Introduction
Sending text messages has become a ubiquitous form of communication, with over six billion messages sent globally every day. While it is effortless to compose and send messages on your iPhone, it can be frustrating when you accidentally send a message or want to delete a message sent in error. The problem becomes more pronounced for those who have to delete sent text messages on their iPhone, a feature not supported by the default messaging app.
This article aims at providing a step-by-step guide, tips and tricks, and reliable third-party apps that can aid you in deleting sent text messages on your iPhone. We also delve into the common mistakes and explore the automatic message deletion feature.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Delete Sent Text Messages on iPhone
Deleting a sent text message on an iPhone can be a daunting task, but it is still possible. Follow these simple steps to delete a sent message on iPhone:
1. Open the Messages app and go to the conversation where the sent message is located.
2. Tap and hold the sent message you wish to delete, and select “More.”
3. Choose the message(s) you wish to delete by ticking the circle beside them. A checkmark appears beside each selected message.
4. Once you have selected all the messages, tap the trash can icon at the bottom left corner of your screen. A pop-up will ask you to confirm the deletion. Tap “Delete Message” to complete the deletion process.
5. Lastly, ensure that the message disappears from the conversation on your device and check with the recipient to confirm that the message has been removed from their device too.
Tips and Tricks for Deleting Sent Text Messages on iPhone
Here are a few tips and tricks that can make deleting a sent message on an iPhone easier:
Speeding up the Message Deletion Process Using 3D Touch
If your iPhone has 3D Touch, you can use the feature to delete messages quicker. On the Messages app, press firmly on the sent message you want to delete. Next, choose “Delete” from the quick toolbar that pops up. Confirm the deletion, and the message will be deleted, leaving no trace in the conversation.
Possible Workaround for Deleting Sent iMessages during Do Not Disturb Mode
When you send an iMessage to someone who has enabled “Do Not Disturb” mode, the message is still delivered to the recipient’s device silently. Unfortunately, you cannot delete the message once sent. However, if you quickly turn off Wi-Fi and Mobile Data after sending the message, the message will not get delivered, giving you a chance to delete it using the steps described above.
Using a Mac or PC to Delete Sent Messages from iPhone
If you have a Mac or PC synced to your iPhone’s Messages app, you can delete sent messages on the computer without affecting the recipient’s device. Open the Messages app on the computer, find the conversation from which you want to delete the message, select the message, and choose “Delete.” The deleted message will not be visible on your iPhone’s Messages app and the recipient’s device.
Common Mistakes When Trying to Delete Sent Text Messages on iPhone
Here are some of the common mistakes that people make when trying to delete sent text messages on their iPhone:
Failure to Delete Messages from the Recipient’s Device
Deleting a message on your iPhone causes it to disappear from your device but not from the recipient’s device. It is crucial to check that the message has been deleted successfully from both devices. If not, the recipient can still view the message even though it is no longer visible on your end.
Incomplete Deletion that Leaves Behind Traces of the Message
Sometimes, deleting a message on the iPhone does not eliminate all its traces from the device. There are instances where you might get a notification with a snippet of the message, or the message appears as a suggestion when you’re typing a new message. To ensure that the message has been erased entirely, clear your keyboard cache and check the suggested pre-filled text.
Over-Reliance on the Default Message App to Provide a Complete Solution
The default Messages app on the iPhone does not have an inbuilt feature that allows users to delete sent messages. Therefore, over-reliance on the default app could hinder users from getting the most out of their iPhone’s messaging capabilities. It is best to try third-party apps that specialize in message management for a comprehensive solution.
Exploring Different Third-Party Apps That Can Help Delete Sent Text Messages on iPhone
Several third-party apps specialize in message management and offer features, including the ability to delete sent text messages on your iPhone. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Signal
Signal is a popular secure messaging app that promotes privacy and security. It allows users to delete both sent and received messages after a chosen amount of time by activating the ‘Disappearing Messages’ feature. Signal respects privacy and does not store messages or collect data from users, making it a reliable solution for those who value online security.
Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based messaging app that offers a similar ‘Disappearing Messages’ feature to Signal. Its intuitive interface and numerous features, including the ability to send large files (up to 2GB in size) and create public channels, have made it a popular messaging app for many people.
WhatsApp is a messaging app that supports multimedia messaging and voice calls. It enables users to delete sent and received messages by activating the ‘Delete for Everyone’ feature. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption ensures that messages and calls are secure and private.
A Tutorial on How to Set Automatic Message Deletion on iPhone to Avoid the Need to Manually Delete Sent Messages
iOS 14 introduced the ability to set automatic message deletion on your iPhone. This feature allows you to specify the length of time that messages should be retained before they are automatically deleted. Here’s how to set up automatic message deletion:
1. Open the Messages app and go to the conversation list view.
2. Swipe left on a conversation and choose “More.”
3. Tap “Delete” under the listed options.
4. Next, choose the duration for which you want to keep messages before they are automatically deleted. You can choose from 30 days, one year, or keep messages forever.
5. Tap “Delete Messages” to confirm.
Conclusion
Deleting a message on an iPhone can be challenging, but it is still possible using the right techniques. We have provided a comprehensive guide, tips and tricks, third-party apps, and a tutorial for enabling automatic message deletion to help you delete sent text messages on your iPhone effectively. Please note that the best approach will depend on your specific situation and preference.
Share your feedback and suggestions for other solutions in the comments section below.
