macOS: How to Edit a Sent iMessage

Apple has significantly updated the Messages app in macOS Ventura, bringing several functionality that other third-party messaging systems have long had. The ability to modify iMessages is one of these modifications. Read on to see how it operates.

Almost all mobile users have experienced the circumstance when they send a text message only to soon realize that an innocent error caused the message to have an unexpected connotation. This is how Apple's iMessage service worked in prior versions of macOS and iOS, similar to how ordinary messages worked. In other words, you were unable to stop the message from being transmitted after it had been delivered.

Fortunately, iOS 16 and macOS Ventura don't have the issue. For the first time, Apple enables editing of messages up to 15 minutes after they have been sent. There are certain limitations to the functionality that you should be aware of before using the edit function described below. To begin with, it only functions with iMessages and not SMS messages, thus both parties must own an Apple smartphone for it to be successful.

Second, to use the message editing capability, participants must be running the most recent versions of iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, and watchOS 9. When receiving an altered iMessage, people using Android or an earlier version of iOS will see text that reads "Edited to [text]".

Third, and for some, most significantly, when you modify a message, the receiver also receives the edit history, making the original content available. The little blue "Altered" label on an edited message may be tapped to see the edit history, which can then be hidden again by clicking Hide Edits.

How to Edit a Sent iMessage

With that in mind, here's how to modify an iMessage that has already been sent on a Mac running macOS Ventura. (They resemble the corresponding procedures for iOS 16)

1. Select the discussion thread that includes the sent message that you wish to change while the Messages app is active.
2. To edit a sent message, right-click (or Ctrl-click) on it. The message was sent more than 15 minutes ago, so you cannot change it if you don't see the option.
3. From the contextual menu, choose Edit.
4. Enter the required modifications in the input area, and then, to confirm, click the blue checkmark to the right. Tap the grey X on the left if you decide not to alter the message.