Even though I consider myself a pro when it comes to dealing with an onscreen keyboard, it’s not always easy to keep typos and grammar mistakes away. Especially not when you are engrossed in a lengthy conversation. And when you end up making a typing mistake or trigger a blunder, you can’t help but either get rid of the sent message or type it out all over again. That’s so infuriating not just for yourself but also for the person sitting on the other side of the conversation.
Thankfully, the edit button has made life a lot easier for the folks who love blue bubbles. Sadly, some users have complained that they can’t edit iMessage in iOS 17 on iPhone and iPad. If the problem has troubled you as well, check out these 10 best tips & tricks to resolve the iMessage editing not working issue.
Best Tips & Tricks to Fix “Can’t Edit iMessage” iPhone and iPad
Getting to the route of the problem is the first thing you should do when looking for a way to get rid of the issue. So, let’s get it out of the way beforehand!
Why am I Unable to Edit an iMessage on my iPhone or iPad?
There are five major reasons that you should consider when you are unable to edit an already sent iMessage:
- OS compatibility
- Time limitation
- iMessage server issue
- Occasional software glitch
- Software bug
In this troubleshooting guide, we have taken a close look at each suspect and offered up solutions that can get rid of the issue. After trying each tip mentioned in the guide, try to edit the iMessage to check if the issue is gone. Also, make sure to start with the first solution and move to the next one when the previous hack did not work for you.
Read more: 10 Pro Tips to Fix Can’t Unsend iMessage in iOS 16 on iPhone and iPad
1. Check Out the Time Limitation
To get started on the right note, make sure to check when the message was sent. If you sent it more than 15 minutes ago, then, sorry you can’t edit it.
2. Keep OS Compatibility in Mind
Only the devices running iOS 16/17, iPadOS 16/17, and macOS 13/14 can take advantage of the iMessage editing feature. That means both the sender and receiver must be on the latest version of the operating to get the most out of iMessage editing feature.
For example, if you sent an iMessage to someone who is still using iOS 15 or an earlier version. Later, you edited the sent message and resent it. Well, that person will not be able to see the edited message. The original message will continue to exist on their device.
3. Force Quit the iMessage
Force quit is more than capable of fixing a misbehaving app. Therefore, make sure to give it a shot.
- On iPhone with Touch ID: You need to swipe up from the home bar and hold along the middle of the touch screen. Then, swipe up the app card of the messaging app to kill it.
- On iPhone with Touch ID: Just double press the Home button to bring up the app switcher and then swipe up on the app card to force quit the Messages app.
Now, launch the Messages app -> head over to the respective message -> long-press on the message, and tap Edit. Now, update the message and resent it to find out if it works now.
4. Turn On/Off Airplane Mode
Airplane Mode is the sort of solution that can help you resolve a weird issue within no time. Therefore, it would be worth having a go at it.
- On iPhone with Face ID: Swipe down from the upper right corner of the screen to bring up the Control Center and hit the Airplane Mode icon. Now, wait for about 30-40 seconds, and then hit the Airplane Mode icon again to disable it.
- On iPhone with Touch ID: Swipe up from the bottom of the display to access the Control Center -> tap on the Airplane Mode icon. After that, wait for a few seconds and tap on the Airplane Mode icon to turn it off.
- Next, go back to the Messages -> long press on the message to check if the Edit button has returned. If it has, just hit the Edit button and the message will instantly disappear with a beautiful animation.
5. Turn Off/On iMessage
Another nifty but very effective solution that can help you resolve the “iMessage editing not working in iMessage” issue, is to disable/enable iMessage.
- Go to the Settings app -> Messages and then turn off the toggle for iMessage.
- Next, restart your iPhone. When your iPhone restarts, navigate to the same setting and turn on iMessage.
6. Sign Out of Apple ID and Sign Back In
If the “Edit” button is still not working or showing up, sign out of Apple ID and sign back in. Don’t worry, you won’t lose any media and data.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad -> your profile -> Sign Out. If the Sign Out button is greyed out, turn off Screen Time Passcode (Settings app -> Screen Time)
- On the next screen, you should see the option to keep a copy of important data from apps and services like contacts, reminders, and iCloud Keychain. Turn on the toggle next to each app which files you want to save and then hit Sign out.
7. Ensure That iMessage is Not Down
If iMessage is down and currently facing a technical issue, this could very well be at the forefront of the problem. Therefore, visit Apple’s System Status webpage and then make sure the tiny circle to the left of iMessage is green.
8. Hard Reset Your iPhone
At times, hard reset works wonders in fixing a miscellaneous issue. Thus, it’s wise to remember this hack as well.
- First off, you need to press and quickly release the volume-up button.
- Then, press and release the volume down button.
- Finally, hold down the side button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
9. Update Software
If the Edit button is still not working, update the software. I suspect a bug could be playing the spoilsport and preventing the unending iMessage feature from working.
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Software Update.
- Finally, download and install the latest version of iOS on your device.
- Ensure that your iPhone has around 50% battery to be able to update the software. When connected to a power source, your iPhone needs to have at least 20% battery to download and install the software.
10. Reset All Settings
When faced with an issue that does not seem to get sorted out with easy solutions, you should go for the factory. While it cleans up the entire settings, all your media and data remain safe.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad > Reset > Reset all Settings.
- Now, you have to enter your device passcode. If asked, enter the Screen Time Passcode as well.
Fixed iMessage Edit Issues on iPhone and iPad!
There you go! I hope your iMessage editing has come back on track and so has your fun-loving messaging experience. Do not forget to share your feedback and the solutions that have proved to be your savior.
Read more: How to Edit iMessages in iOS 17 on iPhone and iPad
