View the Edit History of a Text Message on iPhone


Perhaps you received an interesting text from someone, only to find it was quickly edited. So, how does editing work on iMessage? In the latest version of iOS, you can edit texts and view the edit history of messages you've sent or received from others. Below, we'll show you how to check the edit history of a text in the Messages app.
Why You’ll Love This Tip:
- Quickly view the edit history of messages that you've sent or received from others.
- Check the edit history of a text someone sent you to ensure you have needed information and know what was originally said.
How to View the Edit History of a Text Message on iPhone
System Requirements
This tip was performed on an iPhone 15 Pro running iOS 18.3.1. Find out how to update to the latest version of iOS.
When sending iMessages, you have the ability to edit your text within the first 15 minutes of sending it. So, can you see edits on iMessage? To view a text's edit history (and, indeed, to edit a text in the first place), the text will also need to have been sent via iMessage (blue text bubbles) and not RCS (green text bubbles). Once you or the person you're texting edits a text, you can tap to view the edit history of a message. Here's how to view the text message edit history:
- Open the Messages app and navigate to a text message you've recently edited.
- Tap the word Edited beneath the text message.
- You will see all revisions of the message history, including the current version. The darker blue bubble displays your current message, and the lighter bubbles show the versions before your latest edits.
- Tap Hide Edits to collapse and hide the revision history.
Now that you know how to view the edit history, can the other person see your edits on iMessage? The answer is yes. The other person can always see a text's edit history. If you don't want the other person to be able to see your edits, you can always find out how to unsend a message on your iPhone.
More On: The Messages App
Top image credit: panitanphoto / Shutterstock.com

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.