Q: message history

Hey Brian,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. 

The Messages app allows you to automatically set how long you keep messages. 

What options do I have for keeping messages?

You can keep messages forever, for one year, or for 30 days. Go to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages to make your choice.

Depending on which setting you select, Messages will delete any messages you have older than that. So, if you want to keep messages older than 1 year, you would want to select "forever". 

Send messages with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Regards,
Jeff D. 

Hi Brian,

That setting would apply to all messages in the Messages app, regardless of whether you know the number or not. Prior to changing that setting, you might want to go through the messages and if necessary add those to your Contacts. 

Cheers,

Jeff D. 

Hey Brian,

Glad to help. Thanks for marking the post as "Solved". 

You have a good week too. 

Jeff D.