Level 1

14 points

Unable to swipe to delete iMessage on MacBook

After upgrading to macOS Tahoe 26.1, I'm unable to swipe left to delete messages through my trackpad on iMessage. Is there a setting I can enable to fix this?

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Nov 11, 2025 11:55 AM

Top-ranking reply

neuroanatomist

Level 9

55,779 points

Posted on Nov 11, 2025 1:38 PM

I was experiencing the issue the OP described. I quit the Messages app and reopened it, and swipe to delete is back (on both my Magic Trackpad and my Magic Mouse).

So @backpropper – try quitting Messages and reopening it, and if no joy try rebooting your Mac.

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28 replies

Owl-53

Level 10

102,433 points

Nov 22, 2025 1:27 AM in response to Chrome262

Chrome262 wrote:

how does this solve the problem, its not that we can't delete its we can't swipe to delete

As mentioned previously

No issue on M4 MBA with Tahoe 26.1

Nor, any issues on a M4 Mac Mini with Apple Magic Mouse 2 also with Tahoe 26.1

Arrive at you own conclusions

Dec 10, 2025 10:18 AM in response to backpropper

I am hoping with all hope that the APPLE folks read this and are tending to it sooner than later please! I have quit and restarted my iMessage app 5 times today and it's only 1:17. I am so so so frustrated. Yes it works to restart, but it doesn't sustain. I also restarted the computer, checked for software updates etc. This is not my first rodeo, but it is my longest frustration with APPLE to date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dec 14, 2025 7:31 AM in response to backpropper

Well this is my third post on this issue. There is a software update to fix lots of bugs, so I did it, hoping of course they would have solved this issue, but alas they have not! Just happily swiping away until I couldn't anymore and I am so sick of restarting the app again and again.

[Edited by Moderator]

Owl-53

Level 10

102,433 points

Nov 12, 2025 1:08 AM in response to neuroanatomist

Good to know all is good again 👍

Nov 17, 2025 2:26 PM in response to neuroanatomist

I've quit messages, and have also restarted at least a couple of times since I updated to 26.1. Still not able to swipe away my messages.

lrez57

Level 1

12 points

Nov 18, 2025 3:16 AM in response to backpropper

My MacBook won't swipe delete messages after installing 26.1. I have close Messages and reopen for it to work but then it loses that function again. Delete key doesn't work either.

Nov 18, 2025 9:10 AM in response to backpropper

OMG same with me. First it was my Macbook Po and now my Macbook Air also - so irritated I cannot swipe to delete anymore.

Nov 19, 2025 5:34 PM in response to backpropper

Swipe to delete is NOT working. I'm using a magic mouse. Have checked settings for the app and my mouse. Help please?

Thank you.

Nov 21, 2025 10:46 AM in response to Owl-53

how does this solve the problem, its not that we can't delete its we can't swipe to delete

Dec 4, 2025 11:12 AM in response to backpropper

That will work only a couple of times. It stops right after. This has been going on for WEEKS - they need to fix this issue

MickyB42

Level 1

8 points

Dec 9, 2025 4:43 PM in response to backpropper

No worky for the restart of iMessage. What gives?

Dec 14, 2025 7:28 AM in response to SusanDeborah

I'm with you. This is KILLING ME! So frustrating. I'm on it all day long.

[Edited by Moderator]

Dec 14, 2025 7:28 AM in response to SusanDeborah

Yes!! This is super frustrating.

[Edited by Moderator]

Unable to swipe to delete iMessage on MacBook