Inactive conversations on your iPhone may not be harmful, but they become burdensome with time. Storage is a key factor that often makes people purchase a new phone. However, if they simply clear their device from unimportant files, it can be used for way more time than they can imagine. You can create significant space by deleting old conversations from your iPhone.
Follow the steps to delete inactive conversations in iMessage:
Step 1) Tap on the messages app on your iPhone.
Step 2) Swipe left the chat you wish to remove and select Delete.
Step 3) Delete multiple chats by hitting Edit in the upper left corner, selecting the conversations, and then tapping Delete.
Method 6) Remove Old Chats Automatically
Automation is the most effective way to eliminate the stress of managing extra tasks. As technology evolves, humans become more efficient. Clearing your phone from unwanted data can also be done through automation. Simply set a period, such as 30 days or a year, after which you want a message deleted.
Follow the steps to delete messages on iPhone automatically:
Step 1) Access Settings apps on your iPhone and go to Messages.
Step 2) Move down and tap on Keep Messages.
Step 3) Choose an option other than forever.
Your iPhone will prompt you if you want to remove the messages older than the specified period. In the future, it will automatically delete it.
Method 7) Permanently Remove Messages
Once you delete a conversation from the chats section, it goes to the Recently Deleted folder. The folder keeps these messages saved for 30 days before trashing them completely. To make the space on the device, you must also clear the recently deleted messages.
Follow the steps to delete text messages on iPhone permanently:
Step 1) Open the Messages app and hit Edit in the top left corner of the Chat tab.
Step 2) Select the Recently Deleted option from the drop-down.
Step 3) Choose the conversation and hit Delete.
Conclusion
In this post, you learn how to delete text messages on iPhone for both sides. However, you should know that the feature comes with a few limitations. For instance, you can only do this on iMessage and within a deadline.
Accessing someone’s iCloud and removing text from their device is also an option, but it might be considered a privacy breach. Therefore, the best way to avoid accidentally sending messages is to use the abovementioned methods. Find helpful guides on the problems you often face on your iOS-running iPhone and iPad.
