Editing Direct Messages On X: A Game Changer For Users

DMs or Direct Messages have been a thing on X (formerly Twitter) for over a decade and since then, users of the platform have demanded the ability to edit messages, just like the option to edit posts. While the former arrived early, the ability to edit messages has also made its way to the platform in a recent update.

Mike (@cambridgemike), one of the engineers at X shared a post talking about this new feature and then, X’s official account reshared the post officially announcing the new edit option for private DMs. As of now, it is only coming to the iOS version of the app, but the good thing is that you don’t need X premium to use it. Yep, it is free to use for everyone on the app. Here’s how it works.

save yourself from your own bad decisions (or typos) (or both)

DM edits are here. you’re welcome https://t.co/RzELFRZgfY— X (@X) August 31, 2024

How to Edit Messages on X

You can modify any of the older messages you sent on X using the Edit messages feature. Here’s how you can do it:

1. On X, tap on the Messages tab at the bottom right.
2. On this screen, open the chat where you want to edit a message.
3. When the chat opens, locate and long-press the message you want to edit.
4. On the popup menu, select Edit message.
5. Now rewrite your message and then tap on the Send button.

Rewritten messages will have an “Edited” label below them, so it isn’t as foolproof as Snapchat’s edit feature. While you can edit older messages, X will keep the data of the original messages for security purposes. There is a limit to how many messages you can edit. The platform currently lets you only edit a message up to five times, just like posts on X.

This new addition brings the app up to speed with other apps that have already included this feature. I know a lot of you who tend to send edgy DMs to others, just to regret later, will find this new addition quite handy. Hopefully, it drops for Android soon enough as well. What are your thoughts about this new edit functionality on X? Do you like it, and will you be using it? Let us know in the comments below.