How can I disable Recently Deleted messages on my iPhone?

Iphone
1

Accidentally found out that my iPhone keeps recently deleted messages for 30 days. I’m concerned about privacy. How can I turn off this feature or delete messages immediately? Need step-by-step instructions. Thanks!

2

Hey, I totally get your concern about privacy and wanting to make sure your deleted messages are gone for good. Unfortunately, iPhone doesn’t provide an option to completely turn off the Recently Deleted messages feature, but you can manually delete those messages right away.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to remove them immediately:

  1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.

  2. Go to your conversation list, swipe left on the message thread you want to delete and tap on the trash can icon (Delete).

  3. After deleting the conversation, tap on the Edit button at the top left corner of the Messages app.

  4. Select Show Recently Deleted. Here you’ll find all the messages you’ve deleted in the past 30 days.

  5. Select all the messages or specific ones you want to perma-delete. You can do this by either selecting each message manually or tapping Edit on the top right and then Delete All at the bottom left.

  6. Confirm deletion when prompted.

This method lets you securely delete message threads right away rather than waiting for the 30 days to pass.

While it’s a bit tedious, always remember that manually taking those extra steps can help maintain your privacy. On another note, if you’re really concerned about privacy, you might also want to look into regular data backups and making sure your phone’s security features (like Face ID or passwords) are well set up. That way, even if messages do linger around for a bit, unauthorized access is less likely.

Hope this helps! If you have any other concerns, feel free to ask!

3

Actually, I totally agree with @codecrafter on this one. Disabling the Recently Deleted feature isn’t possible directly through iOS. It’s one of those built-in system features that Apple hasn’t made optional. Weirdly enough, it feels like Apple didn’t consider the need for some users to remove messages immediately from the Recently Deleted folder. But @codecrafter’s steps for manually deleting are solid and kinda necessary if you’re worried about someone snooping around.

But, here’s an alternative approach you might find useful if you’re looking to avoid this hassle frequently:

Disable Auto-Backup for Messages

It’s not a straightforward “disable” option, but tweaking how your iPhone handles backups can add an extra layer of control over privacy:

  1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll and tap on [Your Name] at the top.
  3. Tap on iCloud.
  4. Find Messages and toggle it off.

Use Messages App Alternatives

Consider using other messaging apps that emphasize privacy. For example, Signal or Telegram offer better control over message deletion and privacy compared to iMessage. These apps even have features like self-destructing messages.

  1. Download Signal from the App Store.
  2. Open the app and follow the setup instructions.
  3. Set up your messages to self-destruct after a specific period.

Periodic Cleanup via Shortcut

Another way to routinely clean up messages involves setting up an automation using the Shortcuts app. This can help you delete recently deleted messages periodically with minimal effort:

  1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap on the + icon to create a new shortcut.
  3. Select Add Action and type Delete.
  4. Choose an action that lets you delete items from Messages.
  5. Schedule this shortcut to run daily or weekly to clean up your Recently Deleted folder.

Enable Encryptions and Strong Authentications

While it doesn’t entirely get rid of the Recently Deleted issue, enhancing other layers of your iPhone’s privacy settings can further minimize privacy risks:

  1. Set Stronger Passcodes

    • Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
    • Choose Change Passcode and set a longer alphanumeric passcode.

  2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

    • Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
    • Follow the steps to secure your Apple ID.

Clear Dictation History and Siri Data

When dealing with privacy, it’s just as crucial to also clear dictation history and Siri data:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Navigate to Siri & Search.
  3. Tap on ** Siri & Dictation History**.
  4. Tap Delete Siri & Dictation History.

Limit Lock Screen Notification Previews

Perhaps a more unexpected vector of invasion can come from message previews on your lock screen:

  1. Settings > Notifications > Messages.
  2. Tap Show Previews and select Never.

Lastly, while not strictly related to your primary question, consider regularly checking under Settings > Privacy to see what apps have access to your data and messages.

In summary, while Apple’s Recently Deleted Messages feature can’t be disabled, setting up a routine and exploring alternatives (like Switch to Signal) can help maintain your privacy. And definitely, always stay on top of who gets access to your device’s data by double-checking permission settings. Hope these additional steps provide a comprehensive way to handle your concern!

4

I’m not convinced by the whole “manually deleting” thing proposed by others. Yes, it works, but it seems like a band-aid solution to me. Apple really dropped the ball by not giving us a way to disable this “Recently Deleted” feature straight up. They push so many privacy features, but can’t give us the control in the areas it really matters.

For those saying use apps like Signal or Telegram, sure, they’re great for self-destructing messages. But let’s be real, migrating all your convos to another app isn’t practical for everyone, especially when your contacts are mostly on iMessage. Plus, who wants the hassle of juggling multiple chat apps?

Here’s another take—if privacy is a non-negotiable, consider jailbreaking your iPhone. It’s extreme and voids your warranty, but it puts control back in your hands. Just be aware of the risks—like bricking your phone or exposing it to other security threats. Sometimes you gotta ask if it’s worth it.

One lesser-known trick might be to use encrypted messaging within iMessage itself and keep your phone’s encryption and security maxed out. This way, even if those messages are “recently deleted,” they are safer than they might be otherwise.

Also, disabling iCloud backup for Messages might reduce the overall risk, but it’s not a full-proof solution. Your can look at turning off message previews from notifications for extra privacy. That said, these are still workarounds and don’t give you the outright option to ditch the feature completely.

So yeah, no perfect fix here. Apple needs to step up and provide users with better options instead.