OTPs (One-Time Passwords) offer an additional layer of protection. Whether you’re using mobile banking services, accepting a package delivery, or creating a new account, we all receive OTPs almost daily. However, these OTPs can pile up over time and make it difficult to navigate. Deleting each one can also be long and boring. Hence, here’s how to auto-delete OTPs on Android.
But is it okay to delete OTPs after their use? Well, we can assure you that it is fine to delete the OTP once you have used it for its respective purpose. Moreover, deleting OTPs can also allocate more space and prevent issues such as messages not being received on your device.
While many Messaging apps offer auto-deleting verification code (OTP) messages on Android, this guide will show you how to do it using the Google Messages app. Turning on this feature will auto-delete OTPs after 24 hours.
Tip: If Google Messages isn’t your default app, here’s how to set it as the default messaging app.
Auto Delete Verification Code (OTP) Messages on Android
Once you have ensured that you have Google Messages set as the default messaging app, you can auto-delete OTPs on Android by following the below steps:
Step 1: Open Google Messages > tap your profile picture at the top-right corner and choose Messages settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and select Message organization.
Step 3: Toggle on ‘Auto-delete OTPs after 24hrs.’
Note: If the option is greyed out, toggle on ‘View messages category’ and toggle on this option.
Once enabled, all the existing OTPs in your inbox older than 24 hours will be deleted automatically.
Delete Messages in Google Messages
If you are not interested in enabling auto-delete OTPs on Android, you can delete unwanted messages manually. However, if you have too many OTPs, it might be difficult to remove them all.
Step 1: Open Messages > tap and hold the message you want to delete.
Step 2: Select the messages to delete and tap the trash icon at the top.
Step 3: Tap Delete to confirm.
Remember that once you delete these messages, you won’t be able to retrieve them.
Archive Messages in Google Messages
Instead of deleting the verification code in Android, you can use the Archive feature in Google Messages.
To Archive a single message, swipe from right to left. You can also tap Undo to revoke the action. To archive multiple messages, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Open Messages > tap and hold the message you want to Archive.
Step 2: Continue selecting the messages you want to Archive and select the Archive icon at the top.
Tip: The messages will be instantly moved to the Archive. You will see the Undo option at the bottom for a few seconds to unarchive them.
Unarchive Texts in Google Messages
While auto-delete OTPs is an excellent feature, it can also delete some necessary messages by mistake. Unfortunately, there are no official ways to restore these deleted messages. However, if you have archived any messages, here are the steps to unarchive them:
Step 1: Open Google Messages > tap your profile icon at the top right corner and select Archived.
Step 2: Tap and hold the message you want to retrieve and select the Unarchive icon at the top.
FAQs About Auto Deleting OTPs
1. Does Google Messages delete important messages too?
While enabling Auto-delete OTPs after 24 hrs on the app will only delete OTP messages, sometimes it may mistake a normal text for an OTP text and delete it. The chances are negligible, but it’s a possibility.
2. Can someone access my data using OTP?
Yes. If given to the wrong person, they can access your account data. Hence, it is best not to share OTPs for banking and other important services.
Have a Clutter-Free Feed
While there are multiple ways to message, it is essential to keep your Messages app clutter-free. We hope this guide about auto-deleting OTPs on your Android smartphone helped. Also, check out these best two-factor authentication apps to add more security to your social media accounts.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
