In this article, we will show you how to unsend a message on iPhone using iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger.
If you’ve ever sent a message that you wish you could take back, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users have found themselves in situations where they’d love to unsend a message, whether it was a typo, a mistaken send, or even a message sent to the wrong person.
Here, we will walk through the steps on how to unsend a message on your iPhone, the apps that support this feature, and some tips to help you avoid mishaps in the future.
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What Does “Unsend” Mean on iPhone?
Unsend is a feature that allows you to delete a message after it has been delivered, removing it from both your device and the recipient’s device. This is different from simply deleting a message on your end—it means that the message is recalled entirely from the conversation thread, assuming the app you’re using supports it.
Apps That Support Unsend on iPhone
Not every messaging app on iOS allows you to unsend a message. Here are some popular apps where you can use this feature:
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iMessage: With the introduction of iOS 16, Apple added the ability to unsend messages in iMessage within a short window after sending.
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WhatsApp: This widely-used messaging app lets you delete messages for everyone within a specific time frame after sending.
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Telegram: Known for its robust privacy features, Telegram also offers an unsend option.
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Facebook Messenger: Messenger users can remove a sent message from the chat for everyone, but the feature works best on recent versions of the app.
See Also: 5 Steps to Update Apps on iPhone Manually
How to Unsend a Message on iPhone Using iMessage
If you’re using iMessage on an iPhone running iOS 16 or later, follow these simple steps to unsend a message:
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Open the Conversation: Launch the Messages app and navigate to the conversation where you sent the message you want to unsend.
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Tap and Hold the Message: Locate the message and press it firmly until you see additional options appear.
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Select “Undo Send”: In the options menu, tap “Undo Send.” The message will disappear from the conversation thread.
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Confirm the Action: Depending on your settings, you might see a confirmation prompt. Confirm that you want to unsend the message.
It’s important to note that the unsend feature in iMessage is time-sensitive. Apple typically allows you to unsend a message within a two-minute window after sending it. Once that time frame has passed, you may not be able to recall the message.
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How to Unsend a Message in Other Messaging Apps
Different apps have their own methods for unsending messages. Here’s a quick guide for a few popular ones:
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WhatsApp:
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Open the chat, tap and hold the message.
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Select “Delete” and then choose “Delete for Everyone.”
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This option is available for about one hour after the message is sent.
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Telegram:
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Tap and hold the message you want to delete.
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Tap the trash icon, then select “Delete for Everyone.”
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Telegram offers this feature without a strict time limit, making it quite flexible.
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Facebook Messenger:
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Long press on the message.
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Choose “Remove” and then “Unsend.”
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Facebook Messenger lets you unsend messages relatively quickly, but check the app’s latest update for time restrictions.
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Tips to Avoid Messaging Mishaps
While the unsend feature is incredibly useful, it’s always best to double-check your messages before hitting send. Here are some helpful tips:
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Review Before Sending: Take a moment to read over your message for any typos or miscommunication.
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Use Drafts: If you’re unsure about your message, consider saving it as a draft and coming back later.
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Enable Confirmation Prompts: Some messaging apps allow you to enable confirmation prompts for sending messages. Check your app’s settings for this option.
See Also: 5 Ways to transfer iPhone to iPhone
Conclusion
Accidentally sending a message you wish you could take back doesn’t have to be a stressful experience anymore. With the unsend feature available in iMessage and many other popular messaging apps, you have the power to quickly correct mistakes. Just remember to act fast, as these features typically work within a limited time frame. By following the simple steps above and keeping a few best practices in mind, you can ensure smoother and more controlled communication on your iPhone.
Whether you’re using iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger, knowing how to unsend a message on your iPhone can save you from potential embarrassment and miscommunication.
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