How to unsend a message in iMessage

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• iPhone
• Mac
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In the world of instant messaging, sending a message to the wrong person or not checking what you are sending can be a common problem. You may risk exposing sensitive information or being embarrassed by a misdirected message. Fortunately, iPhone users can save themselves by using the unsend iMessage feature.

Whether you made a mistake or need to delete a sensitive message, unsending an iMessage on your iOS device is just a few taps away.

How to unsend an iMessage on iPhone

The Messages app on your iPhone allows you to unsend or edit recent messages. This allows you to correct errors or recover messages that were inadvertently sent to the wrong recipient. Before walking you through the steps, your mobile device must be running on iOS 16 or later to use this feature.

This is what you should do:

1. Open the “Messages” app and select the desired conversation.
   
2. Press and hold the specific message to open the options menu.
   
3. Select the “Undo Send” option.
   

You have a two-minute window after sending a message to undo it. Please note that this does not work if the recipient is on an older version of iOS.

If you do not want to cancel sending the message, but simply edit it, follow these steps:

1. Open the “Messages” app and select the desired conversation.
   
2. Press and hold the specific message to open the options menu.
   
3. Press the “Edit” button and retype your message.
   
4. After making the necessary changes, press the blue check mark button to resend the message.
   

When you edit a message, the change is recorded in the conversation transcript and the message is marked as “Edited.” This means that the recipient of the message can see that the original message has been modified and that there is a history of edits.

You can change a message up to five times during the first 15 minutes after you send it. Users with an older version of iOS (15.6 and earlier) will receive a new message with the edited text next to the original.

These features only work on iMessages. SMS text messages (outside the scope of iOS or if the iMessage feature is disabled) cannot be changed.

How to unsend an iMessage on macOS

If you’re using an Apple PC, the “Messaging” app works similarly to the one on iOS, giving you peace of mind and control over your digital communication.

1. Open the “Messages” app and click on a desired conversation.
   
2. Find the specific message you want to unsend and Control-click it.
   
3. A pop-up menu will appear. Click on the “Undo Send” option.
   

If you want to make changes to a message you’ve already sent without canceling it, simply follow these steps:

1. Open the “Message” app and click on a desired conversation.
   
2. Find the specific message you want to edit and Control-click it.
   
3. A pop-up menu will appear. Here simply press the “Edit” option.
   
4. After editing the message, press the “Back” button on your keyboard.
   

What distinguishes iMessage from SMS/MMS?

You can send all messages on your Apple device using the “Messages” app. These messages can be sent using regular SMS/MMS or iMessage.

iMessage allows you to send text messages, images or videos over cellular data or Wi-Fi to other Apple devices (iPhones, iPads or Macs). These messages are indicated by blue text bubbles and are securely encrypted. Messages to other devices are sent via SMS or MMS, depending on their content.

If you don’t want to use cellular data, you can turn iMessage on or off on an Apple device by following these steps:

1. Tap the “Settings” icon.
   
2. Scroll down and select “Messages.”
   
3. Find the “iMessage” box and move the slider left or right.
   

If you turn off iMessage, the messages you send will be sent as regular SMS/MMS.

If you choose not to use iMessage, you can send SMS/MMS messages. These messages appear as green text bubbles on your phone and are not secure. You need a text messaging plan to send SMS/MMS on your iPhone. For more information, contact your mobile phone provider.

Frequent questions

What happens if I unsend an iMessage?

The unsent message will disappear from the sender and recipient’s devices and will be replaced by a note indicating that the message has been deleted. It doesn’t matter if the recipient has seen your original content.

Can I cancel sending a delivered iMessage?

As long as you’re within the two-minute period after sending, you can unsend a delivered iMessage.

Is it possible to unsend iMessages on all Apple devices?

Yes, the unsend feature is available on all Apple devices running iOS 16 or later or macOS Ventura.

Is it possible to unsend group iMessages?

Yes, the unsend feature is also available for group iMessages.

Undo the past with iMessage’s Unsend feature

Whether you need to fix a typo or recover a confidential message, unsend iMessages is there to help. Remember that you have a two-minute window after sending a message to unsend it, and the fact that you unsended the message or its editing history will be visible to the recipient. Make sure your Apple device is running iOS 16 or later, or has macOS Ventura to use this feature.