Over time, text messages can pile up on your iPhone—taking up valuable storage space, cluttering your Messages app, and even slowing down performance. If you’re wondering how to delete all text messages on iPhone, this guide walks you through every available method to clear conversations in bulk, whether you’re using iOS 16, iOS 17, or later.
Whether you want to wipe everything or just selected chats, here’s exactly how to do it.
Why You Might Want to Delete All Text Messages on iPhone
There are several reasons users choose to clear their text message history:
You’re running low on storage space
You want to protect privacy or remove sensitive conversations
You’re giving away or selling your phone
You want a fresh start with a clean Messages app
You want to declutter old, unread, or unnecessary threads
Whatever your reason, Apple offers a few easy ways to get the job done.
Important Note Before You Begin
Once deleted, messages are permanently removed unless they’re backed up via iCloud or iTunes. Make sure to save any important conversations before proceeding.
You can take screenshots, export messages using third-party apps, or back up your iPhone.
How to Delete Individual Conversations Manually
If you want to delete entire conversations one at a time:
- Open the Messages app
- On the main screen, swipe left on the conversation you want to delete
- Tap Delete
- Tap Delete again to confirm
Repeat for any other conversations you want to remove.
How to Delete Multiple Message Threads at Once
To delete several conversations in bulk:
- Open the Messages app
- Tap Edit in the top-left corner
- Tap Select Messages (on iOS 17 and later)
- Tap the circles next to each conversation you want to delete
- Tap Delete in the bottom-right corner
- Confirm deletion when prompted
This method helps you clean out your inbox quickly without deleting everything.
How to Automatically Delete Old Text Messages
If you want your iPhone to delete texts automatically after a set period:
- Go to Settings > Messages
- Scroll to Message History
- Tap Keep Messages
- Choose 30 Days, 1 Year, or Forever
- If you select 30 Days or 1 Year, confirm by tapping Delete when prompted
This option automatically removes older messages on a rolling basis without needing to manually delete them.
How to Delete All Text Messages Using Reset (Factory Reset Option)
If you want to erase everything, including text messages, settings, apps, and files:
Warning: This will wipe your entire iPhone. Make a full backup before doing this.
- Go to Settings > General
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Enter your passcode and Apple ID password if prompted
- Confirm the action
This is useful if you’re selling your device or want a completely clean slate.
How to Use iCloud or iTunes Backup to Restore Without Messages
If you have a backup without the unwanted messages, you can restore from that backup:
- Erase your iPhone using the steps above
- During setup, choose Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from iTunes Backup
- Select a backup from before the messages were added
This method is more advanced and only useful if you’re trying to reverse accidental message syncing or restore to a cleaner state.
Can You Use Siri or Shortcuts to Delete All Messages?
Currently, Siri cannot delete text messages in bulk, and Shortcuts also does not offer a built-in way to delete all messages due to privacy restrictions.
All message deletion must be done manually through the Messages app or settings.
How to Delete iMessages from Other Devices (Mac, iPad)
If you’re using iMessage on other Apple devices:
- Deleting a conversation on one device does not delete it from others unless you’ve enabled iCloud Messages.
To delete from other devices:
- Open the Messages app on your Mac or iPad
- Delete conversations manually as needed
To sync deletions across devices:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud
- Toggle on Messages
- Deleting a message on one device will now delete it from all devices
Note: Syncing requires that all devices are using the same Apple ID.
FAQs About Deleting All Text Messages on iPhone
Can I delete all text messages on my iPhone at once?
No official “delete all” button exists, but you can quickly select multiple threads using Edit > Select Messages.
Will deleting messages on my iPhone also delete them from my iPad or Mac?
Only if iCloud Messages is turned on across all devices.
How do I delete text messages automatically?
Go to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages, and set it to 30 Days or 1 Year.
Does factory reset delete all text messages?
Yes. A factory reset removes all data, including messages, photos, apps, and settings.
Is it possible to recover deleted messages after deletion?
Only if they were backed up before deletion. Without a backup, deleted messages cannot be recovered.