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Thatcherw's avatar
Thatcherw
Iron Contributor
Dec 10, 2025

How to permanently delete text messages from iphone

Hi all, I am going to sell my phone and there are a couple of sensitive text messages I want to delete them permanently. I tried the built-in deletion but they can be recovered with some smart iPhon...
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Chauiop's avatar
Chauiop
Iron Contributor
Dec 10, 2025

iOS moves the deleted messages to a hidden folder called Recently Deleted. They will be saved for 30 days before being automatically removed. This means anyone with access to your phone or certain recovery tools, could still retrieve those messages within that period. To permanently delete them right away, you must manually clear that folder.

Follow these steps to permanently deleted messages on iPhone:

  1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap Edit in the top-left corner.
  3. Choose Show Recently Deleted (you’ll see all messages you've deleted in the last 30 days).
  4. Select individual messages or tap Delete All for a complete wipe.
  5. Confirm with Delete Permanently.

Once the text message is deleted permanent from iPhone, the data is removed from the accessible storage area of your iPhone. Although small fragments may still exist temporarily until the system overwrites that space, this is the fastest and most straightforward method for users who want deleted messages to become unrecoverable through normal means.

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