Declutter Messages by Auto-Deleting Verification Codes

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

If your Messages inbox filled with a bunch of six-digit verification codes left over from sign-ins to various sites and apps? Your iPhone now has a feature that will automatically clear out verification codes, also known as one-time passwords or OTPs, after you’ve used them. If you frequently get two-factor authentication codes texted to you, this feature is sure to help clear up your messages.

Why You’ll Love This Tip:

  • Keep your messages from getting filled up by verification codes.
  • Declutter your inbox if you use Autofill with the Mail app.

How to Auto-Delete OTP Codes on iPhone

System Requirements:

This tip works on iPhones running iOS 17 or later. Find out how to update to iOS 17.

If you use two-factor authentication, you are probably used to having your verification codes texted to you. By now, you’ve probably also gotten used to using Autofill, which is a feature that automatically grabs your SMS verification codes and allows you to enter them automatically, with a single tap. For more iPhone privacy and security advice, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, here’s how to auto-delete OTP codes on iPhone:

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  1. Open the Settings app, and tap Passwords.

    iphone settings with passwords option circled in red
  2. Tap Password Options.

    iphone password settings with password options button circled in red
  3. Tap the toggle next to Clean Up Automatically to enable or disable this feature.

    iphone password options with clean up automatically toggle circle in red

Now, whenever you use Autofill to enter your iPhone verification codes, the texts and emails you receive will automatically be deleted, keeping your inboxes organized.

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Author Details

Rhett Intriago's picture

Author Details

Rhett Intriago

Rhett Intriago is a Feature Writer at iPhone Life, offering his expertise in all things iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. He enjoys writing on topics related to maintaining privacy in a digital world, as well as iPhone security. He’s been a tech enthusiast all his life, with experiences ranging from jailbreaking his iPhone to building his own gaming PC.

Despite his disdain for the beach, Rhett is based in Florida. In his free time, he enjoys playing the latest games, spoiling his cats, or discovering new places with his wife, Kyla.