How to delete text messages

Learn how to delete individual messages or entire conversations on your iPhone or Android phone.

Easy 4 steps all ~6 min February 23, 2026

Step 1: Open the Messages app

Tap the Messages app on your home screen. It’s the green icon with a white speech bubble (iPhone) or a blue icon (Android).

Step 2: Delete a single message

Open a conversation. Press and hold the specific message you want to delete. A menu will appear. Tap Delete or the trash icon. Confirm by tapping Delete again.

Step 3: Delete an entire conversation

Go back to the main Messages list. Swipe left on the conversation you want to delete (iPhone) or press and hold the conversation (Android). Tap Delete. The entire conversation will be removed.

Step 4: Delete multiple conversations

Tap Edit at the top (iPhone) or the three dots menu (Android). Select the conversations you want to remove by tapping the circles next to them. Then tap Delete to remove them all at once.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get deleted messages back?

On iPhone, recently deleted messages may be in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days. On most Android phones, once deleted they are gone permanently.

If I delete a message, does the other person still see it?

Yes. Deleting a message from your phone only removes it from your device. The other person's copy is not affected.

How do I delete all messages at once?

In the Messages app, tap Edit (iPhone) or the three dots menu (Android), then select multiple conversations and delete them.

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