The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To stop iPhone from automatically deleting messages by age, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Keep Messages and select Forever. Apple says the other options—30 Days and 1 Year—automatically remove conversations and their attachments when the chosen period ends.
Set Keep Messages to Forever
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then Messages.
- Scroll to Message History and tap Keep Messages.
- Select Forever.
Apple documents this path in its iPhone guide to deleting messages and attachments. If your menus look different, the labels or layout may vary with your iOS version.
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| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $584.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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What each Keep Messages choice does
| Setting | What happens |
|---|---|
| Forever | Avoids the timed automatic removal Apple describes for the other settings. |
| 1 Year | Conversations and attachments are automatically removed after the selected period. |
| 30 Days | Conversations and attachments are automatically removed after the selected period. |
Apple does not quantify a storage trade-off on this guide page, so the setting alone does not establish how much space your messages will use.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat if old messages have already disappeared?
Keep Messages prevents future age-based deletion; Apple’s documentation does not establish that it can restore items already removed when a retention period elapsed. For messages you deleted yourself, check Recently Deleted: open Messages, use the conversation-list filter, open Recently Deleted, select the conversations, then tap Recover. Apple’s current iPhone guide describes recovery for up to 30 days. A separate Apple support article published April 2, 2026 says eligible messages deleted on iOS 16 or later and iPadOS 16.1 or later may be recoverable within 30 to 40 days, and says messages deleted before updating to those software versions cannot be recovered with this feature. Follow the guidance for your device and software; do not assume one exact cutoff applies in every case.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Messages in iCloud syncs deletions
If Messages in iCloud is enabled, deleting a message or conversation on your iPhone also deletes it from your other devices where Messages in iCloud is turned on, according to Apple’s Messages in iCloud guidance. Another synced Apple device should not be treated as an independent copy of a deleted message.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Some messages follow separate rules
Keep Messages is not the control for every kind of message removal. Apple says a message removed with Undo Send is permanently deleted, and an audio message that expires before being saved cannot be recovered. See Apple’s iPhone guidance on unsending and editing messages and audio messages.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
