You can automatically delete one-time verification codes on your iPhone after they are used with Autofill by adjusting a specific setting. This feature helps keep your Messages app tidy and reduces clutter from transient security codes.
Your iPhone provides a built-in setting to manage the deletion of one-time verification codes. This functionality is directly integrated with the Autofill feature, ensuring that once a code is used, the corresponding message is removed from your inbox.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Automatic Deletion
Follow these simple steps to set up your iPhone to automatically delete verification codes:
- Open Settings: Tap the Settings app icon on your iPhone's home screen.
- Navigate to General: Scroll down and tap on General.
- Access Autofill & Passwords: Tap on Autofill & Passwords (or Passwords & Autofill, depending on your iOS version).
- Manage Verification Codes: Under the "Verification Codes" section, you will see an option labeled Delete After Use.
- Toggle the Setting: Tap on Delete After Use and then toggle the switch to the On position to enable automatic deletion. If you wish to keep these messages, simply toggle it to Off.
| Setting Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Delete After Use (On) | When enabled, your iPhone will automatically delete one-time verification codes from your Messages app after they have been successfully used with the Autofill feature (e.g., when you tap the code suggestion above the keyboard to enter it into a website or app). This helps keep your inbox clean. |
| Delete After Use (Off) | When disabled, verification codes will remain in your Messages app even after they have been used with Autofill. You will need to manually delete these messages if you wish to remove them. |
Benefits of Automatic Deletion
- Declutter Your Inbox: Keeps your Messages app cleaner by removing transient, single-use codes that are no longer needed.
- Enhanced Privacy: Reduces the amount of sensitive information stored on your device's messaging history.
- Streamlined Experience: Ensures that your messaging interface remains focused on conversations rather than temporary security alerts.
This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently use two-factor authentication (2FA) or receive numerous one-time passcodes, as it automates the cleanup process and maintains a tidy digital environment.
