Published February 12, 2025 6:00am EST close How to delete multiple text messages on a Mac and iPad Apple provides ways to manage your messages more efficiently. Are you overwhelmed by the sheer volume of text messages cluttering your Mac or iPad? You're not alone.Many users find themselves endlessly scrolling through conversations, searching for important information or simply trying to declutter their digital space.Fortunately, Apple has provided ways to manage your messages more efficiently. Let's dive into how you can delete multiple messages on both your Mac and iPad, helping you regain control of your messaging app.Here are steps to bulk delete text messages on aniPhone or anAndroid. Mac and iPad (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Deleting entire conversations from various people on a MacIf you're using a Mac, follow these steps to delete multiple messages at once:Launch theMessages app on your Mac Steps to delete entire conversations on a Mac (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Hold down theCommand (Cmd) key and click oneach text message you want to remove. This allows you to select multiple messages simultaneouslyOnce you've selected all the desired messages, clickConversation in the upper leftScroll down and clickDelete Conversations Steps to delete entire conversations on a Mac (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)If prompted, confirm the deletion by clickingDelete Steps to delete entire conversations on a Mac (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Deleting multiple text messages within a conversation on a MacIf you're using a Mac, follow these steps to delete multiple messages within a conversation at once:Launch theMessages app on your Mac Steps to delete multiple text messages within a conversation on a Mac (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Open theconversation containing the messages you want to deleteHold down the Command (Cmd) key and click on each message you want to remove. The messages will turn adark gray color. This allows you to select multiple messages simultaneouslyOnce you've selected all the desired messages, press theDelete key on your keyboard Steps to delete multiple text messages within a conversation on a Mac (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)If prompted, confirm the deletion by clickingDelete Steps to delete multiple text messages within a conversation on a Mac (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)This method is particularly useful when you need to remove several messages from a lengthy conversation without deleting the entire thread.Deleting entire conversations from various people on iPadOpen theMessages app on your iPad Steps to delete entire conversations from various people on iPad (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)In themain conversation list, find theconversations you want to deleteTap Edit in the top-left cornerWHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Steps to delete entire conversations from various people on iPad (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Click Select Messages Steps to delete entire conversations from various people on iPad (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Tap the checkbox next to each conversation you want to deleteTap theDelete button in the bottom-right corner Steps to delete entire conversations from various people on iPad (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Confirm the deletion when prompted by clicking Delete Steps to delete entire conversations from various people on iPad (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Deleting multiple messages within a conversation on an iPadOpen theMessages app on your iPadTap theconversation containing the messages you want to deleteTouch and hold amessage bubble until the context menu appearsTapMore... from the menuSelect multiple messages by tapping the checkboxes next to each message bubbleTap theTrash icon (bottom-left corner) after selecting your messagesConfirm the deletion when promptedHow to set up automatic message deletion on a MacTo prevent future clutter, consider setting up automatic message deletion:On your Mac, openMessagesGo to MessagesClick SettingsTapGeneralClick theKeep messages pop-up menu and choose a time frame (30 days or one year)GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Steps to set up automatic message deletion on a Mac (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)This setting will automatically remove older messages, keeping your conversations manageable.Note: Deleting messages from your Mac does not delete them from other Apple devices unless you have Messages in iCloud enabled. To check if Messages in iCloud is enabled on your Mac:Go to MessagesClick Settings (or Preferences)Tap iMessage and see if Messages in iCloud is enabledKurt's key takeawaysManaging message clutter can feel like a never-ending battle. While these tips won't magically solve all your digital chaos, they'll definitely help you take back control of your Messages app. A little effort now means less scrolling and more breathing room later. And hey, who doesn't love a clean, organized digital space that doesn't make you want to pull your hair out? Just remember, your messages are meant to connect you, not stress you out.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPTell us the most frustrating digital communication challenge you have and how we might be able to help. Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.