If you have an iPhone 8 or later, you've probably already updated to iOS 16. The latest operating system has many new security features you should be using.
A super-secure mode was designed for politicians, activists, and journalists. I think there's a great case to suggest this iPhone option for the elderly and vulnerable people in your life. Tap or click here for a closer look at Lockdown Mode.
Here’s another buried setting that just got upgraded: Your iPhone’s ability to detect sounds and alert you. Tap or click for steps to set up custom sounds, like your home’s appliances.
One of the most noteworthy features of iOS 16 is the ability to edit and unsend text messages. It’s not as clear-cut as it seems. Here’s the truth.
Reality: Your recipient gets a notification.
Yes, you can take back a message you sent, but there’s more to it. The unsend feature only works with iMessage (iPhone to iPhone), and you and the recipient must be running iOS 16.
If you unsend a message to someone running an older version of iOS, they’ll still see it, and you’ll get a notification reminding you of that.
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Here are a few more things to keep in mind when unsending a message:
Now that you know how it works, here’s how to unsend a message:
iOS 16 adds more security features to protect your privacy and information. Tap or click here for the iPhone (and Android) security features worth enabling.
The reality: You guessed it — they’ll get a notification.
Editing a text follows the same rules. You can, but it only works with iMessage, and both iPhones must be running iOS 16.
If you edit a message you sent to someone running an older version of iOS, all your edited messages will appear on their screen, and they’ll get notifications of your edits.
Here are some things you need to know when editing a message:
Here’s how it’s done:
Are you an iPhone family? Here’s how to track your kid’s phone.
The reality: Those deleted messages stick around for a bit.
When you delete a text thread, it’s stored in a folder on your iPhone’s recently deleted messages file for 30 days. You can recover it or delete it permanently right then and there. That also means anyone can see your deleted messages if they have your passcode.
Here's the good news: Text messages you unsend do not appear in the recently deleted messages file.
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Here’s how to delete or recover recently deleted messages:
Mac tip: Apple’s Safari browser blocks cross-site tracking, so you can enjoy the sites you use most without worrying about being followed. But there’s another tool to increase privacy. Tap or click here to erase your digital tracks.
Keep your tech-know going
My popular podcast is called "Kim Komando Today." It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.
LISTEN NOW: Password manager hacked, smartwatch burns, Brand New or Not True
Samsung’s smartwatch is under fire for reportedly burning wearers, a popular password manager was hacked, and why you shouldn’t rely on Tile’s new QR code stickers to find your lost stuff. Plus, how to ask Google to remove your personal info from search results, turning an old PC into a media server, and see if Kim can fool a Komando listener in this week’s Brand New or Not True.
Find my podcast "Kim Komando Today" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.
Just search for my last name, "Komando."
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Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks.
For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com
