Why can't I delete text messages on iPhone

Hi.

I can not delete the entire conversation in a text message with one button in iOS 15.


Previously, I could select the text message > more > delete all and clear in entire conversation but this function is not available on the iOS 15 upgrade.


Is this permanent? Do I need to change a setting, or is there an error in the update?


Thank you.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]


iPhone SE, iOS 15

Posted on Oct 13, 2021 6:42 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 23, 2021 2:13 PM

Hi Klfe143. You can delete all of the texts but you lose the conversation from the list of recent messages in the messaging app. Just open the messages app. and swipe left on the conversation that you want to delete. The other way is to "pin" the contact to the top of the messaging app then press/hold the icon and select delete. That way you can delete the conversation but the contact is pinned to the messaging app at the top so it's easier to start a new message.

48 replies

Apr 12, 2022 11:27 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

That is not the same thing. What we want back is deleting all the comments in the thread, but retaining the thread. This was done by pressing a bubble > More > Delete All in the top left. But Delete All is gone in iOS 15. Very frustrating. If I delete the whole group chat thread in the list, then I can not get back in the chat. Someone has to add me back in.

Oct 13, 2021 7:25 PM in response to AJT001

Okay, I get what you're saying lobsterghost1. about sideswiping the message and delete in the entire conversation that way. I had never done it like that before with that does work.


The the other way that I was describing did work but doesn't exist any more.


Sorry for not checking correctly with what you recommended. I guess when we committed to an idea sometimes the blankets come on.


Thanks heaps for your help have a good day.

Dec 5, 2021 9:51 AM in response to appletext

Ok put me down as another annoyed user who is missing this iOS feature. I was on iOS 14.8.x last night, got the iOS 15.1 update as a stealth update during the night (I'm pretty close to turning these sneaky automatic updates off) and in the morning I can no longer clear out a text group. Apple wake up and stop removing useful features. This stinks of an omission during an iMessage refactor. Bring this feature back please.

Jan 31, 2022 11:23 PM in response to AJT001

The 4 people in my family all like to clear the messages from a conversation but not delete the conversation.

Apple thinks they're being "efficient" by streamlining some functions, but the should listen to what people actually want before killing off functions that are popular.


I'm sure it wouldn't have been that hard to just leave the "Delete All" function in the menu of tasks that can be done when you press "more".


Apple needs to restore the "delete all" function to messages.



May 28, 2022 9:30 PM in response to DdubLogan

That is not the same thing. What we want back is deleting all the comments inside thread, but retaining the thread in the contact list. This was done by pressing a bubble > More > Delete All in the top left. But Delete All is gone in iOS 15. Very frustrating. If I delete the whole group chat thread in the list, then I can not get back in the chat. Someone has to add me back in.

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Why can't I delete text messages on iPhone

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