iPhone: Permanently delete SMS messages - is that possible?

If you want to be on the safe side, you can permanently delete the messages on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. We'll show you the options.

Permanently delete messages on iPhone

• If you hold your finger on a message, you can delete it using the "More" option. However, since the message is not overwritten, it remains in the system.
• The PhoneClean software promises to permanently delete the messages. The software can delete a lot of other data - but that also comes at a price of 20 euros. However, it is unclear whether the messages really cannot be restored.
• If you really want to completely destroy your messages, you can only do this by reinstalling the iPhone. However, if you use a lock code, nobody can access your iPhone. If someone steals your iPhone and tries to read the deleted messages, this can only be done with the lock code. Otherwise, the iPhone must be reinstalled.

In the next practical tip, learn how to backup your messages on iPhone.