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How to delete iPhone messages

Here's how to delete iPhone messages if you're looking to cleanse your inbox, save space, or just want to organize your phone's dashboard.

How to delete iPhone messages: An image of an iPhone with messages on the screen.

Sometimes knowing how to delete iPhone messages will get you out of a pinch, especially if you’re still reeling from the wrath of autocorrect blunders. Look, we’ve all been there, as the team at Pocket Tactics has needed to unsend a meme or link to Dua Lipa’s latest song that wasn’t intended for our boss. Well, we’re here to tell you how you can remove iPhone messages before prying eyes can see.

Your tech tips don’t just stop here, though, because we’ve got loads of Apple-focused guides at your disposal. Why not learn some other tips and tricks with our how to delete albums on iPhone, how to delete contacts on iPhone, and how to delete wallpaper on iPhone. Or, if you’re looking for a new Apple device, see our guide to the best gaming iPhones.

How do I delete iPhone messages?

You might not be aware just how much space iPhone messages are taking up on your phone. That could be one of the reasons behind getting rid of them, or you may just want to start afresh in your inbox. Here’s how to delete iPhone messages:

  • Open the iPhone messages app
  • Press and hold on a message bubble in your chat
  • Tap more from the menu that pops up on-screen
  • Select the message you want to delete
  • Tap the trash can button

If you’d rather delete an entire conversation on iPhone, follow these steps:

  • Open the messages app
  • In the conversation list, swipe left on the chat you want to delete
  • Tap the trash can button
  • You’ve now deleted an entire conversation!

Or, to delete multiple conversations:

  • Open the messages app
  • Tap edit in the top left corner
  • Select all conversations you want to delete
  • Tap delete in the button right corner
  • Multiple conversations have now been deleted

How do I unsend iPhone messages?

To unsend an iPhone message, you can follow these steps:

  • Go to the message you want to delete
  • Press and hold down until a list of options pops up
  • Tap ‘undo send’

You have ten seconds to complete the above steps. If you do it in time the recipient can’t see the message, though if they’re not on the latest software it might not work.

On that note, you now know how to delete iPhone messages. Remember, you can check out our WhatsApp download guide if you need a new messaging platform. If you happen to be in the market for a new cell phone, check out our various buying guides. We can help you find the best OnePlus ones, best Samsung phones, best Google Pixel phones, best Xiaomi phones, and the best Sony phones.