How to Delete All Messages on a Mac at Once [Solved]

Brithny updated on Jan 11, 2024 | Home >Computer Instruction

Delete messages one at a time might be time-consuming, but don't worry; there are quick methods to delete your message history. In this post, we'll look at tried-and-tested techniques on how to delete all messages on a Mac at once.

We have you covered for anything from erasing a single message to deleting all texts simultaneously. We'll also provide a bonus tip for recovering lost messages using the software. Let's get started and simplify your message handling on your Mac.

Select and Delete Messages on a Mac at Once

Is your iMessage getting full of conversations on your Mac? Don't worry; we'll walk you through the process of mass deletion. You'll be more able to handle your message history if you grasp the basics. To clarify everything, accompanying images will visually assist you through the procedures.

Follow the steps below to delete messages on a Mac at once:

Step 1. To begin, launch the Messages app on your Mac.

Step 2. Right-click or Control-Click on any conversation that you want to delete from Messages.

Step 3. Click on "Delete".

delete multiple conversations

In the process, if you accidentally deleted important message conversations and want to recover deleted messages on your Mac, consider using professional data recovery software EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac!

Deleted Messages on a Mac at Once with Finder

Want to get rid of messages on your Mac permanently? You can always do so using the Finder app. Navigating to the directory of messages and then moving them to Trash will serve the purpose.

Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth and comprehensive cleanup of messages from your Mac:

Step 1. To begin, launch "Finder" and go to the menu bar. Click "Go" and then "Go to Folder".

click Go to Folder in Finder

Step 2. Enter the directory /Library/Messages, then hit "Return".

go to library then messages

Step 3. Locate and highlight the following files inside the Messages folder: chat.db, chat.db-shm, and chat.db-wal.

Step 4. Right-click the chosen files and choose "Move to Trash" or drag them to the Trash folder directly.

choose move to trash

Step 5. To finish, clear your Mac's Trash or right-click on the items in the Trash folder and choose "Delete Immediately".

Follow these instructions precisely to guarantee a complete and permanent eradication of messages from your Mac. However, if you want to restore the deleted chat.db file on your Mac, check out the article behind.

how to restore chat.db on mac

How to Restore chat.db on a Mac with 4 Methods

If you accidentally deleted chat.db on your Mac, follow the instructions in this article, or install professional and trusted software EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to restore it quickly! Read more >>

Share this article on social media to help others learn how to delete messages on a Mac at once.

 

Bonus Tip: Can Delete Messages be Restored

Accidents happen in the digital world! You might accidentally delete an important conversation while deleting the messages and clearing up the inbox on your Mac. However, worry no more; there is a beneficial option for recovering deleted data.

Consider using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to recover important communications if they are accidentally deleted. This app specializes in recovering lost and deleted messages from your Mac. Its user-friendly layout and powerful capabilities make it an invaluable ally for people navigating the volatile digital terrain.

Check out the following steps:

Step 1. Select the drive to be scanned

In the main EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard window, there will be a list of the drives connected to your Mac. Select the drive you need to recover lost/deleted files from, and click the "Search for lost files" button.

Note: Before data recovery, you'd better click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your Mac to avoid further data loss. After backing up, the software can recover data from the Mac backup, and your computer can wirte new data again.

select a location and scan for lost Mac data

Step 2. Select your lost data/files

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac will immediately scan your selected disk volume and display the scanning results on the left pane. You can sort the results to find the wanted files if you are looking for certain files.

Select your lost data/files

Step 3. Recover lost/deleted data

Once you have found the desired files, preview the files and then click "Recover" to begin the recovery of your deleted/lost Mac files.

recover lost Mac data

Conclusion

Deleting a single message or a whole conversation on your Mac can get troublesome if you don't know the basic steps. However, this tutorial has led you through quickly removing message conversations to keep your inbox clutter-free. From choosing and deleting messages to the more complicated method of completely erasing your message history, you now have the expertise to adjust your Message app to your desire.

Furthermore, the insight into data recovery with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac gives added protection, guaranteeing that your precious communications may be recovered even after an accidental deletion. Adopt these tactics to simplify digital communication and confidently use your Mac's messaging features.

How to Delete All Messages on a Mac at Once FAQs

Following are some of the questions that users search for regarding how to delete all messages on Mac at once; let's have a look below:

1. How do you select multiple messages on a Mac?

First and foremost, launch the Messages application on your Mac. Make sure you're in your inbox or the folder where the messages you wish to choose are located. Hold down the CMD (command) key on your keyboard to select numerous messages simultaneously.

2. How do I automatically delete text messages on my Mac?

If you don't want to manually clear Messages on Mac, you may set Messages to erase chats after a particular time.

Click Messages > Preferences in the navigation bar. Choose the time from the "Keep Messages" drop-down on the "General" tab. Change "Forever" to "30 Days" or "One Year"." You'll need to confirm and delete outdated messages. To quit and return to Settings, click "Delete" or "Cancel". Messages automatically delete chats and attachments at the selected time.

3. Can I restore deleted messages on my Mac?

To restore deleted messages on my Mac, you need to follow the steps below:

Step 1. Select "View > Recently Deleted" from the Messages program on your Mac.

Step 2. If you don't see Recently Deleted, it's possible that you haven't deleted a discussion in the past 30 days.

Step 3. Choose the chat from the sidebar. Recover a recently deleted message or conversation by selecting "Recover".

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Updated by Brithny

Brithny is a technology enthusiast, aiming to make readers' tech lives easy and enjoyable. She loves exploring new technologies and writing technical how-to tips. In her spare time, she loves sharing things about her game experience on Facebook or Twitter.

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