Do Text Messages Expire?

Do texts expire? Most cell phone carriers don't permanently save the enormous amount of text-message data that is sent between users every day. AT Wireless, for example, says it keeps sent text messages for 48 hours only—after that, they are wiped off the system.

How long are text messages saved for?

The text messages are stored in both locations. Some phone companies also keep records of sent text messages. They sit on the company's server for anywhere from three days to three months, depending on the company's policy. Verizon holds texts for up to five days and Virgin Mobile keeps them for 90 days.

Do text messages ever expire?

If you set message expiration to 30 days, for example, you'll be warned that all text messages and their attachments on your device that are older than 30 days will be permanently deleted. Messages default to keeping your conversations on the device permanently.