Do this now
Unsend or "delete for everyone" immediately, if the app allows it. Then send a short, calm apology asking them to delete it without opening it. Don't send anything else explicit, and don't panic-explain. A genuine accident isn't a crime.
How to unsend it
| App | How to unsend | Time limit |
|---|---|---|
| Long-press the message, tap Delete, then "Delete for everyone" | About 2 days | |
| iMessage | Long-press the message, then "Undo Send" | 2 minutes |
| Long-press the message, then "Unsend" | No limit | |
| Messenger | Long-press the message, tap Remove, then "Unsend" | No limit |
| Snapchat | Long-press the chat or snap, then Delete. Unopened snaps can be deleted | Works best before it's opened |
| Signal / Telegram | Long-press, tap Delete, then "Delete for everyone" | Signal: 24 hours. Telegram: no limit |
| SMS / MMS | Can't be unsent | N/A |
Unsending removes the message from the chat, but the person may already have seen it, and notifications can stay on their lock screen or watch. Unsend anyway. It still helps.
What to say
Keep it short, calm and honest. For example:
For a work contact, keep it even more formal and stop there. If it went to a group chat, message the group once with the same request, and ask the admin to delete it if they can.
If it went to someone under 18
If an adult's explicit image went to a child by mistake (for example, a family group chat), unsend it, explain to the child's parent or guardian straight away that it was an accident, and ask them to make sure it's deleted. Being open and quick is the right thing to do for the child, and it's also what protects you.
Is it a crime?
A genuine accident generally isn't. Cyberflashing in England and Wales, for example, requires you to have intended the person to see the image. But continuing to message, or anything that looks deliberate, changes that, so apologise once and leave it. If the recipient shares your image with others, they may be committing an offence. See intimate image abuse.
If they won't delete it, or threaten you
Don't negotiate. Keep a record, and follow our sextortion guide. If you're over 18, use StopNCII.org to help prevent it being posted on major platforms.
Make sure it never happens again
- Use a separate app, such as Signal, only for intimate chats, so it can't go to your family WhatsApp
- Never sext from a group chat, and archive or mute big group chats
- Give your partner's contact a distinctive name, profile photo or chat wallpaper
- Use view-once and disappearing messages, so a mis-send expires
- Pause and check the name at the top of the chat before pressing send
- Don't sext when drunk or rushed
Need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK), 112 (Ireland/EU), 911 (US/Canada) or 000 (Australia).
- Images shared or threatened (adults, UK): Revenge Porn Helpline, revengepornhelpline.org.uk or 0345 6000 459
- Stop images spreading (worldwide, adults): StopNCII.org
- Under 18: Childline's Report Remove tool at childline.org.uk or call 0800 1111. Outside the UK: Take It Down
- More countries and services: see our help and support directory