How to Unsend a Message on iPhone After Hours for Both Sides

If you sent the wrong message after hitting the Send button too quickly, what can you do? How to unsend a message on iPhone? Thankfully, you can unsend or even edit messages on iPhone directly, which saves you from awkward conversations. Even though you're new to iOS, this you can get detailed steps to unsend and edit a message on iPhone, tips to keep in mind, and more that'll help you text with confidence.

Preparations before Unsending a Message on iPhone 17

Before you start unsending messages on your iPhone, there are some things you need to prepare. The "Undo Send" feature only works under specific conditions, so make sure your device and settings are ready. By following these preparations, you can guarantee that the unsend feature will work properly and avoid stressing about it when you really need it.

1. Upgrade Your iPhone to iOS 26/18/17

If your iPhone is running on an older system, you may not be able to access this feature. Updating guarantees you have the newest features, bug fixes, and compatibility. So, head to "Settings", then "General" to "Software Update", and check if there's an update available, such as iOS 26 and earlier. If iPhone won’t update, you can check the storage space, battery, and Internet connection.

2. Use iMessage Instead of SMS

Know that unsending messages works only in iMessage, so ensure the feature is turned on. Go to "Settings" then "Messages" and enable the "iMessage" switch button. You'll know it is activated once the messages are shown in blue bubbles. You must also be sure that the recipient has iMessage activated; otherwise, you will not be able to unsend the text message. If someone blocked you on iMessage, then you can’t send or receive messages with them.

Detailed Steps to Unsend Messages on iPhone iMessage

Now that you have your iPhone updated to the latest iOS version and iMessage ready, you can unsend a message on iPhone. Apple has made the process simple and so easy, but keep in mind that you can only unsend a message within a 2-minute window. Once that time passes, the option will disappear.

Step 1Open the iPhone Messages app. Head to the conversation where you sent the message, then press and hold the text you want to unsend.

Step 2In the pop-up menu, tap "Undo Send". And the message will quickly disappear from both your and the recipient's end.

More Tips to Edit the Unsent Messages on iPhone

Aside from learning how to unsend a message on iPhone, Apple also allows you to edit sent iMessages, fixing typos or adding missing details. Doing so is useful when you do not want to remove the message completely but simply wish to update it. And editing messages can be done within a 15-minute window after sending.

Step 1Open the Messages app and head to the conversation with the message you wish to edit. Press and hold the sent message. Then tap on "Edit" from the menu.

Step 2Now, ensure to correct any mistakes or add new text in the editing box. Later, tap the "Check" button to save the changes.

How to Recover Accidentally Deleted Messages You Want to Unsend

While trying to unsend a sent message on an iPhone, or maybe edit it, you might accidentally delete it instead. The good news is that deleted messages can be recovered with 4Easysoft iPhone Data Recovery. You can restore deleted text messages, photos, contacts, iMessages, and more. Even if you don't have the recent iTunes or iCloud backup, this program can deeply scan your iPhone and bring back lost messages safely. Designed to be beginner-friendly, yet this program is powerful enough to handle complex recovery scenarios.

Step 1Open 4Easysoft iPhone Data Recovery. Plug your iPhone into the computer using a USB cable. Tap "Trust" on your iPhone screen to confirm.

Step 2On the main interface, pick "iPhone Data Recovery" then aim for "Recover from iOS Device" to scan your device directly. Click the "Start Scan" button; please wait until the program scans your device for all recoverable deleted messages.

Step 3Once done, head to the "Messages" category on the left panel, and preview the ones you want to recover. Check the boxes next to them. At last, click the "Recover" button, then select a location to save them.

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