To unsend a text message depends on the device and messaging platform you are using:
On iPhone (iMessage)
- You can unsend a recently sent iMessage within 2 minutes of sending it, but this requires iOS 16 or later (also iPadOS 16.1, macOS Ventura or later).
- To unsend: Open the Messages app, go to the conversation, touch and hold the message bubble you want to unsend, then tap "Undo Send."
- Both you and the recipient will see a note confirming the message was unsent, and the message will be removed from the recipient's device if they also use a compatible OS version.
- If the recipient uses an older OS, they may still see the original message along with a note that you unsent it.
- Note: This feature works only with iMessages (blue bubbles), not SMS or MMS (green bubbles)
On Android
- Android does not have a universal built-in "unsend" feature for SMS texts.
- Some third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and LINE allow you to unsend or delete messages for everyone within a limited time after sending. For example, in WhatsApp, you can long-press the message and select "Delete for Everyone."
- If you are using the default SMS app, some devices or carriers might let you cancel a message before it is sent by long-pressing during the sending phase, but this is not guaranteed.
- Other workarounds include quickly enabling Airplane mode or powering off the phone before the message is sent, but these are unreliable and time-sensitive.
- Alternatively, you can ask the recipient to delete the message manually
Summary
Platform| How to Unsend| Time Limit| Notes
---|---|---|---
iPhone iMessage| Hold message > Undo Send| Up to 2 minutes| Requires iOS 16+,
only works with iMessage
Android Apps| Use app-specific "Delete for Everyone"| Varies by app| WhatsApp,
Messenger, LINE, etc.
Android SMS| Sometimes cancel before sending or ask recipient to delete| Very
limited or none| No universal SMS unsend feature
If you want to unsend a message, the best approach is to act quickly and use the built-in features available on your platform or messaging app
