Removing contact photos from messages on your iPhone is simple. Just head over to the “Messages” app, open the conversation, tap on the contact’s name at the top, and hit “info.” From there, you’ll see the “Edit” button in the top right corner. Tap on it, and then you can remove the contact photo by tapping on the red minus button.
After completing this action, the contact’s photo will no longer appear in your messages with them. Instead, you’ll see their initials or a generic profile image, depending on your settings.
You can also watch this video about how to remove contact photos from Messages on iPhone for additional info.
Introduction
Ever looked at your iPhone messages and thought, “Why is there a photo next to every single contact?” Maybe you prefer a cleaner look, or perhaps you’re just tired of seeing the same old pictures. Whatever the reason, removing contact photos from messages can declutter your conversation view and give your eyes a break from visual overload.
For some, those little circles with faces can be a distraction, especially if you’re trying to focus on what’s being said rather than who’s saying it. Moreover, if you have contacts with outdated or unflattering photos, it can be an unwanted reminder every time you open up a conversation. Removing contact photos can also help maintain some privacy if you often text in public and don’t want prying eyes to recognize your contacts.
This change is particularly relevant to iPhone users who prioritize minimalism in their digital experience or those who want to exercise more control over their device’s interface. It’s a small tweak, but it can make a significant difference in how you interact with your messages.
Step by Step Tutorial on Removing Contact Photos from Messages on iPhone
Before we begin, remember that this process only removes photos from messages and won’t delete them from your contacts list.
Step 1: Open the Messages App
Launch the Messages app on your iPhone.
This is where all your text conversations are stored. You’ll be able to navigate through individual chats to remove the contact photos.
Step 2: Select a Conversation
Tap on the conversation with the contact photo you want to remove.
You can do this for each conversation individually if you want to remove specific contact photos.
Step 3: Tap on Contact’s Name
Once the conversation is open, tap on the contact’s name at the top of the screen.
This step will take you to the details page where you can see more options related to that particular contact.
Step 4: Tap on the “info” Button
After tapping the contact’s name, tap on the “info” button that appears.
This button might look like a small letter “i” inside a circle and is typically located to the right of the contact’s name.
Step 5: Tap on “Edit”
In the upper right corner of the screen, tap on the “Edit” button.
This will allow you to modify the settings for that contact within your messages.
Step 6: Remove the Contact Photo
Tap on the red minus button next to the contact photo.
This action will remove the photo from the contact in your messages.
Step 7: Confirm the Removal
Confirm that you want to remove the photo by tapping “Done” or “Remove Photo.”
After this step, the photo will no longer be visible in your messages with that contact.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Decluttered Interface | Removing contact photos can lead to a cleaner and more streamlined conversation list in your Messages app. |
| Privacy Enhancement | Without contact photos, it’s harder for others to see who you’re texting, providing an extra layer of privacy. |
| Focus on Content | Without visual distractions, you can focus more on the content of your messages rather than who sent them. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Less Personalization | Some users may miss the personal touch that contact photos add to conversations. |
| Harder to Identify | Without photos, it might be harder to quickly identify who you’re messaging at a glance. |
| Limited Customization | Removing contact photos is an all-or-nothing solution, with no option to remove them only in certain contexts. |
Additional Information
Remember, while this process removes contact photos from your messages, it doesn’t delete or change the contact photo in your actual contacts list. So, if you decide later on that you want to add a photo back, you can do so without any hassle.
Also, consider that if you’re part of a group chat, removing a contact photo will only affect how you view the conversation on your device. Other participants will still see the contact photos unless they also decide to remove them.
Another tip is to regularly update your contact photos. This can ensure that you’re not stuck with outdated or unwanted images that you feel compelled to remove. It’s a good practice to review your contacts every so often to keep things fresh and relevant.
Finally, if you’re interested in further customizing your Messages app, explore the settings to change the text size, background color, and notification preferences. Your iPhone is a personal device, so make sure it reflects your preferences and needs.
Summary
- Open the Messages app.
- Select the conversation with the contact photo to remove.
- Tap on the contact’s name.
- Tap on the “info” button.
- Tap on “Edit.”
- Tap on the red minus button next to the contact photo.
- Confirm by tapping “Done” or “Remove Photo.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing a contact photo from messages delete it from my contacts?
No, it will only remove the photo from your messages. The contact’s photo will remain the same in your contacts list.
Can I remove contact photos from group messages?
Yes, you can follow the same steps to remove contact photos from a group message.
What happens if I change my mind and want the contact photo back?
You can easily add the contact photo back by editing the contact in your messages and selecting a photo.
Can I customize which conversations show contact photos?
No, currently, there is no option to customize this setting for individual conversations.
Is it possible to remove my own contact photo from messages?
Yes, you can remove your own contact photo by following the same process in the conversation where you appear.
Conclusion
Removing contact photos from messages on your iPhone is a quick way to declutter your digital space and maintain a level of privacy. It’s a personal choice that reflects how you want to interact with your device.
Whether you want to focus on the conversation without distractions or simply prefer a minimalist look, taking control of your iPhone’s interface can enhance your overall user experience. Remember, the power to customize your iPhone lies in your hands—use it wisely!
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.