How to Save iPhone Storage by Erasing Old Text Messages Automatically

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

When you know how to delete text messages on the iPhone automatically, you’ll have an easier time managing your storage. The stuff on our iPhones and iPads tends to accumulate, using up valuable storage space. This will be especially useful in saving space if your text messages include video and audio messages. Just be aware that deleted messages can’t be searched, so make sure to save any information you need before your message history is deleted. Here’s how to automatically erase old text messages on iPhone.

Related: How to Search Message History on iPhone: iMessage, Facebook, and Whatsapp

iPhone Life
Discover your iPhone's hidden features
Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.

How to Automatically Erase Old Text Messages on iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Messages.
  3. Under Message History, tap Keep Messages.


     
  4. Your options are 30 Days, 1 Year, and Forever.
  5. Select 30 Days and a warning will pop up telling you that enabling this setting will permanently remove all messages older than 30 days. Confirm Delete.


     
  6. Now, your messages will now automatically erase after 30 days, or after 1 year should you choose that option instead.

You can delete old text messages automatically after 30 days, helping you to save valuable storage space on your iPhone. If you accidentally delete a message you’d like to keep, you can get those messages again by restoring your iPhone to a recent backup.

Top image credit: 10 FACE / Shutterstock.com
Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Author Details

Jim Karpen's picture

Author Details

Jim Karpen

Jim Karpen holds a Ph.D. in literature and writing, and has a love of gizmos. His doctoral dissertation focused on the revolutionary consequences of digital technologies and anticipated some of the developments taking place in the industry today. Jim has been writing about the Internet and technology since 1994 and has been using Apple's visionary products for decades.