Can you unsend a message on TikTok?

The direct messaging feature on TikTok is used by millions of users every day to interact with others on the app. However, many people often wonder if there is a way to delete a message after it’s been sent.

If you’re anything like us, you spend a good amount of time scrolling through your FYP on TikTok. Sometimes, you come across a video that reminds you of someone, so you naturally head to the DMs to share it with them.

But what if you send a video to the wrong person? Many of us have had that moment of panic when we realize we’ve sent a message to the wrong person — so, is there a way to delete a direct message once you’ve sent it?

Can you delete messages on TikTok?

Unfortunately, you cannot ‘unsend’ a message on TikTok. When you press and hold a message you’ve sent in the inbox tab, you are given the option to ‘Delete’ it; however, this doesn’t actually delete the message for the recipient.

If you delete a TikTok message does it unsend it?

The TikTok website previously stated: “If you delete a chat or direct message it only deletes it for you. The person you sent the messages to can still see the messages.”

It’s not clear whether the ability to delete a message on both ends will be made available in the future, but for now, you’ll only be able to remove messages from your own device.

How to delete a message on TikTok

Quickly summarise the steps here for Google to grab / tell users who don’t need the visual aid below. Below will be more descriptive

1. Open TikTok app.
2. Tap ‘Inbox’ at the bottom of your screen.
3. Go to the chat in your inbox.
4. Press and hold the message, then tap Delete.

Open the TikTok app and go to your Inbox

If you want to delete a message on TikTok, the first thing you’ll need to do is open the TikTok app on your device.

TikTok/Dexerto

When you’re in the app, press the inbox button at the bottom of your screen to get to your chats.

Select the chat with the message you want to delete

When you’re in your inbox, select the chat where the message you want to delete is in. It can either be a written message, or a TikTok you’ve sent them.

TikTok/Dexerto

Tap and hold the message and press delete

Scroll, if needed, to find the message you want to delete. Then simply press your finger against the message and hold until more options show up on your screen.

TikTok/Dexerto

Press the red delete button that’s now at the bottom right corner of your screen.

This works on both messages that you have sent, as well as messages that you have received from other users.

As stated before, this will only delete the message for you, and the recipient will still be able to see what you have sent, or recieved.

If you want to learn more about how to use TikTok, you can check out our other guides, including how to block someone on TikTok and how to delete TikTok search history.