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 guide 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. The main goal of this guide is to learn how to unsend a sent text message on various devices and apps.

Before you start: You need an iPhone or iPad compatible with iOS 16 or later to use the unsend feature in iMessages. You also need the recipient to be using iOS 16 or later for the unsend to work fully.
Warning: Unsending a message does not guarantee the recipient hasn’t already seen it. There is always a risk that the recipient saw the message before you deleted it. Also, unsending leaves a notification that you recalled a message.

How to unsend a text message on iPhone and other apps

Follow these steps carefully to recall messages on different platforms.

Method 1: Unsend an iPhone text (iOS 16)

  • First, update your device to iOS 16 or later. To update, open Settings, tap General, then tap Software Update. If available, tap Download and Install.
  • Check if your device is compatible. The update is available for iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd gen), and newer models up to the iPhone 14 series.
  • Open the Messages app and select the conversation containing the message you want to unsend.
  • Locate the specific message bubble you want to remove.
  • Tap and hold the message bubble until the menu appears.
  • Tap Undo Send from the options menu.
  • The message will disappear instantly. Both you and the recipient will see a note saying “You unsent a message.”
  • Note: This only works if the recipient is also using iMessages on iOS 16 or later. If they are on iOS 15.6 or earlier, macOS 12 or earlier, Android, or SMS, the original message will remain visible.
  • Check if more than 2 minutes have passed:
    • If yes: You cannot unsend the message, but you can edit it. Long-press the message, tap Edit, make changes, and tap the blue checkmark. Recipients can still view the original text by tapping “Edited”.
    • If no: Proceed with the Undo Send option immediately.

Method 2: Unsend on WhatsApp

  • Open the WhatsApp app and navigate to the chat containing the message you want to delete.
  • Long-press the specific message you wish to unsend.
  • Tap the Delete icon (usually a trash can symbol) in the top toolbar.
  • Select the Delete for Everyone option.
  • Confirm the action by tapping OK.
  • The message will be replaced with a note stating “This message was deleted.”

Method 3: Unsend on Instagram

  • Open the Instagram app and go to your inbox.
  • Select the conversation containing the message you want to remove.
  • Long-press the message bubble.
  • Tap Unsend from the menu that appears.
  • Confirm by tapping Unsend again.
  • The message will be permanently removed from the conversation with no trace left behind.

Method 4: Unsend on Facebook Messenger

  • Open the Facebook Messenger app and select the chat.
  • Locate the message you want to recall.
  • Long-press the message to bring up the options menu.
  • Tap Unsend.
  • Choose Unsend for everyone to remove it from all sides of the conversation.
  • The message is permanently deleted.

Method 5: Android built-in texting

  • Open your Android’s default Messages app.
  • Attempt to find an unsend option.
  • Note: Standard Android texting apps do not have an unsend feature. Once sent, the message is delivered instantly via the carrier and cannot be recalled.
  • Check for myths:
    • If someone suggests removing the battery or turning off the phone: Ignore this advice. It does not work because the message travels from your phone to the provider instantly.
  • Instead, download a third-party app like WhatsApp or Messenger for unsend capabilities.
Pro tip: If you frequently send messages you regret, consider using apps like Instagram DM or Facebook Messenger for sensitive conversations, as they offer unlimited time to unsend messages without the 2-minute time limit found in iMessage.

Now that you know how to unsend messages, you should verify that your device is running the latest software to ensure you have access to these features. If you are using an older iPhone that cannot update to iOS 16, consider switching to third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp for better control over your conversation history. Keeping your apps updated ensures you have the most recent privacy and editing tools available.

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Additionally, remember that while these features are helpful, they are not foolproof. Always exercise caution when sending sensitive information, as screenshots or lagging notifications can still capture your message before you delete it. If you are concerned about privacy, review the settings in your messaging apps to understand how data is stored and managed.