Delete or Forward Text Messages on iPhone - Guide

Managing Individual Messages on Your iPhone

Removing an entire iPhone message thread is straightforward, but what if you only need to delete a single message or a specific image?

Many users are unaware of the convenient method for deleting individual messages without impacting the complete message history. This technique also allows for the forwarding of selected messages.

Deleting or Forwarding Specific Messages

To begin, open the relevant message thread and navigate to the message or item you wish to manage. Then, press and hold on the desired message until a contextual menu appears.

Select "More..." from this menu to reveal additional options for message handling.

The message thread will now enter selection mode, displaying small circles next to each message bubble.

Tap each circle corresponding to the messages you want to select within the thread. At this stage, several actions are available.

• You can choose "Delete All" to erase the entire conversation.
• Alternatively, you can "Cancel" the selection process.
• A trash can icon is also visible in the bottom-left corner.

Utilize the trash can icon to permanently delete the individually selected messages. A forwarding arrow is located in the bottom-right corner, enabling you to share the chosen message(s) with another contact.

Important Note: Deleting messages is a permanent action, and recovery is not possible. However, a confirmation prompt will appear before the deletion is finalized, allowing you to cancel if needed.

This method provides a flexible way to curate your message history. For example, you can easily forward a pleasant image received from family.

Or, should you receive an unwanted message, it can be removed without affecting the rest of the ongoing conversation.