Alex Ruben
How To Delete Messages on iPhone for Both Sender and Receiver – Comprehensive Guide
Dealing with accidental or private messages on your iPhone? Sometimes, you’d like to erase a message not just from your device but also from the recipient’s side. It’s kinda weird, but if you’re quick enough, you can do it — at least in certain situations. The whole “delete for both” thing sounds perfect, but Apple’s core Messages app doesn’t natively support true deletion from both ends, unlike some rival apps. So, the trick here is to be aware of the limitations and use workarounds like iMessage Undo Send (if you’re on iOS 16+), or third-party apps or methods. This guide covers what you can do directly, and what the alternatives look like.
How to Try Deleting Messages from Both Sides on iPhone
Method 1: Use iMessage’s Undo Send (for recent messages)
This is the closest native thing you can get — but it’s only available for a brief window, and only if both sender and receiver are on iOS 16 or later. Think of it like a tiny window of opportunity to “unsend” a message. It’s not perfect, but it’s worth trying if you’re within the two-minute limit.
- Send the message as usual.
- Immediately tap and hold on that message bubble.
- Tap Undo Send. If you don’t see this option, it’s either too late or your receiver isn’t on iOS 16+.
- Expect the message to disappear from your chat, and if the recipient is on suitable iOS, it will vanish from their device too.
Note: On some setups this might fail the first time, or just quietly not do anything if the other person has a different iOS version. It’s kind of a gamble, honestly.
Method 2: Ask the recipient to delete the message
Because Apple doesn’t give a built-in way to delete a message from both sides after the window closes, the next best move is simply to ask the other person nicely to delete it. You can send a follow-up message or call — whatever it takes to get them to remove the message from their device. Works better if it’s a one-on-one chat and they’re responsive.
- Send a quick message asking them to delete the previous message.
- Hopefully, they’ll do it, especially if it’s something sensitive.
Method 3: Use a third-party app or tool (more complex)
Some third-party apps or jailbroken tweaks claim to delete messages from both sides, but beware. These are not officially supported and can be a pain to set up, or worse, mess with your device’s security. If you’re tech-savvy and okay with potential risks, tools like Winhance or similar might do the job. Just note, this isn’t recommended for most users, and Apple can patch these loopholes pretty fast.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
- For messages sent long ago, there’s no way to delete them from the recipient’s device unless they do it. Sorry, Apple’s not providing a universal “delete for both” button. Patience or communication is your best shot.
- If the message isn’t deleting using Undo Send, it’s probably outside the window, or the other person’s device isn’t compatible. Don’t waste more time trying.
- Keep in mind, when you delete a message on your end, it doesn’t delete it on theirs unless you use special apps or ask nicely. The *only* supported way to delete for both without extra tools — if both parties are on iOS 16+ — is the Undo Send feature within those few minutes.
Summary
- Can’t really delete messages from both sides after a certain point – Apple’s design kinda sucks there.
- If still within two minutes and both on iOS 16+, try Undo Send.
- Otherwise, ask the recipient nice to delete it.
- Third-party tools exist but come with caveats.
Wrap-up
In the end, deleting messages from both sides on iPhone is limited. The built-in options only work when you act super quick. Beyond that, it’s mostly about using communication skills or looking into third-party tinkering — which is usually more hassle than it’s worth. Hopefully, this helps avoid some embarrassment or data leaks, but it’s not a magic wand. Just be aware of the tools and limitations, and try to think twice before sending. Fingers crossed this helps someone avoid a mess or two.