In iOS 16 Messages, how to unsend a text message?

You can now retract texts that you sent by mistake.

In iOS 16, you can learn how to unsend a text message. After you've learned how to edit a text message in iOS 16, move on to Messages. After all, the two new iOS 16 features function similarly, despite being designed for different purposes.

Whereas the new edit feature is intended to correct those pesky typos that creep into our texts, unsending a text message addresses a completely different issue. How many times have you sent a text message to your book club or exercise group, thinking it was intended for your partner or spouse? Sending a text message to the wrong person or group is embarrassing at best; at worst, it will cause confusion and alarm.

If you know how to unsend a text message, you can at least mitigate some of the potential damage by deleting the text. It's a useful addition to iOS 16, but there are some restrictions to be aware of.

Originally, you had a 15-minute window after sending a text message to unsend it, which was also the time limit for editing text message typos. However, as of iOS 16 developer beta 4, the window to unsend a text message has been reduced to 2 minutes. (While still in development, that feature will be available in the iOS 16 public beta soon.)

When you unsend a text message, it disappears, but a note indicating that you recalled something is left in its place. Users of previous versions of iOS will continue to see the recalled message.

Keeping this in mind, here's how to undo a text message in iOS 16 Messages.

1. Tap and hold on the text message you want to unsend in Messages. Remember, you must do this within 15 minutes of sending the message, or you will lose the ability to unsend it.

2. Select Undo Send from the resulting pop-up menu.

3. The message you've chosen will vanish in a neat little animation, leaving only a notation that you've edited the message thread.

That's pretty much it, as one of the more straightforward additions to iOS 16 messages is the ability to unsend a text message. Other new features include the ability to collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, slide presentations, and other files from within the texting app. You can now use SharePlay through Messages as well, so you don't have to start a FaceTime call with friends to watch movies or listen to music.

You can also use our iOS 16 hints to customise the lock screen and switch between different lock screens. We also have a guide on how to set up an iCloud Shared Photo Library in iOS 16.