How to Delete Messages on an iPad
By Matthew Todd
The iPad provides a convenient way to handle communications, but you may eventually find yourself with an unmanageable pile of messages -- after all, they can't be organized within the Message app. Sending a new message is fairly straightforward, but the process for deleting old ones is not as evident.
Delete Individual Messages
Step 1
Press the home button on your iPad and select the Messages app.
Step 2
Select the conversation containing the message(s) you want to delete. Tap the Edit button in the upper right corner.
Step 3
Select any parts of the conversation that you want to be deleted, then tap the Delete button in the lower left corner.
Deleting a Conversation
Step 1
Press the home button on your iPad and open the Messages app.
Step 2
Press the Edit button in the upper left corner, then tap the red circle that appears next to the conversation to be deleted. Alternatively, swipe horizontally across the conversation.
Step 3
Press the Delete button that appears. Repeat as desired for any messages you wish to delete.
References
Warnings
- Deleting a message this way will only affect what is stored on your device. The person on the other end of your conversation will still have his own records.
Writer Bio
Matthew Todd has eight years of writing and copy editing experience, mostly focused on the tech industry. His work covers a range of topics from gadgets and eReaders to Microsoft's emphasis on cloud computing. He recently earned a Masters degree in English.