Apple

How to edit iMessages on your iPhone – Complete guide

iPhone users can now finally edit messages in iMessage. We’ll show you how to get started. Let’s dive in, shall we?

by
Joe Rice-Jones
August 24, 2024

imessage typing bubble on blurred background

Image: KnowTechie

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Quick Answer: To edit or unsend an iMessage, long-press the text you want to unsend and tap Edit. From here, make your chances and then click the checkmark on the right and you’re good to go.

Editing iMessages on your iPhone is a lifesaver for avoiding embarrassing typos and unclear messages. Trust me, it’s rescued me from countless blunders, and sometimes it feels like Apple designed this feature just for me.

With iOS 16 or later, you can change your texts after sending them. However, there are rules, like time limits and how edits appear to others.

This guide will show you how to edit an iMessage and use this feature properly.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to edit an iMessage and explain everything you need to know to make the most of this useful feature.

TLDR

To edit an iMessage on an iPhone, you need to follow these steps, which are applicable only if you are using iOS or later:

Open the Messages App: Launch the Messages app on your iPhone and navigate to the conversation containing the message you want to edit.

Select the Message: Touch and hold the message bubble that you wish to edit until the message menu appears.

Choose the Edit Option: Tap the Edit option from the menu that appears.

Make Your Edits: You can now unsend and edit any necessary changes to your message.

Save Your Edits: Once you have made your changes, tap the blue checkmark button on the right side to save your edits.

Important Details:

Time Limit: You have a time window to edit your message after it has been sent. Edit Limit: You can edit the same message up to times within this time window.

Notification: The recipient will receive a notification that you have edited the message, and they can view the edit history by tapping on the Edited link below the message.

Compatibility: This feature only works with iMessages and not with SMS messages, so be aware of when you are using iMessage.

By following these steps, you can easily edit iMessages on your iPhone.

How to edit an iMessage

Okay, the first thing you need is to update to iOS 16 or higher. If you need a quick crash course, here’s a quick simple guide on how to update your iPhone.

Open the Messages app
Find the message you want to edit and then give it a long press until a menu appears.
Enter Edit mode
Tap “Edit” from the menu options.
Edit your message
Tap the checkmark to the right of the message to finalize the edit.

Edit iMessages within 15 minutes of sending

Remember, you can edit a message up to five times within 15 minutes after sending it. Both you and the recipient must use iOS 16 or later for the edit feature to work. If the recipient uses an earlier iOS version, they will receive the edited message as a new message starting with “Edited to”.

Messages and iMessage on iOS – What’s the difference?

imessage unmark thread — Image: KnowTechie

Messages and iMessage on iOS – What’s the difference?

Messages and iMessage are two separate communication systems on iOS devices.

Messages is the default texting app that handles both SMS/MMS texts and iMessage. iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging service that works exclusively between Apple devices.

Key differences:

Color: SMS messages appear in green bubbles, while iMessages are blue
Features: iMessage offers advanced features like editing reactions and animations
Data usage: iMessages use internet data, while SMS uses cellular networks
Encryption: iMessages are end-to-end encrypted SMS messages are not
Compatibility: iMessage works only on Apple devices, SMS works across all phones

READ MORE: How to Unsend iMessages on iPhone

iMessage provides enhanced functionality including the ability to edit messages within 15 minutes of sending when both users have iOS 16 or later.

Can the receiver see an iMessage before the edit?

Short Answer: Yes, the receiver can see the original iMessage before the edit.

When you edit an iMessage, the recipient retains access to the original message. To view previous versions of an edited message:

Locate the edited message in the conversation
Tap the “Edited” button below the message
View all previous versions of the message

READ MORE: How much is the iPhone 15?

This feature lets both the person sending the message and the one receiving it see the changes made. The history of edits is kept so important details from the original message are not forgotten.

Does Apple notify the receiver if you edit an iMessage?

screenshot of edited imessage in ios 16 — Image: KnowTechie

Once edited, that iMessage will show a small, gray note next to it saying Edited.

That will be visible to the person you sent it to, as well as on your own Message app. It won’t show exactly what was edited, however.

screenshot of ios 15 showing an edited imessage — Image: KnowTechie

Is there a limit to how many times I can edit a message?

Apple allows you to edit a message up to five times within 15 minutes. After the fifth edit, you can’t change the message anymore.

Can I edit text messages sent to Android users?

No, you can’t edit text messages sent to Android users.

The editing feature is only for iMessages, which use Apple’s messaging proprietary system. Regular SMS or MMS messages sent to Android devices can’t be edited after they’re sent.

While Apple is set to adopt Rich Communication Services (RCS) in iOS 18, which will improve messaging with Android users, it is not clear if the editing feature will be interoperable between iMessage and RCS.

But as of now, messages sent to Android users cannot be edited or unsent because they are not part of the iMessage ecosystem.

Can you edit an iMessage?

Yup, you sure can. And now you know how to successfully edit iMessage texts. Remember, you only have fifteen minutes to edit.

Editing is a straightforward process: Long press the iMessage, tap on edit, and make your corrections.

READ MORE: How much is Apple Music?

The last thing you should know is that Apple doesn’t let users disable the Edit function. That means anyone on iOS 16 and up with an iPhone 8 or later will have access.

So there you have it: the magic of editing iMessages. Seriously, this feature is insanely clutch for anyone who’s ever sent a message only to cringe at a typo or vague wording seconds later.

With iOS 16 or later, you can clean up those little blunders and make your messages shine, all within that precious 15-minute window. It’s like having a little safety net while texting.

What do you think about the ability to edit iMessages? Have you found it helpful for correcting those pesky typos or clarifying messages? We’d love to hear your thoughts.