How to Delete Messages on a MacBook Air [Step-by-Step]

Whether you want to delete messages for security reasons, free up storage space, or safeguard your privacy, the laptop allows you to delete single messages or all of your messages in one go. This article will address your worries and show you the steps to delete messages on MacBook Air using 4 reliable methods.

How to Delete Messages on a MacBook Air

We understand that not everyone knows how to delete messages on their laptop. That's why we've put together the four common methods you can use to achieve this.

So, you can follow these fixes keenly and find which works for you.

Fix 1. Delete a Single Message from the Message App

Message app allows you to delete a single message, among others. However, If you don't execute it properly, you might delete the entire conversation. That's why you need to follow the below steps to delete messages on a Mac:

Step 1. Open the "Messages" app.

Step 2. Go to "Conversations", then locate the message you want to delete.

Step 3. Right-click on the message. After that, select "Delete".

Step 4. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click "Delete".

In this case, if you accidentally delete important conversations, you can restore them from Trash. But if you emptied the Trash bin, don't worry! Consider installing EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to recover your deleted conversations.

Fix 2. Delete Multiple Messages from the Message App

Delete all messages at once on your Mac seems to be complex. Fortunately, the messaging app can assist you in achieving that. The steps seem similar to the ones involved in deleting a single message. However, there's one step that sets the two methods apart.

Step 1. Launch the "Messages App".

Step 2. In the "Messages app", open the conversation with the messages.

Step 3. Hold down the "Command" key and click on the specific messages.

Step 4. Right-click on the highlighted messages and click on "Delete".

Step 5. Click "Delete" on the confirmation pop-up that will display.

By following these steps, you'll be able to delete numerous messages at once. This will make it easier to tidy up your message history. It's especially handy when you want to retain specific conversations but eliminate specific messages within them.

Share this article on social media if it's informative to help others learn how to delete messages on a MacBook Air with 4 proven methods.

Fix 3. Delete Messages on Your MacBook Air Using Terminal

Using a terminal command is another way you can delete your messages. You’ll need to use certain commands to allow you to delete messages or attachments.

Here's how to go about it:

Step 1. Open Terminal, and type in rm –r ~/Library/Messages/chat.

Step 2. To delete attachments, input the command below:

rm –r ~/Library/Messages/Attachments/.

These commands will permanently remove messages and attachments without requiring you to empty the Trash.

Fix 4. Delete Messages on a MacBook Air via Finder

You can use Finder to delete messages on a MacBook Air. Finders allow you to delete message attachments or archives.

Here's how to delete messages on a MacBook Air using Finder:

Step 1. Open "Finder". Click on "Go" in the "Finder" window.

Step 2. Choose "Go to Folder".

Step 3. Enter or paste the path ~/Library/Messages/ and click "Enter."

Step 4. Find the files named "chat.db", "chat.db-shm", and "chat.db-wal" under "Message".

Step 5. Right-click on those files and select "Move to Trash". Or drag them to the Trash folder.

Can You Recover Deleted Messages on a MacBook Air

Are you wondering how you can recover important messages on your MacBook Air? Well, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac stands out as a reliable software that can help you with this task.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac Pro uses an algorithm-optimized scanning process that recovers deleted messages on a MacBook Air more precisely. It has a filter functionality that helps in pinpointing lost data amidst a multitude of scanning outcomes.

Below are the steps for using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to recover deleted messages on your MacBook Air:

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

In this post, you've learned that there are different ways of deleting messages on your MacBook Air. These methods include using the Terminal, Message app, and Finder. Plus, there's nothing complex with these methods.

But if you need to recover your messages, you need to get a professional data recovery. In this case, you need to consider using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac Pro. Download the software to ensure the safety of your important files.

How to Delete Messages on a MacBook Air FAQs

Here are some questions and answers on how to delete messages on your MacBook Air. Check them out.

1. How do I quickly Delete messages on my MacBook Air?

To quickly delete messages on your MacBook Air:

Step 1. Access the "Messages" app and choose the conversation with the messages you want to remove.

Step 2. After that, press the "Command + Delete" keys simultaneously.

Alternatively:

Step 1. Right-click on the messages.

Step 2. Next, choose "Delete".

2. How do I Delete messages app from my MacBook?

There are two methods you can use. First:

Step 1. Go to "Finder".

Step 2. Find the "Applications" folder.

Step 3. Find the "Messages" app and right-click on it.

Step 4. Lastly, choose "Move to Trash".

Alternatively:

Step 1. Drag the "Messages" app icon to the Trash.

Step 2. After placing it in the "Trash", right-click on the "Trash" icon.

Step 3. Choose "Empty Trash" to permanently delete the app.

3. Can I recover deleted messages on my MacBook Air?

Yes, you can. MacBook allows you to recover your message in a 30-day period after you've deleted it. After this time, you’ll no longer have the message on your device. If 40 days are over, the message will be permanently deleted from your iCloud.

To recover deleted messages:

Step 1. Go to the "Messages" app.

Step 2. Tap "View".

Step 3. Choose "Recently Deleted".

Step 4. After that, find the message you want to restore.

Step 5. Right-click the message and select "Recover".