How to Undo a Sent Message on X (Twitter)?

With millions of users exchanging messages daily, it’s no surprise that people occasionally send a direct message (DM) they immediately regret. Whether it's a typo, a wrong recipient, or something sent in the heat of the moment, the question comes up frequently: How to undo a sent message on Twitter?

Unlike instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, X (formerly known as Twitter) doesn't offer a traditional "unsend" function for direct messages. Once a message is sent, it gets delivered instantly to the recipient’s inbox.

Does Twitter Allow You to Delete Sent DMs?

The short answer is: no, not in the way you might hope.

When you send a message on X, the platform doesn't currently support a function that would remove the message from the recipient's inbox after delivery. In this sense, Twitter DM undo is not natively possible. Unlike email services or some messaging apps that allow you to retract messages within a time limit, Twitter delivers your DM instantly, and there’s no going back.

However, there is one feature that can help mitigate the issue: editing.

How to Edit a Sent Message on X

Although deleting a DM isn’t currently possible, X allows you to edit the content of a message after it’s been sent. This means you can change what the message says, although the recipient will be able to see that the message was edited.

Here’s how you can do that:

1. Open the X app and go to your messages.
2. Navigate to the conversation that contains the message you want to modify.
3. Tap and hold the message you wish to change.
4. A pop-up menu will appear—select “Edit Message.”
5. You’ll now enter edit mode, where you can delete or replace the original message text.
6. Replace it with something neutral like “This message has been removed” or “Edited.”
7. Tap the send icon again to confirm your changes.

After completing these steps, your message will appear updated in the conversation. The platform will show a “Edited” label under the message, letting the other person know that a change was made.

Limitations of Editing Messages

While the editing feature can help correct typos or slightly soften a message, it’s not the same as fully removing it. The original message content is not visible anymore, but the timestamp remains, and the recipient knows the message has been changed. So, while it's not a full Twitter message recall, it's currently the closest thing the platform offers.

Does the Other Person See That You Edited the Message?

Yes. Transparency is built into the editing function on X. When you modify a previously sent message, it doesn't just silently update. Instead, the word “Edited” appears below the text. This ensures the recipient is aware that the message they’re reading isn’t the original version.

This means you should be thoughtful even when editing a message. While it can correct or cover up your original intent, it also signals that something was changed—raising curiosity or suspicion in some cases.

Can You Delete Twitter DMs Completely?

If you're looking for a way to delete Twitter DMs completely, you should know this:

• You can delete a message from your own inbox, but this only removes it from your side of the conversation.
• The recipient will still have access to the original message unless they delete it themselves.
• This limitation makes it impossible to fully retract a message once it has been sent.

So, deleting a DM only affects your own view and does not affect the other party’s chat history. Unfortunately, this means true Twitter DM deletion from both sides is currently not available.

What Are Your Options After Sending a Message You Regret?

Let’s say you sent a message that you instantly regret—what can you do?

Here are some immediate steps you can take:

• Edit the Message: As described earlier, replace the message with a neutral text like “This message was deleted.”
• Explain Yourself: If editing isn’t enough, follow up with a new message explaining the situation. Honesty can sometimes be the best approach.
• Delete the Conversation (From Your Side): While not a solution for the other user’s inbox, it can give you peace of mind.
• Block the User (If Necessary): In extreme cases, especially if you’ve sent a message to the wrong person or you feel unsafe, you can block the recipient.

Can You Request Twitter to Remove a Message?

At present, Twitter does not offer a support feature to remove individual messages upon request, unless the message violates platform rules. For example, if the message contains harassment, abuse, or any form of harmful content, you can report it. But if it’s just a personal mistake or typo, you’re on your own.

So if you're wondering about Twitter DM removal after sending, the only current solution is message editing.

Tips to Avoid Regrettable Messages

Since prevention is better than cure, here are some quick tips to avoid needing an undo option in the first place:

• Double-check the recipient before hitting send.
• Proofread your message carefully for tone and typos.
• Avoid sending messages in anger or emotional distress.
• Think twice about sending sensitive content over DM.

These simple habits can save you the headache of trying to fix something that can't be undone.

Twitter DMs Still Need Improvement

The messaging system on X has come a long way, but it still lacks some critical user-friendly features. The ability to fully unsend a message is one such missing tool. For now, your best bet is to make use of the edit function and be cautious before you hit send.

While Twitter DM undo is still a feature that many hope for, the platform has yet to implement it in a way that allows true retraction. Until then, we’ll have to rely on the limited workarounds available.