How to edit and unsend messages in iOS 16

Oops. Sent a message to the wrong person? Had a typo in a message? In the Messages app in iOS 16, you can edit and unsend messages — IF you’re quick about it.

To unsend a message:

You can undo a recently sent message for up to two minutes after sending it. Touch and hold the message bubble, then tap Undo Send.

A note confirming that you unsent the message appears in both conversation transcripts: yours and your recipient’s.

If the person you’re messaging is using a device with iOS 16 or later, unsending removes the message from their device.

If the person you’re messaging is using a device with iOS 15.6 or earlier, iPadOS 15.6 or earlier, macOS 12 or earlier, or is using SMS, the original message remains in the conversation. When you unsend a message, you’re notified that the recipient may still see the original message in the message transcript.

To edit a sent message:

You can edit a recently sent message up to five times within 15 minutes of sending it.

° In Messages, select a conversation with the message you want to edit.

° Touch and hold the message bubble, then tap Edit.

° Make any changes, then tap the checkmark to resend with edits or “x” to revert. 

The message is marked as Edited in the conversation transcript.
If the person you’re messaging is using a device with iOS 16 or later, the message bubble is updated to reflect your edits on their device, and both of you can tap Edited to see previous versions of your message.

If the person you’re messaging is using a device with iOS 15.6 or earlier, iPadOS 15.6 or earlier, macOS 12 or earlier, or is using SMS, they receive a new message with your updated text.