Before it's too late, learn how to edit and unsend a message on iPhone.
Easily edit and unsend iMessages.
All of us have felt that sudden surge of anxiety following the sending of a text message, be it a typing error, an unintended recipient or a message we wish we could retract.
Thankfully, if you're an iPhone user, there's good news.
The latest iOS updates allow you to edit or unsend your iMessages, preventing embarrassment.
How to edit a sent iMessage
- Open the Messages app and find the iMessage you want to change
- Long-press on the message
- A pop-up menu will appear; tap on Edit.
- Adjust the text as needed
- Tap the blue check mark to confirm your changes
Important notes about editing a sent iMessage
- You have 15 minutes after sending a message to edit it.
- You can edit the same message up to five times.
- Original: "I am an AI assistant that helps people find information." Edited: "I am an AI that assists people in locating information."
How to unsend an iMessage
- Open the Messages app and locate the message.
- Long-press on the message
- In the pop-up menu, choose Undo Send
- The message will vanish from both your device and the recipient's screen.
Key considerations about unsending an iMessage
- You only have two minutes after sending a message to unsend it.
- The recipient may still see a notification that you unsent a message.
- This feature is exclusive to iMessages (blue bubbles) and does not apply to SMS texts (green bubbles).
Limitations you should know
While these features are incredibly useful, they come with some limitations.
- You and the recipient must be using iOS 16 or later for full functionality.
- Original: "Hey, can you send me the report?" Rewritten: "Could you please forward the report to me?"
Kurt's key takeaways
Easily correct mistakes or retract messages with the simple steps of editing and unsend.
What messaging features would you like to see added to iMessage or other messaging apps in the future? Please share your thoughts with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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15 things to do or try first when you get a new iPhone: 1. Set up your phone with your personal information and preferences. 2. Install your favorite apps and games. 3. Connect your phone to your Wi-Fi network and other devices. 4. Take a few photos and test out the camera. 5. Set up your email and other accounts. 6. Enable security features like Touch ID or Face ID. 7. Customize your phone's settings and appearance. 8. Explore the built-in features and apps on your phone. 9. Connect with friends and family on social media. 10. Set up reminders and alarms. 11. Use the phone's built-in voice assistant. 12. Download and install new apps from the App Store. 13. Set up your phone's screen time and parental controls. 14. Enable automatic updates for your apps and software. 15. Back up your important data to cloud storage or an external hard drive.
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