You can delete a sticker from an iMessage conversation in two ways, depending on whether you want to remove it from your own view or unsend it entirely
If you sent a sticker and want it gone, you have two options. You can delete the message so it no longer appears in your conversation thread, or you can unsend it so the other person sees a notification that you removed it. Which one you choose depends on how long ago you sent it and what you're trying to accomplish.
On iPhone or iPad, both methods take about five seconds. On Mac, the steps are slightly different. Android users cannot send stickers through iMessage itself, so this applies only to Apple devices.
Key Takeaways
- Delete a sticker by long-pressing it, tapping "More", then selecting "Delete" — this removes it from your view only.
- Unsend a sticker by long-pressing it, tapping "More", then selecting "Undo Send" — the other person sees that you removed it.
- You can only unsend a sticker within 15 minutes of sending it; after that, delete is your only option.
- On Mac, right-click the sticker instead of long-pressing, then choose delete or unsend from the menu.
- Deleting a sticker removes it only from your device; unsending notifies the recipient that you took it back.
How to delete a sticker on iPhone or iPad
Open the iMessage conversation where you sent the sticker. Find the sticker message you want to remove. Press and hold your finger on the sticker itself until a menu appears with several options.
Tap the three dots labeled "More" at the right side of the menu. A second menu will open. Select "Delete" from the list. The sticker will disappear from your conversation when ready. The other person will still see it on their end unless you unsend it instead.
How to unsend a sticker on iPhone or iPad
Open the iMessage conversation and locate the sticker. Press and hold on the sticker until the menu appears. Tap "More" (the three dots).
Select "Undo Send" from the menu. The sticker will be removed from both your conversation and the recipient's conversation. They will see a message saying you unsent a sticker, but they will not see the sticker itself. This option only works if you unsend within 15 minutes of sending the sticker. After 15 minutes, "Undo Send" will no longer appear, and delete becomes your only choice.
How to delete or unsend a sticker on Mac
In the Messages app on your Mac, open the conversation containing the sticker. Locate the sticker message. Right-click directly on the sticker (do not click elsewhere in the message bubble).
A menu will appear with options including "Delete" and "Undo Send". Click whichever option you need. If more than 15 minutes have passed, only "Delete" will be available. The sticker will be removed according to which option you selected.
The difference between delete and unsend
Delete removes the sticker from your view only. You will not see it in your conversation anymore, but the other person will still see it on their device. Deleting is useful when you want to clean up your own conversation thread but do not need the recipient to know you removed it.
Unsend removes the sticker from both devices. The recipient will see a notification that says "You unsent a sticker" or similar wording, depending on their iOS version. Unsend is useful when you sent something by accident, sent it to the wrong person, or want to take it back before they see it. You have a 15-minute window to unsend; after that, the message is locked in and delete is your only option.
What happens if you delete or unsend a sticker in a group chat
In a group iMessage conversation, delete and unsend work the same way as they do in one-on-one chats. If you delete, only you will see the sticker removed. If you unsend, all members of the group will see the notification that you unsent it, and none of them will see the sticker itself.
The 15-minute unsend window applies in group chats as well. If you are trying to remove a sticker from a group conversation, unsend is usually the better choice because it ensures no one in the group can see it.
Why you might want to delete or unsend a sticker
Common reasons include sending the wrong sticker by accident, sending a sticker to the wrong conversation, or changing your mind about the tone it sets. Stickers are straightforward to tap by mistake, especially if you have a large sticker collection or use them frequently.
Another reason is context — you might send a sticker in a moment and then realize it does not fit the conversation anymore. Unsending gives you a way to correct that without the recipient seeing it, as long as you act within 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a sticker after 15 minutes?
Yes. You can delete a sticker at any time, even years after sending it. However, after 15 minutes, unsend is no longer available — only delete will appear in the menu. Delete removes it from your view only, so the recipient will still see it.
Will the other person know if I delete a sticker?
No. If you delete, they will not receive any notification. The sticker will remain visible on their device. Only unsend sends a notification to the other person.
What if I unsend a sticker by accident?
Once you unsend, it is gone and cannot be recovered. You would need to send the sticker again if you change your mind. There is no undo for unsend itself.
Do I need to have the latest iOS version to unsend stickers?
Unsend has been available since iOS 16. If you are running an older version, the "Undo Send" option will not appear in your menu. Update your device to access this feature.
Can I delete a sticker from someone else's phone?
No. Delete only removes it from your device. Only unsend removes it from the recipient's device, and you have 15 minutes to do that. After 15 minutes, the sticker is permanent on their end.