iOS · iPhone & iPad

Unable To Delete Text Messages on iPhone Fix

Original source date

Answer

While using your iPhone, make sure to close your Messages app and reopen it. This will completely restart the Messages application and can in some cases already fix the problem. While in your messages app, tap on Edit and select Show Recently Deleted. A list of names will appear and find the person to whom you’re unable to delete some or all messages.

Restart Messages App

While using your iPhone, make sure to close your Messages app and reopen it. This will completely restart the Messages application and can in some cases already fix the problem.

Restart Messages App
Restart Messages App

Find Recently Deleted Messages

While in your messages app, tap on Edit and select Show Recently Deleted. A list of names will appear and find the person to whom you’re unable to delete some or all messages.

Edit > Show Recently Deleted
Edit > Show Recently Deleted

Delete Conversation With User

Select the user and tap on Delete. This will permanently delete all messages with a user on your iPhone via the Messages app.

Recently Deleted > Delete Messages
Recently Deleted > Delete Messages

Delete Contact

If you’re simply unable to delete some or all messages with a person, then you will have to delete their contact card in your Contacts app before saving their contact information. In your Contacts app, find the person and tap on Edit. This will allow you to delete the contact. Lastly, head back to your Messages application and delete the text messages.

Contacts > Delete Contact
Contacts > Delete Contact

You can then create a new contact with the saved contact information of that user…

You can then create a new contact with the saved contact information of that user if you wish to keep their contact card.

You can then create a new contact with the saved contact information of that user…
You can then create a new contact with the saved contact information of that user…

Video walkthrough

If it does not work

  • What causes the issue of being unable to delete text messages on an iPhone?. There can be multiple reasons, including a software glitch, a bug in the iOS, insufficient storage space, and more.
  • Is there a way to recover deleted messages on an iPhone?. No, once a message has been deleted, it cannot be recovered.
  • What should I do if my text messages are stuck and won't delete on my iPhone?. You can try restarting your device, clearing the cache, or disabling iMessage. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Apple support for further assistance.
  • Can I delete text messages on my iPhone without deleting the entire conversation?. Yes, you can delete individual messages within a conversation without deleting the entire thread.
  • New ItemaIs there a limit to the number of text messages I can store on my iPhone?. No, there is no specific limit to the number of text messages you can store, but your device's storage capacity will eventually be filled if you don't delete old messages.