How to edit and recall iMessage messages on iOS

If you frequently make typos or send messages without thinking, iMessage makes it easy to fix your mistakes and avoid embarrassing situations. Today's article will show you how to edit and recall iMessage messages on iPhone or iPad.

How to Recall and Edit Messages on iPhone

iMessage gives you two options to fix mistakes when texting someone. Tap and hold the text bubble to find the Edit and Undo Send options , then choose what you want to do. It's easy.

You can undo a sent message up to 2 minutes after sending it, while the option to edit a message will appear up to 15 minutes after you send it. Note that you can only edit a message up to 5 times.

While you have time to edit or delete, messages are sent immediately and without delay, unlike recalling an email in the Mail app on your iPhone. That means anyone who reads the message immediately can see what you originally sent. Recipients can also read the iMessage without notifying the sender that they’ve read it. So you can never be sure whether someone saw your original message.

This also only works for people who also have iMessage. You can tell if the person you're texting has iMessage by the blue text bubble. Undo Send and Edit won't work for green messages, which are regular SMS messages.

Can others see if you edit or recall messages?

Yes, the recipient will be able to tell if you edited or recalled the message because a small note will appear below the message. However, they won't be able to see the content of the original, unsent message.

They can only see the content of edited messages. This means you can't go back and edit older messages without anyone knowing.

When should you edit or recall a message?

It's important to note that while this feature is handy, you shouldn't send messages to others that you don't want them to read in the first place.

The ability to edit messages is great for correcting typos and is better than sending additional text to clarify what you meant. The recall feature is useful if you send a message to the wrong person, send a text that didn't need to be sent at all, or if you accidentally hit "send" too soon.

Before you unsend a message, remember that the recipient can read it immediately. They can also do so without notifying you. So, if you want to avoid such situations, quickly revoke iMessages on iPhone.