Can't delete iPhone texts after iOS 16 update

Hello tjhart7,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

Since you're unable to delete the 2 text messages no matter which delete method used, restart your iPhone if you haven't done so already.

How to restart your iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or later

1. Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears.

2. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. If your device is frozen or unresponsive, force restart your device.

3. To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.

Also, make sure that you're using the latest iOS version: Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support A simple restart and having the iOS up to date can help resolve issues.

Should the issue still persist after these two steps, contact Apple Support for further help.

Cheers!

If you can't delete text messages on your iPhone after updating to iOS 16.0.2

There is a known bug for this. But this is a work around that someone posted on a different page of this site. Seemed to work for a lot of people.

Steps to fix:

1. In the Messages app, go to Edit
2. Select "Show Recently Deleted"
3. Find the person / thread you want to delete,
4. Select that person and hit "delete".
5. Go back to your Messages and you should be able to delete now.

On the drop down menu after clicking edit should show RECENTLY DELETED MESSAGES…….click on and see if message / contact is shown……..

Hi tjhart7,

It would be best to contact Apple Support to investigate this matter further for a solution.

Contact - Official Apple Support

Regards.

You can fix this !!!,

Go to Messages…….click on Edit in upper left corner…..click on Select Messages……tap circle next to message trying to delete……..click on Delete on bottom right corner……….

I am having the same problem with my new iPhone XR. I have two peoples messages. Every time they text me I cannot delete them no matter what I do it’s telling me to hold it down and press delete. I have done that. I swipe it I’ve done that they will not get off my phone.

I’ve been dealing with this for a month! This worked! Thank you!

Thank you .... it was driving me crazy

Made me laugh that it was this simple.

It didn’t work it keeps showing up

Thank you……it fixed the issue.

What if you want to just delete one text from that person and not all of them. I can’t delete one text and have tried everything

That’s exactly what I do. They disappear for less than a second and pop right back up, doesn’t matter if I do it two times or 20 times they stay there and then days later I’ll try it and some will disappear and the rest will continue to stay. I appreciate your input.

Me too!😡