Have you ever sent a message on your iPhone and immediately regretted it? Maybe you sent it to the wrong person or made an embarrassing typo. Luckily, with iOS 17, you can now unsend messages on your iPhone. It’s a simple process that can save you from some awkward situations.
You can also check out this video about how to unsend messages on iPhone for additional info.
How to Unsend Messages on iPhone in iOS 17
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s quickly cover what you’ll achieve by following these instructions. You’ll learn how to recall a message that you’ve sent using the Messages app on your iPhone running iOS 17. This feature only works if you act quickly and both parties in the conversation are using iMessage.
Step 1: Open the Messages App
Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.
The Messages app is where all your text messages and iMessages are stored. Make sure you’re using Apple’s official Messages app and not a third-party messaging app for this to work.
Step 2: Find the Message You Want to Unsend
Scroll to the message you wish to unsend.
You can only unsend messages within a certain time frame after sending, so be quick about it. The message must be an iMessage, indicated by a blue bubble, not a green one.
Step 3: Tap and Hold the Message
Press and hold the message bubble you want to recall.
A menu will pop up with various options. Time is of the essence here, so don’t dawdle.
Step 4: Select “Unsend Message”
Tap the “Unsend Message” option from the menu.
Once you select this option, the message will be retracted from the conversation. However, the recipient may still see a notice that a message was unsent.
After completing these steps, the message you unsent will disappear from both your and the recipient’s devices. However, there’s no guarantee the recipient didn’t see the message before you unsent it. They may also see a notification that you unsent a message, so keep that in mind.
Tips for Unsending Messages in iOS 17
- Act quickly, as you only have a short window of time to unsend a message.
- Make sure both sender and recipient are using iMessage (blue bubbles) for this feature to work.
- Be aware that unsending a message doesn’t guarantee the recipient didn’t see it already.
- Consider using the “Edit Message” option if you simply want to correct a typo.
- If you’re unsure whether to send a message, it might be better to wait a few minutes to think it over before hitting send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I unsend a message if the recipient isn’t using iMessage?
No, the unsend feature only works if both parties are using iMessage. If the recipient is not using iMessage, the message will be sent as an SMS or MMS (green bubble), and you cannot recall these types of messages.
Will the recipient know if I unsend a message?
Yes, they’ll see a notice indicating that a message was unsent. However, they won’t be able to see the content of the unsent message.
How long do I have to unsend a message after sending it?
The exact time frame is not specified by Apple, but it is a short window. It’s best to act immediately if you decide to unsend a message.
Can I unsend messages that were sent before upgrading to iOS 17?
No, you can only unsend messages that were sent after updating to iOS 17.
If I unsend a message, will it be deleted from my device too?
Yes, unsending a message will remove it from both the sender’s and the recipient’s devices.
Summary
- Open the Messages app.
- Find the message you want to unsend.
- Tap and hold the message.
- Select “Unsend Message.”
Conclusion
The ability to unsend messages on your iPhone with iOS 17 is a game-changer for messaging etiquette. Whether it’s a message sent in haste or a simple mistake, this feature provides a safety net for your texting blunders. Remember though, this isn’t a foolproof solution; the recipient may still have seen the message, and a notification will inform them that something was unsent. Nevertheless, it’s a helpful tool in managing your digital conversations.
So next time you find yourself frantically wishing to take back a text, just remember these simple steps: open the Messages app, find the message, tap and hold, and select “Unsend Message.” And voilà, your message will vanish as if it was never sent. Just be sure you act swiftly, and both you and your conversation partner are using iMessage. Happy texting!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.