Text messages may not take up significant storage space on an iPhone, but they clutter the inbox. If inboxes are not cleared frequently, important bits of information can get lost in all unnecessary messages.
Knowing how to delete messages on iPhone may not appear to be complicated. However, one must know every possible way to delete messages on iPhone, be it a single message, multiple messages, or entire conversations.
The discussion ahead aims to address a single concern. Readers will explore ahead the answer to how to delete messages on iPhone in every scenario. So, let’s get started and give the iPhone inbox the uncluttered look it deserves.
How to Delete Text Messages on iPhone?
This is how to delete messages on iPhone if a person wants to delete a single message from a conversation:
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Find the conversation containing the message you want to delete.
- Tap and hold the specific message bubble you wish to delete.
- In the pop-up menu, select “More.”
- You’ll see circles next to each message. Tap the circle next to the message(s) you want to delete.
- Tap the trash bin icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
- Confirm the deletion by tapping “Delete Message.”
- This is how to delete messages on iPhone.
How to Delete an Entire Conversation on an iPhone?
This is how to delete messages on iPhone if a person wants to delete an entire conversation:
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Find the conversation you want to delete.
- Swipe the conversation from right to left.
- Tap “Delete” to confirm.
- This is how to delete entire conversations on iPhone.
How to Delete Multiple Messages in a Conversation on iPhone?
This is how to delete messages on iPhone if a person wants to delete multiple messages from a conversation:
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Go into the conversation containing the messages you want to delete.
- Tap and hold one of the message bubbles.
- In the pop-up menu, select “More.”
- You can now select multiple messages by tapping the circles next to each message you want to delete.
- Once you have selected all the messages you wish to delete, tap the trash bin icon at the screen’s bottom-left corner.
- Confirm the deletion by tapping “Delete Messages.”
- This is how to delete multiple messages in a conversation on iPhone.
Can You Delete a Message Before Someone Sees It on iPhone?
Unfortunately, once the user sends a message, it is delivered to the recipient’s device, and the sender cannot remove it from their device remotely. The recipient will be able to see the message as soon as it is delivered.
Why should Messages be Deleted from iPhone?
One should delete messages on iPhone for several reasons. Here are some of the most prominent reasons for deleting messages on iPhone:
Privacy and Security
Messages often contain sensitive and personal information. Regularly deleting messages can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to their private conversations, especially if their phone falls into the wrong hands or gets stolen.
Storage Management
Messages can accumulate over time and take up significant storage space on an iPhone. Deleting old and unnecessary messages can free up storage, allowing the user’s device to run more efficiently and preventing it from becoming sluggish.
Organizational Purposes
Deleting old and irrelevant messages helps keep the Messages app organized. It makes finding and focusing on important conversations easier, making the messaging experience more streamlined and user-friendly.
Avoid Clutter
A cluttered Messages app can be overwhelming and make it challenging to locate essential messages quickly. Deleting unnecessary messages ensures that the user only keeps what they need, making their messaging history more manageable.
Clearing Cache
Messaging apps store temporary data and cache to improve performance. Deleting messages can help clear this cache, potentially resolving app performance and responsiveness issues.
Prevent Miscommunication
Sometimes, the user might send a message hastily, only to realize later that it was inaccurate or conveyed the wrong information. Deleting messages before they are seen can prevent any potential miscommunication or embarrassment.
Confidentiality in Group Chats
If one is part of a group chat that includes sensitive discussions, deleting messages can help maintain participant confidentiality.
How to Ensure Privacy on iPhone?
While miscommunication, clutter, and other problems can only be resolved by deleting iPhone messages, one problem can be solved by other means. A VPN is a tool that can keep a user private and secure while using an iPhone or any other device.
Ivacy VPN keeps a user secure online by hiding their true IP address. Moreover, Ivacy VPN assigns the user an alternative IP address from another geographical region. This allows the users to stay safe from tracking and spying.
Additionally, Ivacy VPN has the power to overcome geo-blocks. By assigning alternate IP addresses, Ivacy VPN enables users to access geo-restricted content no matter where they may be. And here is how to configure Ivacy VPN on iPhone:
- Sign up for an Ivacy VPN plan.
- Download and install the Ivacy VPN app.
- Log in to the Ivacy VPN account.
- Connect to an Ivacy VPN server in a remote region.
- Enjoy unrestricted and private internet environment on iPhone from anywhere.
What to Do if Deleted Texts Keep Appearing on iPhone?
Users may try the following solutions if deleted text messages keep appearing on iPhones:
Check Message Settings
If a person uses iMessage and has multiple Apple devices, they must check the message settings on all of them. Messages sync across devices using iCloud, so if a message is deleted on one device but not on others, it might reappear due to syncing. Check the message settings on the iPad, Mac, or any other Apple device to ensure consistency.
Verify iCloud Settings
Confirm that Messages in iCloud are enabled on all devices. This setting synchronizes the messages across devices. To check and enable Messages in iCloud:
- Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Tap on your Apple ID at the top of the Settings screen.
- Select “iCloud.”
- Make sure “Messages” is turned on.
Disable iMessage temporarily
Temporarily turning off iMessage might help resolve the syncing issue. To do this:
- Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Select “Messages.”
- Toggle off the switch next to “iMessage.”
- Restart your iPhone.
- After the restart, turn iMessage back on.
Update iOS and Apps
Ensure both the iPhone’s iOS and the messaging apps are current. Outdated software can sometimes cause syncing problems.
Reset All Settings
If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not delete the data but reset all settings to default values. To do this:
- Go to “Settings” on your iPhone.
- Select “General.”
- Scroll down and tap “Reset.”
- Choose “Reset All Settings” and enter your passcode if prompted.
Contact Apple Support
If none of the above solutions work, it’s best to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can help diagnose the problem and provide specific guidance based on your device and software setup.
All in All
This is how to delete messages on iPhone and everything there is to know relating to it. Following simple step-by-step methods, readers can confidently manage their conversations, keeping their digital interactions clutter-free and secure. Remember, deleted messages might reappear under certain circumstances, so it’s crucial to stay vigilant and double-check the settings to ensure the messages are truly removed. Embrace the power of effective message management and maintain clear, confidential, and hassle-free conversations on your iPhone.