Permanently Delete LINE Messages: Full Guide

Yes, you can permanently delete LINE messages, but the method depends on whether you want to delete them only on your device or for everyone in the chat. This guide explains both options, how to recover deleted messages (if possible), and what happens to your data.

How LINE Message Deletion Works

LINE stores chat history on your device and, if you enable backup, on Google Drive or iCloud. When you delete a message, LINE removes it from your local chat log. However, the recipient may still see the message unless you use the “Delete for Everyone” feature. LINE does not notify the other person when you delete a message on your side, but “Delete for Everyone” will remove the message from both sides if used within a limited time window.

Deleting Messages on Your Device Only

This removes the messages from your phone or computer but does not affect what others see. To do this:

1. Open the chat with the messages you want to delete.
2. Tap and hold the message (or right-click on PC).
3. Select “Delete” from the menu.
4. Choose “Delete for me” (or “Delete” on some versions).

You can also delete multiple messages at once: tap the “…” menu in the chat, select “Delete,” then check the messages you want to remove. On iOS, you can swipe left on a message and tap “Delete.”

Deleting Messages for Everyone

If you want to remove a message from both your chat and the recipient’s chat, use “Delete for Everyone.” This is available for a limited time after sending—LINE states it must be done within 24 hours for most messages, though some versions allow up to 7 days. To use it:

1. Tap and hold the message you sent.
2. Select “Delete.”
3. Choose “Delete for everyone.”

Note that this only works if the recipient has not already seen the message. If they have, the deletion will not remove it from their screen. Also, “Delete for Everyone” is not available for messages sent more than 24 hours ago (or 7 days, depending on your version).

Deleting Entire Chat History

To clear all messages in a chat, you can delete the entire chat history. This removes all messages from your device but does not delete the chat itself. To do this:

• On mobile: Go to the chat, tap the menu (three dots), select “Settings” (or “Chat settings”), then “Delete chat history.”
• On desktop: Right-click the chat in the list, select “Delete chat history.”

This action cannot be undone, and it only affects your device. The other person’s chat history remains unchanged.

What Happens to Deleted Messages?

When you delete a message, LINE removes it from your local database. However, LINE may retain copies on their servers for a short period for operational purposes, but these are not accessible to you or the recipient. If you have backups enabled, deleted messages may still exist in your backup until you create a new backup. To ensure deleted messages are not restored from a backup, you must manually delete the backup file or overwrite it with a new backup that does not include them.

Can You Recover Deleted Messages?

If you delete a message without a backup, it is gone and cannot be recovered. However, if you have a backup that was created before the deletion, you can restore that backup to recover the messages. To do this:

1. Go to LINE Settings > Chats & Calls > Backup and Restore.
2. Select “Restore” and choose the backup file that contains the messages.
3. Confirm that you want to overwrite your current chat history.

This will replace your current messages with the backup, so any messages sent after the backup will be lost. Also, restoring a backup may not work if the backup is too old or if you are using a different phone number.

Permanently Deleting Your LINE Account

If you want to delete all your LINE data permanently, you must delete your entire LINE account. This removes your profile, friends, chats, and all data from LINE’s servers. To do this:

1. Open LINE and go to Settings (gear icon).
2. Select “Account” (or “My Account”).
3. Tap “Delete account” at the bottom.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm.

After deletion, you cannot recover your account or any messages. Your friends will see your account disappear. Note that you must have a valid phone number or email to delete the account, and you cannot delete it if you are currently using LINE Pay or other linked services.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Many users think that deleting a message on their device will delete it for the other person. That is only true if you use “Delete for Everyone” within the time limit. Another misconception is that “Delete chat history” will delete the chat itself—it doesn’t, it just clears the messages. Also, deleting a message does not remove it from any screenshots the recipient may have taken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete messages on LINE without the other person knowing?

Yes, if you delete a message on your device only, the other person is not notified. However, if you use “Delete for Everyone,” the recipient may see a notice that a message was deleted, depending on the version.

How long do I have to delete a message for everyone?

LINE allows “Delete for Everyone” within 24 hours of sending for most messages. Some versions extend this to 7 days, but the exact limit depends on your app version and region.

Will deleting a message remove it from the recipient’s phone?

Only if you use “Delete for Everyone” and the recipient has not already viewed the message. Otherwise, the message remains on their device.

Can I recover deleted LINE messages without a backup?

No. Without a backup, deleted messages are permanently lost. LINE does not offer a recovery feature for deleted messages.

Does deleting my LINE account delete messages for others?

No. Deleting your account removes your access, but messages you sent to others remain on their devices unless they delete them.

What is the difference between “Delete” and “Unsend”?

LINE uses “Delete” for removing messages from your device, and “Delete for Everyone” is the unsend feature. Older versions may label it “Unsend.”

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