iOS 17 introduces auto-delete feature for one-time verification codes. Enable Clean Up Automatically toggle in Passwords settings. Codes are deleted after 24 hours, but accessible if needed. Retrieve deleted codes in Messages app by selecting Show Recently Deleted. 2FA functionality remains unaffected.
Remember that constant influx of six-digit codes clogging up your Messages app? Every time you make an online payment, there is an OTP that lands in your inbox. Two-factor authentication (
2FA
) is crucial for
online security
, but managing those temporary codes can be a real hassle.
iOS 17
introduces a nifty feature that lets you automatically delete these one-time
verification codes
after you enter them, keeping your inbox tidy without compromising security.
iOS 17's
auto-delete
feature makes things a little easier. No more manual deletion, no more cluttered inbox, and no more worries about lingering codes.
Here's how to banish those pesky codes to oblivion:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 17.
- Navigate to Passwords.
- Tap Password Options.
- Look for the Clean Up Automatically toggle under the Verification Codes section and switch it on.
That's it. Now, whenever you receive a 2FA code via SMS, iOS will automatically delete the message after a short grace period (around 24 hours), ensuring your inbox stays organised while the code remains accessible for a reasonable amount of time in case you need it again.
But what if you need to reference a deleted code later? There is an option for that as well. Simply tap Edit in the top left corner of the Messages app and select Show Recently Deleted. You'll find all your recently deleted messages, including those pesky 2FA codes, for easy retrieval.
Rest assured, this feature won't impact the functionality of 2FA. Your accounts will remain just as secure, as the codes are automatically copied to the clipboard when received, making them instantly available for autofill during login attempts.
English (US) ·