Tech Tip: What Really Happens When You Unsend a Text Message on Your iPhone?

If you have an iPhone 8 or later, you’ve probably already updated to iOS 16. The latest operating system has many new security features that you should use.

A super safe mode has been designed for politicians, activists and journalists. I think there’s a great case to suggest this iPhone option for the elderly and vulnerable in your life. Tap or click here for a closer look at Lock Mode.

Here’s another buried setting that’s just been updated: your iPhone’s ability to detect sounds and alert you. Tap or click to go to steps to set up custom sounds, like appliances in your home.

One of the standout features of iOS 16 is the ability to edit and unsend text messages. It’s not as clear as it seems. Here is the truth.

Myth: When you unsend an SMS, the recipient will never know.

Reality: Your recipient receives a notification.

Yes, you can resume a message you’ve sent, but there’s more to it. The undo feature only works with iMessage (iPhone to iPhone), and you and recipient must be running iOS 16.

If you unsend a message to someone running an older version of iOS, they’ll still see it and you’ll get a notification reminding you.

TAB OVERLOAD? HOW TO CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS WHEN STARTING YOUR BROWSER

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when unsending a message:

• You can only resume a message within two minutes of sending it.
• The recipient can read your message before you send it.
• If you cancel sending a message, it will disappear from the recipient’s screen, but they will be notified that you canceled it.

Now that you know how it works, here’s how to unsend a message:

• During an iMessage conversation, long press the message you want to cancel the send.
• Faucet Cancel send.

iOS 16 adds more security features to protect your privacy and information. Tap or click here for iPhone (and Android) security features worth turning on.

Myth: When you edit text, the recipient will never know.

The reality: you guessed it: they will get a notification.

Editing a text obeys the same rules. You can, but it only works with iMessage, and both iPhones must be running iOS 16.

If you edit a message you sent to someone running an older version of iOS, all of your edited messages will appear on their screen, and they will receive notifications of your changes.

Here are some things to be aware of when editing a message:

• You have 15 minutes to edit a text.
• You can edit a message up to five times.
• The recipient can read your message before you edit it.
• The recipient can tap your edited message and see their editing history.

Here’s how it’s done:

• During an iMessage conversation, long press the message you want to modify.
• Faucet Edit and make your changes.
• Press the blue tick once you have finished.

Are you an iPhone family? Here’s how to track your kid’s phone.

Myth: When you delete text, it’s gone.

The reality: Those deleted messages stick around for a bit.

When you delete a text thread, it’s stored in a folder in your iPhone’s Recently Deleted Messages file for 30 days. You can recover it or permanently delete it right away. It also means anyone can see your deleted messages if they have your password.

Here’s the good news: the text messages you cancel not appear in the recently deleted messages file.

GOOGLE SMARTS: 5 WAYS TO GET MORE FROM GMAIL, MAPS, CALENDAR AND DOCS

Here’s how to delete or recover recently deleted messages:

• Open the Messaging app and press Edit on the top corner left.
• Faucet Show recently deleted files to view messages marked for deletion.
• You can delete a message immediately by selecting it and pressing Wipe off > Delete Message.
• Retrieve a message by selecting it and pressing Retrieve > Retrieve message.
• You can type Delete all Where Recover All at the bottom of the screen to apply these actions to all your deleted messages.

Mac tip: Apple’s Safari browser blocks cross-site tracking, so you can enjoy the sites you use most without worrying about being tracked. But there is another tool to increase privacy. Tap or click here to erase your digital tracks.

Keep your technological know-how

My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from across the country. Look for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, click the link below for a recent episode.

LISTEN NOW: Password manager hacked, smartwatch burns, brand new or fake

Samsung’s smartwatch is under fire for allegedly burning wearers, a popular password manager has been hacked and why you shouldn’t rely on Tile’s new QR code stickers to find your lost stuff. Plus, how to get Google to remove your personal information from search results, turn an old PC into a media server, and see if Kim can fool a Komando listener in this week’s Brand New or Not True.

Find my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.

Just search for my last name, “Komando”.

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What questions do you have about the digital lifestyle? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station.

You can listen or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, TV or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. I only recommend products that I believe in.

Discover all the latest technologies on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data breaches.

For his daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit his website at Komando.com