Quick Answer: To unsend messages on iPhone from both sides, you can use the “Delete for Everyone” feature in apps like iMessage and WhatsApp. Simply tap and hold the message, choose the “More” option, and select the messages you want to delete. Then, tap the trash bin icon and select “Delete for Everyone.” This will remove the message from both the sender and recipient’s devices. Keep in mind that both parties must be using compatible messaging apps for this feature to work. Now, let’s delve into a detailed explanation of how to unsend messages on iPhone from both sides.
Have you ever sent a message to someone and immediately regretted it? Or perhaps you made a typo or shared something you didn’t mean to? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Fortunately, on an iPhone, there is a way to unsend messages from both sides, erasing that digital blunder before it’s too late. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to unsend messages on an iPhone using popular messaging apps such as iMessage and WhatsApp. So, if you’re ready to learn how to undo your message mishaps, keep reading!
How to Unsend Messages on iPhone from Both Sides
Sending a message in the heat of the moment or mistakenly hitting the send button too soon can lead to embarrassment or unintended consequences. Thankfully, the iPhone offers a solution by allowing users to unsend messages from both sides. In this article, we will explore the various methods to recall messages on an iPhone, ensuring that your conversations remain private and secure.
iMessage – The Basics
Before we delve into how to unsend messages on an iPhone, let’s understand the basics of iMessage. iMessage is Apple’s proprietary instant messaging service, providing a convenient way for iPhone users to exchange text messages, photos, videos, and more. When sending an iMessage, the message is sent through Apple’s servers, allowing for certain features like message syncing, read receipts, and the ability to unsend messages.
Method 1: Recall a Message on iMessage
If you’ve accidentally sent a message and wish to unsend it on iMessage, here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to the conversation containing the message you want to unsend.
- Tap and hold the message you wish to recall.
- In the pop-up menu, select the “More” option.
- Your message will now be highlighted, and you can select additional messages if desired.
- Tap the trash can icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
- A confirmation message will appear, asking if you want to delete the selected messages. Choose “Delete” to proceed.
By following these steps, the message you selected will be deleted from the conversation, and it will appear as though it was never sent. However, please note that this will only work if the recipient has not yet seen the message.
Method 2: Enable message recall in settings
To enhance your message recall capabilities on an iPhone, you can enable a setting that requires both parties to have read access to a message before it is marked as read. This means that until the recipient opens the message, you can still unsend it. Here’s how you can enable this setting:
- Go to “Settings” on your iPhone’s home screen.
- Scroll down and tap on “Messages”.
- Under the “iMessage” section, enable the “Send Read Receipts” option.
Enabling this setting will allow you to have more control over your messages and increase the chances of successfully unsending a message.
Method 3: Recalling messages with a third-party app
If you want even more control over your messages and the ability to unsend them after they have been read, there are several third-party apps available in the App Store that offer this functionality. These apps provide additional features and flexibility, allowing you to recall messages, set expiration timers on messages, and even encrypt your conversations for added security. Some popular apps in this category include Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp.
Signal
Signal is an encrypted messaging app that prioritizes user privacy and security. With Signal, you can unsend messages even after they have been read by the recipient. Simply long-press on the message, tap the “Unsend” option, and the message will be deleted from both devices.
Telegram
Telegram is another messaging app that offers message recall functionality. In Telegram, you can unsend messages within 48 hours of sending them, regardless of whether the recipient has read them or not. To unsend a message on Telegram, long-press on the message, tap the “Delete” option, and choose “Delete for me and [recipient’s name]” to remove the message from both devices.
WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, also allows users to unsend messages. To do this, tap and hold on the message, select the “Delete” option, and choose “Delete for everyone” to remove the message from both devices. However, please note that there is a time limit of one hour and the recipient must not have read the message for this feature to work.
Accidentally sending a message can happen to anyone, but with the methods outlined in this article, you can easily unsend messages on your iPhone and maintain control over your conversations. Whether you utilize the built-in iMessage recall feature or opt for third-party apps like Signal, Telegram, or WhatsApp, you can ensure your messages remain private and secure. Remember, it’s always better to double-check before sending a message, but if mistakes happen, now you know how to undo them.
Can You Delete iMessages From Both Sides?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unsend messages on iPhone from both sides?
To unsend messages on iPhone from both sides, follow these steps:
Can I unsend a message on iPhone if the recipient has already read it?
No, once the recipient has read the message, it cannot be unsent from their device. However, you can still delete the message from your own iPhone.
Will unsending a message on iPhone delete it permanently?
Unsending a message on iPhone will remove it from both your device and the recipient’s device, but it does not guarantee permanent deletion. There may still be traces of the message in backups or on other devices.
How long do I have to unsend a message on iPhone?
There is no time limit to unsend a message on iPhone. As long as the message has not been read by the recipient, you can successfully unsend it.
Can I unsend multiple messages at once on iPhone?
No, the option to unsend messages is available for individual messages only. You cannot unsend multiple messages at once on iPhone.
Will the recipient be notified if I unsend a message on iPhone?
No, the recipient will not receive any notification if you unsend a message on iPhone. The message will simply disappear from their conversation without any indication.
Final Thoughts
To unsend messages on iPhone from both sides, follow these simple steps. Open the Messages app and locate the conversation you want to unsend a message from. Press and hold the message until the options menu appears. Tap “More” and select the message(s) you want to delete. Then, tap the trash can icon and choose “Delete Message”. Confirm your selection. Remember, this feature only works if the recipient hasn’t read the message yet. So, next time you find yourself in an urgent need to unsend a message on iPhone, just follow these steps and regain control of your messages.
