Can you permanently delete messages on iPhone?

Answered by Ricardo McCardle

You can permanently delete messages on an iPhone. When it comes to deleting messages, there are a few different options available to you. Let’s explore them in detail.

1. Deleting Individual Messages:
If you want to delete specific messages within a conversation, you can do so by following these steps:
– Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
– Locate the conversation containing the messages you want to delete.
– Tap and hold on the specific message you wish to delete.
– When the pop-up options appear, tap on “More.”
– Now, you can select multiple messages by tapping on the circles beside them.
– Once you have selected all the messages you want to delete, tap on the trash can icon in the bottom left corner.
– A confirmation message will appear. Tap on “Delete Message” to permanently remove the selected messages.

2. Deleting Entire Conversations:
If you want to delete an entire conversation, including all the messages within it, you can do so by following these steps:
– Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
– Find the conversation you want to delete.
– Swipe left on the conversation to reveal the “Delete” option.
– Tap on “Delete” to remove the entire conversation and all the messages it contains.

3. Permanently Deleting Deleted Messages:
When you delete messages on your iPhone, they are initially moved to the “Recently Deleted” folder, where they are stored for a specific period of time before being permanently deleted. To permanently remove deleted messages, follow these steps:
– Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
– Tap on the “Back” arrow in the top left corner to go to the main Messages screen.
– Now, tap on the “Edit” button in the top right corner.
– You will see the “Recently Deleted” folder appear. Tap on it.
– In the “Recently Deleted” folder, you will see all the messages that were deleted within the last 30 days.
– To permanently delete all the messages in this folder, tap on “Delete All” in the top left corner.
– A confirmation message will appear. Tap on “Delete Messages” to permanently remove the deleted messages.

It’s important to note that once you have permanently deleted messages, they cannot be recovered. So, make sure you double-check before deleting any important conversations or messages.

In my personal experience, I have found these methods to be effective in permanently deleting messages on an iPhone. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your device regularly to ensure you don’t lose any important data.

I hope this detailed answer helps you understand how to permanently delete messages on your iPhone. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!