Message attachments are the photos, GIFs, and videos your friends and family send you. They’re stored as a part of each text message, and they can take up a lot of space without you ever thinking about it. Luckily, there’s an easier way to delete message attachments and free up iPhone storage. Here’s how to delete all large attachments on iPhone.

Why You'll Love This Tip

Learn how to find message attachments on your iPhone
Easily select which attachments to delete
View attachments and save important ones to other locations

How to Delete All Large Attachments on iPhone

System Requirements

This tip was performed on an iPhone 17 Pro Max running iOS 26.2. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.

Deleting attachments from individual messages can be done directly from the Messages app, but deleting text message attachments in bulk is easier from the Settings app. For storage tips and more, don't forget to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Here's how to delete all attachments on iPhone:

Warning

Usually when you delete something on an iPhone, you will get a pop-up to confirm that you wish to delete something. In this case, you won't have to confirm deletion and won't be able to undo, so be careful to not delete something accidentally.

Open the Settings app.
Select General.
Tap iPhone Storage.
If you have any attachments large enough to take up a significant amount of storage, you’ll see Review Large Attachments under Recommendations.
You can delete them individually by swiping from right to left over them and taping Delete. Be careful because you won't have to confirm deletion and won't be able to undo.
To delete them in bulk, tap Edit.
Then tap to select the attachments you want to delete then tap the trash can icon in the upper right corner to delete the attachments.
To save any attachments to the Photos app before deleting them, tap any attachment you want to save from the list.
With the attachment open, tap the Share icon.
From the Share sheet, tap Save Video. If the file is something other than a video, you may need to select Save Photo or Save File.

Now you should easily be able to remove any iMessage attachments that are using up too much of your iPhone storage while also saving any important attached files to a location where you're less likely to lose them accidentally.