How to Delete Messages on Messages on Mac

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In today’s digital world, messages have become one of the primary modes of communication. Be it personal or professional, messages have gained a lot of importance in our day-to-day life. One of the most popular messaging apps is Messages on Mac, where users can chat with their contacts with ease. However, with the regular usage of Messages, the application can take up a considerable amount of space on your Mac. This is where deleting unwanted messages come in handy. Not only does it free up essential space on your device, but it also helps to keep your conversations organized. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the different methods to delete messages on Messages on Mac.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

The process of deleting messages on Messages on Mac is relatively simple and requires minimal resources. You only need your Mac device, the Messages app, and the conversation you wish to delete. Ensure that your Mac device is updated to the latest software version for optimal performance.

What Requires Your Focus?

If you’re new to using Messages on Mac, you’d want to pay attention to the steps outlined in this blog. The method used to delete messages might vary from device to device. Therefore, it is recommended to go through the steps carefully before attempting to delete any message on Messages on Mac.

Different Methods to Delete Messages on Messages on Mac

Method 1: Via the Messages App

This is the traditional way of deleting individual messages/conversations on Messages on Mac. Here are the steps:

  1. Launch the Messages app on your Mac device.
  2. Find the conversation in question and right-click on it.
  3. Select ‘Delete Conversation’ from the options presented.

Pros:

  • The process is simple and easy to understand.
  • It can be used to delete individual messages as well as entire conversations.

Cons:

  • The process can be time-consuming if you have to delete multiple conversations/messages.
  • Deleted items cannot be retrieved.

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut

If you’re looking for a faster way to delete messages, you can use the keyboard shortcut. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Messages app on your Mac.
  2. Select the conversation you wish to delete.
  3. Press the ‘command’ and ‘delete’ keys together.

Pros:

  • The process is faster than using the traditional method.
  • Individual messages can be deleted using this method.

Cons:

  • It’s challenging to delete entire conversations using this method.
  • Deleted items cannot be retrieved.

Method 3: Using Automator

This method involves creating an ‘Automator’ workflow that automatically deletes your Messages conversations. Here are the steps:

  1. Launch the Automator app on your Mac device.
  2. Select ‘New Document’ from the options presented.
  3. Select ‘Application’ from the document type options.
  4. Search for ‘Run AppleScript’ from the actions panel and add it to the workflow.
  5. Paste the following code: tell application "Messages"
    set svc to (1st service whose service type = iMessage)
    delete every chat history of svc
    end tell
  6. Select ‘File’ from the menu bar, then click on ‘Save.’
  7. Provide a name for the Automator workflow and add it to your dock for quick access.
  8. Click on the workflow to launch it, and all your Messages conversations will be deleted.

Pros:

  • The method is super-fast and can delete all your Messages conversations at once.
  • You can set the Automator workflow to launch automatically or at scheduled times.

Cons:

  • You cannot selectively delete individual conversations or messages.
  • If you accidentally launch the workflow, all your Messages conversations will be deleted permanently.

Method 4: Using a Third-Party App

There are several third-party apps available that can delete your Messages conversations for you. We recommend using the ‘iMyFone Umate Mac Cleaner’ app. Here are the steps:

  1. Download and install the ‘iMyFone Umate Mac Cleaner’ app on your Mac device. Launch the app.
  2. Select ‘Erase Private Data’ from the options presented.
  3. Connect your iPhone/iPad/iPod to your Mac device using a USB cable.
  4. Click on ‘Scan’ to allow the app to analyze your device.
  5. Select the ‘Messages’ option from the categories listed on the left side of the window.
  6. Tick the boxes next to the conversations you wish to delete.
  7. Click on ‘Erase Now.’

Pros:

  • The method accurately identifies and deletes all your Messages conversations.
  • You can selectively delete conversations and messages.

Cons:

  • The app is a paid software that requires you to purchase a license before use.
  • The process can take a while to complete, depending on the number of conversations/messages you wish to delete.

Why Can’t I Delete Messages/Conversations on Messages on Mac?

There are several reasons why you might not be able to delete messages on Messages on Mac. Some of them include:

  1. The conversation is pinned, and you’ve enabled ‘Pin Conversations.’
  2. You might not have the necessary permissions to delete the conversation you’re attempting to delete.
  3. You might be using an outdated version of the Messages app.

To resolve these issues:

  1. Unpin the conversation by selecting it and right-clicking on it. Then select ‘Unpin Conversations.’
  2. Ensure that you have the necessary administrative permissions to delete conversations and messages.
  3. Update your Messages app to the latest version available.

Implications and Recommendations

Deleting messages on Messages on Mac can free up valuable space on your device, improve its performance, and declutter your conversations. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind:

  1. Regularly delete unwanted messages and conversations to keep your Messages app organized.
  2. Back up your important conversations to iCloud or an external storage device before deleting them.
  3. Always ensure that you have the necessary permissions before attempting to delete conversations or messages.

5 FAQs about Deleting Messages on Messages on Mac

Q1: Can I retrieve deleted messages or conversations?

A: No, once deleted, messages and conversations cannot be retrieved.

Q2: Why are some conversations not deleted?

A: Some conversations might be pinned, requiring you to unpin them before deleting. Alternatively, you might not have the necessary administrative permissions to delete certain conversations.

Q3: Can I delete messages on Messages on Mac using my iPhone?

A: No, Messages on Mac is a separate app from Messages on iPhone, and deletion processes vary between the two devices.

Q4: Can I restore deleted messages?

A: No, once deleted, messages and conversations cannot be restored.

Q5: Is there a limit to the number of conversations I can delete?

A: No, you can delete as many conversations and messages as you desire.

Final Words

We hope that this comprehensive guide on how to delete messages on Messages on Mac has been helpful. Remember to take the necessary precautions to avoid losing important conversations permanently. Furthermore, ensure that you have the right permissions to modify or delete conversations and messages.

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