How to Unsend a Sent Text Message on iPhone & Messaging Apps on Android

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Did you send an embarrassing text message that you want to undo? Beginning with iOS 16, you can now unsend regrettable texts within 2 minutes of tapping the Send button. If you haven't updated to iOS 16 or have an Android, you can't unsend texts unless you're using messaging apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook Messenger. This wikiHow article will teach you how to use the new unsend feature in iMessages on your iPhone or iPad, and show you options for unsending texts on other popular platforms and messaging apps.

Things You Should Know

  • If both you and the recipient of your text are using iOS 16 or later, you can unsend a text for up to 2 minutes after sending.
  • If it's been longer than 2 minutes, you can edit the text to fix mistakes for up to 15 minutes.
  • Earlier iOS versions and Androids don't have an unsend option, but you can recall sent texts in WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger.
Section 1 of 5:

Unsend an iPhone Text

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    The ability to unsend and edit text messages is a new feature of iOS 16, so you'll need to update your iPhone if you haven't already. To update, launch the Settings app and just tap General > Software Update . If the update is available for your model, tap Download and Install to get it.
    • The following iPhone models can receive the iOS 16 update:
      • iPhone 14, Plus, Pro, & Pro Max
      • iPhone 13, Mini, Pro, & Pro Max
      • iPhone 12, Mini, Pro, & Pro Max
      • iPhone 11, Pro, & Pro Max
      • iPhone XS & XS Max
      • iPhone XR
      • iPhone X
      • iPhone 8 & 8 Plus
      • iPhone SE (2nd gen & later)
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    Once your iPhone receives the iOS 16 update, you'll be able to unsend those embarrassing texts for up to 2 minutes after sending. [1]
    • If it's been longer than 2 minutes, you won't have the option to unsend. You can, however, edit a message you've sent for up to 15 minutes.
    • Unsending only works if both you and the recipient are using iMessages on iOS 16 or later.
    • If the recipient is using iOS 15.6 or earlier, macOS 12 or earlier, has an Android, or is using SMS, the original message will remain in the conversation.
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    In addition to the standard reactions you're used to seeing above the message, you'll now see a menu with additional options, including Undo Send.
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    This removes the message from the conversation instantly.
    • Instead of the original message, both you and the original recipient will see a note that says "You unsent a message." While the message itself will no longer be visible, the recipient will know you've sent something and recalled it.
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    If more than 2 minutes have passed since you've sent the message, you can edit the sent text. Unlike the Unsend option, the option to edit a sent message is available for 15 minutes after sending. Just long-press the message bubble, select Edit , make your changes, and tap the blue checkmark to save.
    • Editing a sent text is great for fixing typos, but keep in mind that anyone in the conversation can still read your original text by tapping Edited below the updated message.
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Section 2 of 5:

Unsend an Android Text

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    Once you send a text in your Android's built-in texting app, it's out of your hands. However, many third-party messaging apps have unsend features—if you're prone to firing off embarrassing texts by accident, try to do most of your texting in apps like WhatsApp , Instagram , or Facebook Messenger .
Section 3 of 5:

Unsend on WhatsApp

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    If you sent a regrettable message in a WhatsApp chat on any platform, it'll be super easy to unsend it. [2] Nobody will see the message once you've unsent it—instead, they'll just see a brief note that says "This message was deleted."
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    Several options will appear.
    • If you want to delete multiple messages at once, tap additional messages after long-tapping the first one.
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    A confirmation message will appear, asking if you want to delete the message for everyone in the chat.
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    This permanently removes the message from the conversation.
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Section 4 of 5:

Unsend on Instagram

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    If you've sent an Instagram DM that you wish you hadn't, you can easily unsend it at any time. Once you remove the message, there will be no trace if it anywhere in the conversation.
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    A few options will expand.
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    You'll now be asked if you'd really like to unsend the message.
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    This permanently removes the message from the conversation. [3]
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Section 5 of 5:

Unsend on Facebook Messenger

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    Messenger's Unsend for Everyone feature makes it easy to quickly delete any regrettable messages you've sent. Start by opening the conversation that contains the message you want to unsend.
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    After a second or so, you'll see the option to unsend the message.
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    Now you'll be given the option to unsend the message for everyone or just yourself.
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    This permanently deletes the message from all sides of the conversation. [4]
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      Tips

      • While some Android users claim you can unsend a text by removing your Android's battery or turning off your phone, these "hacks" do not work. Once the message is sent, it travels from your phone to your mobile provider, who then delivers the message. This all happens too quickly to undo a text you didn't mean to send.
        Thanks
      • Regardless of which method you use to unsend a text, there's always a chance the recipient will have already seen the message before you get a chance to delete it. Act quickly to avoid embarrassing mistakes!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/unsend-and-edit-messages-iphe67195653/ios
      2. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/2476316095954737/?locale=en_US
      3. ↑ https://help.instagram.com/491370017690934
      4. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/help/messenger-app/194400311449172

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