We’ve all experienced regret after sending a text message accidentally, in the heat of the moment, or with an embarrassing spelling or punctuation mistake. The iOS 16 update makes it possible to edit iMessages so that you can fix confusing spelling errors or change an awkward wink emoji to something more appropriate!

Why You'll Love This Tip

Correcting your message helps avoid confusion caused by spelling errors or awkward autocorrect.
Keep the peace by fixing a message that could be taken out of context or cause conflict.

How to Edit a Sent Message

Before you begin, make sure you have updated your iPhone to run iOS 16. If you wish to edit an iMessage, you can do it up to five times within 15 minutes. To learn more about new iOS 16 tips, sign up for our Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, here's how to edit an iMessage after you've sent it:

Open the Messages app.
Find the conversation thread with the iMessage you wish to edit. Tap it to open it.
Tap and hold the text message.
Tap Edit.
You’ll be able to make any changes, even completely delete it and type a new text.
Tap the check mark when you are done, and your edit will be sent without a confirmation.
If you tap on Edited, you'll see the original message and the edits you made.

You'll be able to edit a message multiple times (up to five times) and even unsend an edited message as long as it's been less than 15 minutes. The recipient of your text will see that your original message was edited, but they won't see what changes were made.

Edited message seen by recipient

If the recipient doesn't have iOS 16, they will see your original text as well as the edits you made. Don't forget that this feature only works with iMessage, not with SMS messages.