Deleting text messages on your iPhone 12 is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. Whether you want to clear out old conversations or simply tidy up your message app, this quick overview will guide you through the process. After reading this, you’ll know exactly what to do to get rid of those unwanted texts.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Delete Text Messages on iPhone 12
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s clarify what we’re about to do. Deleting text messages can help free up space on your iPhone and keep your messaging app uncluttered. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to remove individual texts, entire conversations, or multiple messages at once.
Step 1: Open the Messages App
Open the messages app on your iPhone 12. It’s the green icon with a white chat bubble.
When you open the Messages app, you’ll see a list of all your conversations. If you’ve never deleted messages before, this list might be pretty long!
Step 2: Select the Conversation
Tap on the conversation that contains the text message you want to delete.
Once you’ve selected a conversation, you’ll see all the messages exchanged with that particular contact or group.
Step 3: Press and Hold the Message
Press and hold the specific text message you want to delete until a menu pops up.
This menu will give you several options, including copying the message or reacting to it with an emoji. Look for the “More…” option.
Step 4: Tap “More…”
Tap on “More…” This will allow you to select multiple messages if needed.
After tapping “More…”, you’ll notice little circles appear next to each message. This is how you’ll select which messages to delete.
Step 5: Select Messages
Select the messages you want to delete by tapping on the circles next to them.
You can select one, a few, or all messages in the conversation. A blue checkmark will appear next to the selected messages.
Step 6: Tap the Trash Can Icon
Tap on the trash can icon in the lower-left corner to delete the selected messages.
Before you tap the trash can icon, double-check that you’ve selected all the messages you want to delete. Once you tap it, those messages will be gone for good.
Step 7: Confirm Deletion
Confirm you want to delete the messages by tapping “Delete Message” in the pop-up window.
This is the last chance to change your mind. If you’re sure you want to proceed, tap “Delete Message” to finish the process.
After completing these steps, the messages you selected will be permanently deleted from your iPhone 12. This means they won’t appear in your conversation anymore and you won’t be able to retrieve them. If you want to delete more messages, simply repeat the process.
Tips: Deleting Text Messages on iPhone 12
- If you want to delete an entire conversation, swipe left on it from the main messages list and tap “Delete.”
- Be sure before you delete a message, as there is no way to retrieve it once it’s gone.
- Deleting messages can help speed up your messaging app if it’s running slowly.
- Regularly deleting messages is a good privacy practice, especially if you discuss sensitive information.
- You can also configure your iPhone to automatically delete messages after a certain period by going to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I delete multiple conversations at once?
To delete multiple conversations at once, tap “Edit” in the top-left corner of the Messages list, select the conversations you want to remove, and tap “Delete” in the bottom-right corner.
Can I recover deleted text messages?
Once a message is deleted, it cannot be recovered. However, if you’ve backed up your iPhone before deleting the messages, you might be able to restore them by recovering the backup.
Will deleting messages free up storage on my iPhone?
Yes, deleting messages, especially those with media attachments, can free up a significant amount of storage on your iPhone.
Can I delete texts from someone else’s phone?
No, you cannot delete texts from someone else’s phone. You can only delete messages from your own device.
Is there a way to delete all messages at once?
There is no direct way to delete all messages at once, but you can delete entire conversations as described in the tips section.
Summary
- Open the Messages app.
- Select the conversation.
- Press and hold the message.
- Tap “More…”
- Select messages.
- Tap the trash can icon.
- Confirm deletion.
Conclusion
Deleting text messages on your iPhone 12 is a breeze once you know the steps. It’s a great way to keep your phone organized and ensure your private conversations remain just that—private. Whether you’re looking to free up some space, improve your phone’s performance, or simply keep your message list tidy, following the guide above will have you deleting messages like a pro in no time. And remember, once a message is gone, it’s gone for good, so be sure before you hit that delete button. Keep these tips in mind, and your messaging app will be clutter-free, leaving you more time to focus on the things that matter most. Happy texting!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.