The fastest way to delete all your messages at once
You can delete all text messages on your iPhone in one action by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Messages, then tapping "Delete App" and confirming. This removes the entire Messages app and all its data. When you reinstall Messages from the App Store afterward, it will be empty.
If you want to keep the Messages app installed but clear only the message threads, open Messages, tap "Edit" in the top left corner, then tap "Select All" (or manually select individual conversations), and tap "Delete." This removes the visible threads but may leave some cached data behind.
The first method is more thorough because it clears everything associated with the app, including attachments, search history, and temporary files. The second method is faster if you just want the conversations gone but don't need a complete wipe.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting the Messages app through Settings > General > iPhone Storage removes all messages, attachments, and message-related data in one step.
- Using Edit and Delete in the Messages app itself removes visible conversations but may leave some cached data on your phone.
- Reinstalling Messages from the App Store after deletion gives you a fresh, empty app.
- Deleted messages cannot be recovered unless you restore from a backup, so make sure you want them gone before you proceed.
- Neither method affects iCloud backups that were created before the deletion, so old backups will still contain your messages.
Why you might want to delete all messages
People delete all their messages for different reasons. You might be selling or giving away your phone and want to remove personal conversations. You might be running low on storage space — messages with photos and videos can take up several gigabytes. Or you might simply want a fresh start without old threads cluttering your inbox.
Before you delete, think about whether you need to save anything. If there are important phone numbers, addresses, or information in old messages, take screenshots or write them down first. Once messages are deleted and you've cleared your backups, they're gone for good.
Deleting messages through the Messages app itself
Open the Messages app and look at your list of conversations. Tap the word "Edit" in the top left corner — it will turn blue and the interface will change. Small red circles will appear to the left of each conversation thread.
You can now tap individual red circles to select which conversations you want to delete, or tap "Select All" (which appears in the top left after you tap Edit) to mark every conversation at once. Once you've made your selections, tap the red "Delete" button that appears in the bottom right corner, then confirm by tapping "Delete" again in the popup.
This method is quick and keeps your Messages app installed and working normally. However, it only removes the visible conversation threads. Attachments, photos, and videos from those messages may still take up storage space in your phone's cache, and they won't show up in your Messages app anymore but the data files remain.
Completely removing the Messages app and all its data
If you want a thorough deletion that removes every trace of the Messages app from your phone, go to Settings, then tap General, then tap iPhone Storage. Scroll down until you see "Messages" in the list of apps and tap it. You'll see a blue "Delete App" button — tap it and confirm when prompted.
This action removes the Messages app itself plus all associated data: every message, every attachment, every photo or video sent through Messages, and all cached files. Your phone will have more free storage space after this than if you just deleted the conversations manually.
To use Messages again, go to the App Store, search for "Messages," and tap the cloud icon to reinstall it. The app will download and install in a few seconds. When it opens, it will be completely empty with no previous conversations or data.
What happens to messages in iCloud backups
If you back up your iPhone to iCloud, your messages are included in those backups by default. Deleting messages from your phone does not automatically delete them from iCloud. If you restore your phone from an old backup, those deleted messages will come back.
To remove messages from iCloud backups as well, you have two options. First, you can turn off Messages in your iCloud backup settings: go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, scroll down to Messages, and toggle it off. This stops new messages from being backed up, but doesn't remove old messages already in iCloud.
Second, you can delete your entire iCloud backup and create a new one after you've deleted your messages. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups, tap your device name, and tap "Delete Backup." Then go back and tap "Back Up Now" to create a fresh backup without the old messages. This is more thorough but takes longer.
Deleting messages on a computer if you use iCloud sync
If you use iCloud to sync your messages across devices, you can also delete them from iCloud.com. Sign in to iCloud.com with your Apple ID, click the Messages icon (if available in your region), and delete conversations there. Changes will sync to your iPhone within a few minutes.
Not all regions have Messages available through iCloud.com yet, so this option may not work depending on your location. If you don't see a Messages icon after signing in, this feature isn't available in your area.
Preventing accidental recovery of deleted messages
Once you delete messages and clear your iCloud backups, they're very difficult to recover. However, if you want to be absolutely certain they can't be retrieved, you can use your phone's built-in security features. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Delete Data, and toggle on "Delete Data" if it's available on your device model. This causes your phone to overwrite deleted data with random information, making recovery nearly impossible.
This process takes time and uses battery, so only do it if you have serious privacy concerns. For most people, simply deleting the messages and clearing the backup is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover messages after I delete them?
If you have an iCloud or iTunes backup from before the deletion, you can restore your entire phone from that backup to get the messages back. Otherwise, deleted messages cannot be recovered through normal means. Apple does not have a "trash" or "recently deleted" folder for messages like it does for photos.
Will deleting messages free up a lot of storage space?
It depends on how many messages and attachments you have. Text-only messages take up very little space, but messages with photos and videos can add up quickly. If you have years of conversations with lots of media, deleting them could free up several gigabytes. Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see how much space Messages is currently using.
Do I need to delete messages before selling my iPhone?
Yes, you should delete all personal data before selling or giving away your phone. Beyond messages, go to Settings > General > Reset and tap "Erase All Content and Settings." This removes everything on the phone and prepares it for the new owner. Do this as the final step before handing over the device.
What's the difference between deleting a conversation and deleting the Messages app?
Deleting individual conversations removes the visible threads but leaves cached data and attachments behind. Deleting the entire Messages app through Settings removes everything associated with it, including all data files. Deleting the app is more thorough but requires you to reinstall it if you want to use Messages again.
If I delete Messages, will my contacts still have my number?
Yes. Deleting the Messages app only removes messages from your phone. It does not notify other people, delete their copies of your conversations, or affect your phone number or contact information in any way.