How to Permanently Delete (Deleted) Messages on iPhone

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Text messages, or any other data for that matter, are not really deleted from your system after you remove it in the usual manner. The data still remains in the memory that can be found in your iCloud/iTunes backup files or easily be retrieved using various data recovery software. Hence, it implies that your private data is still in danger of being hacked or stolen as attackers can easily mine out such deleted messages on iPhone very conveniently from your system.

delete messages on iphone permanently

For privacy and storage reasons, people want to make sure that some of these messages are permanently deleted and the messages are completely irrecoverable. Here you will find many ways to protect your privacy by permanently delete iPhone messages.

In this article:

Part 1. How to Permanently Delete Messages on iPhone

Method 1 iMyFone Umate Pro

Do deleted text messages stay on iPhone?

Yes. Deleted SMS, MMS, and iMessages can be found in your iCloud and iTunes backup files. And can even hide in the Messages app on your computer. So, it's better for you to find a third-party tool to permanently delete iPhone messages.

How do I erase deleted text messages on iPhone?

There are various third-party apps that you can use to permanently erase data from iPhone. However, one of the most utilitarian and versatile apps is the iMyFone Umate Pro . This iMyFone iPhone data eraser is an incredibly easy-to-use and intuitive app that has a number of functions in terms of removing data from iPhone permanently.

Are deleted texts recoverable?

iMyFone Umate Pro allows you to remove data that you have deleted previously by completely overwriting to make it 100% unrecoverable.

iMyFone Umate Pro
Umate Pro icon

iMyFone Umate Pro

  • It can erase all types of iPhone messages, including all kinds of text messages and voice memos on iPhone.
  • It lets you delete text messages permanently from third-party apps such as deleting Snapchat data.
  • You can delete the manually deleted messages on iPhone with one click.
  • You can have your private data secure when selling, and recycling or donating your iPhone by erasing your data.

Try It Free Buy Now

3 Steps on How to Permanently Delete Text Messages on iPhone

Follow the steps mentioned below to erase deleted messages on iPhone using Umate Pro.

Step 1. Launch iMyFone Umate Pro and connect your iPhone to the computer.

scan iphone

Step 2. Click on the "Erase Deleted Files" option and click "Scan". The app will start scanning your device for any deleted files on your memory.

deleted messages on iPhone

Step 3. Once the scan is done, all the deleted files will be displayed and you can easily check the deleted messages that you want to erase.

erase deleted messages on iPhone

Step 4. Click "Erase Now" and type in "delete" to confirm. Then click "Erase Now". Now, you can find all the deleted messages on your iPhone have been erased and you don't have to worry about privacy leaking.


Method 2 Delete from iCloud Backup

Messages probably are remained in your iCloud backup after deleting. So you need to delete messages from iCloud backup to avoid recovery. This action helps free up space in your iCloud account and ensures that outdated or unwanted data is no longer stored or backed up.

Steps to delete messages from iCloud backup permanently:

Step 1. Go to Settings > tap on Apple ID > iCloud > Messages > toggle Messages off.

turn message backup off

Step 2. Then go to iCloud > Manage Storage > Choose Backups > Select messages you want to delete.

delet messages from icloud backup


Method 3 Factory Reset

Performing a factory reset on your iPhone will erase all content and settings, including messages, and return the device to its original state. This is a drastic measure often used to fix persistent issues or prepare the phone for sale.

Steps to delete messages by factory resetting:

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

delet messages by factory resetting

Step 2. Follow on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone. Then your iPhone data can be erased.

Part 2. How to Delete Recently Deleted Messages on iPhone

Steps to follow:

Step 1. Open the Messages app.

Step 2. Swipe to the left on a conversation and tap "Delete".

Step 3. Then tap "Edit" on the top-left of the iMessages. Select "Show Recently Deleted".

show recently deleted

Step 4. Now you can choose the deleted messages recently to delete completely.

choose delete

Part 3. 3 Other Ways to Delete iPhone Messages - More Complicated

Apart from the method mentioned above to delete iPhone messages, there are three other ways in which you can easily erase your iPhone data.

1 Sync your iPhone with iTunes or iCloud to Overwrite the Old Backup

Syncing your data with iTunes or iCloud will allow you to create new backups, then the old bakups which contains deleted messageswill overwitten.

1.1. How to sync iPhone with iTunes?

  1. Launch iTunes and connect your iPhone to the computer.
  2. Right at the top on the upper-right corner, you will see the name of your device being displayed. Select your device.
  3. You will now be redirected to another page where you can see the option to back-up your device. Click on "Back Up Now" to create a backup of your iPhone messages. Click "Done".

remove deleted messages on iPhone

1.2 How to delete text messages from iCloud?

Backing up your iPhone data on iCloud is very simple. All you need to do is go to the Settings app on your phone and then scroll down until you see the "iCloud Backup" option. Enable the option and all your data including your messages will be backed up.

Now, the previously deleted messages have been erased.


2 How to Permanently Delete iPhone Messages from Mac?

If you have deleted messaged from your iPhone, which not means you have erased the every trace of them. The deleted text messages may stored on your Mac's Messages app.

There are few options for you to delete text messages from Mac:

  • Right-click on the individual message you want to delete, then click "Delete".
  • Click on the message you want to delete, then hit the delete key on your keyboard.
  • Click on the message you want to delete, go to "Edit" in the menu bar, the click "Delete".

permanently delete text messages from mac


3 How to Make Text Messages Unrecoverable by Deleting from Spotlight Search

Lastly, if you do not feel that the methods above are effective in your case, you can simply delete the Messages app altogether. You can do so using Spotlight search.

  • Simply drag down anywhere on your Home Screen until a search bar comes up.
  • Type in ‘Messages’.
  • The app will show up and all you need to do is tap and hold the icon and then tap on the ‘x’ icon to delete it.

clear deleted messages on iPhone

Note: This will prevent you from using the app, but you can however, rest assured that your privacy will be protected.

Conclusion

All the possible solutions have been displayed on this post. And we have already picked the most direct and simple one for you - erase deleted iPhone messages with iMyFone Umate Pro. Download the free trial now to explore its features. iMyFone Umate Pro is reviewed by many well-known media as the most advanced iPhone data eraser.

umate pro product icon

iMyFone Umate Pro

Permanently delete messages on your iPhone.

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