The Messages app on iPhone only shows a timestamp above groups of messages, but every text and iMessage has its own exact time. You can reveal it with a quick swipe. This guide shows how to see the time each message was sent, check delivered and read times, find the date of older messages, and what to do if times don’t appear. The steps work on any iPhone running a current version of iOS, including older models such as the iPhone 7.
Quick Answer
Open a conversation in Messages, then drag the conversation to the left and hold. The time of every message appears along the right edge. Let go to hide them.
How to See the Time a Text Was Sent
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap the conversation.
- Place your finger on the message area (not on the text field) and slowly drag left.
- Keep holding. Times appear next to each message, both sent and received.
- Release to go back to the normal view.
The same swipe works in group chats and on iPad.
See the Date of Older Messages
The swipe only shows the time. The date appears in the gray header above each group of messages (for example “Yesterday 4:12 PM” or “Mon, Sep 8 at 10:03 AM”). Scroll up until you find the header just above the message.
To jump to old messages, pull down in the conversation list and use Search. Search results show the date next to each match.
Check Delivered and Read Times
- Delivered appears under your most recent iMessage (blue bubble) once it reaches the other person’s device.
- Read followed by a time appears if the recipient has Send Read Receipts turned on.
- Green bubbles (SMS/MMS) don’t show Delivered or Read. RCS messages (iOS 18 and later) may show delivery and read status depending on your carrier and the other phone’s settings.
To control your own read receipts: Settings > Apps > Messages > Send Read Receipts (on iOS 17 and earlier, Settings > Messages). You can also change it per contact by tapping their name at the top of the chat.
Scheduled and Edited Messages
- On iOS 18 and later you can use Send Later (tap + > Send Later). The message shows its scheduled time until it sends.
- Edited iMessages show Edited; tap it to see earlier versions.
Timestamps Wrong or Missing?
- Turn on Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically and check the time zone.
- Messages sent while the phone had no service show the time they were received, not necessarily when the other person tapped Send.
- If swiping doesn’t work, make sure you’re dragging the conversation itself, not a single bubble, and update iOS.
- Messages restored from a backup keep their original times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I show timestamps all the time?
No. iOS has no setting to show every timestamp permanently; the swipe is the only way.
Does the other person know I checked the time?
No. Viewing timestamps doesn’t notify anyone.
Can I see message times on a Mac?
Yes. In Messages on a Mac, hover over a message or look at the headers between message groups.
Summary
- Open a conversation in Messages.
- Drag the conversation to the left and hold.
- Read the times on the right.
- Scroll up to the gray headers for dates.
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.