Introduction
Text messages often contain personal or sensitive information, and sometimes, we send messages by mistake. If you’re wondering how to delete text messages on iPhone for both sides, you’re in the right place. Apple has introduced the “Undo Send” feature in iOS 16, allowing you to retract messages, but it has limitations.
This guide will explain the step-by-step process to delete messages, covering both iMessage and SMS, and offering alternative solutions.
Quick Facts
- “Undo Send” is available only for iMessages (blue bubbles) on iOS 16 and later.
- SMS (green bubbles) cannot be deleted from the recipient’s phone.
- You have only 2 minutes to unsend an iMessage.
How to Delete Text Messages on iPhone for Both Sides
1. Deleting iMessages for Both Sides (Undo Send Feature)
If you sent a message via iMessage (blue bubble) and need to delete it for both yourself and the recipient, follow these steps:
Steps to Unsend an iMessage:
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to the conversation containing the message you want to delete.
- Press and hold the message bubble.
- Tap “Undo Send.”
After you select “Undo Send,” the message will disappear from both your phone and the recipient’s phone.
Limitations of Undo Send:
- Time Limit: You can only unsend a message within 2 minutes of sending it.
- Notification: The recipient will see a message stating “You unsent a message.”
- iOS Requirement: The feature only works if the recipient has iOS 16 or later. If they are using an older iOS version, the message will not be removed from their device.
2. Deleting SMS for Both Sides (Green Bubble Messages)
Unfortunately, SMS (green bubble messages) cannot be deleted from the recipient’s phone. When you delete an SMS message on your iPhone, it is only removed from your device, not theirs.
Steps to Delete an SMS Message from Your Device:
- Open the Messages app.
- Find the SMS conversation you want to delete.
- Press and hold the message.
- Tap “More,” then select the messages you want to delete.
- Tap the trash icon, then confirm “Delete Message.”
🚨 Note: Deleting an SMS does not affect the recipient’s copy. If you need the message removed from their phone, you must ask them to delete it manually.
Alternative Methods to Remove Messages
1. Ask the Recipient to Delete the Message
If you have sent an SMS or the iMessage “Undo Send” window has expired, the only way to remove the message is to request the recipient to delete it manually.
2. Use Self-Destructing Messages (For Future Conversations)
If you frequently send sensitive information, you can use apps like Telegram, WhatsApp, or Signal, which allow messages to self-destruct after a set period.
- WhatsApp: Has a “Delete for Everyone” feature that lets you remove messages within 1 hour.
- Telegram: Offers a “Secret Chat” mode where messages disappear automatically.
- Signal: Allows you to set messages to auto-delete after a specific duration.
3. Disable iMessage Temporarily
Some users report that turning off iMessage before the recipient reads the message may prevent it from being delivered. To try this:
- Go to Settings > Messages.
- Turn off iMessage.
- Turn on Airplane Mode and wait a few minutes.
- Delete the message from your device.
⚠️ Note: This is not always effective, especially if the message was already delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Unsend a Message on iOS 15 or Older?
No, the “Undo Send” feature is only available in iOS 16 and later. If you have an older version, you can only delete messages from your device, not the recipient’s.
Does “Undo Send” Work for SMS Messages?
No, SMS messages (green bubbles) cannot be unsent. The feature only works for iMessages (blue bubbles).
Can I Delete an Entire Conversation on Both Phones?
No, deleting a conversation only removes it from your device. It does not affect the recipient’s phone.
Conclusion
Deleting text messages on an iPhone for both sides is only possible with iMessage’s “Undo Send” feature in iOS 16 or later. For SMS messages or expired iMessages, the only way to remove them is by asking the recipient to delete them manually.
For better control over your messages in the future, consider using self-destructing messages on apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal.
By following these steps, you can manage your messages more securely and avoid embarrassing or sensitive situations.