One-Time Passwords (OTPs) are widely used for secure authentication, especially for financial transactions, account verifications, and online purchases. While OTPs are necessary, they can clutter your SMS inbox over time. To address this, Android devices now offer an auto-delete OTP messages feature, which keeps your inbox organized by automatically deleting OTPs after a certain period. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to enable or disable this feature on Android devices.
What is the Auto-Delete OTP Feature?
The auto-delete OTP feature is designed to remove OTP messages from your SMS inbox after a set duration, typically 24 hours. This feature is particularly useful for:
Keeping your messages organized.
Reducing storage consumption from unnecessary messages.
Enhancing security by deleting sensitive OTPs after use.
This functionality is available in many Android devices running the latest versions of Android or on messaging apps like Google Messages.
How to Turn On Auto-Delete OTP Messages
Follow these steps to enable the auto-delete OTP feature on your Android device. Note that the steps may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer and the messaging app you use.
Method 1: Using Google Messages
Google Messages is one of the most popular SMS apps, and it supports the auto-delete OTP feature by default.
Step 1: Open Google Messages
Locate and open the Google Messages app on your Android device.
Ensure the app is updated to the latest version. You can check for updates in the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Access Settings
Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the app.
Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Enable Auto-Delete OTPs
Navigate to Message organization or Spam protection, depending on your app version.
Toggle on the option for Auto-delete OTPs after 24 hours.
Note: The feature automatically removes OTPs without requiring further action after enabling it.
Method 2: Using Manufacturer-Specific Messaging Apps
Many smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus, have their own messaging apps with similar features.
Samsung Messages
Open the Samsung Messages app.
Tap the three-dot menu and go to Settings.
Look for an option like Message categories or Cleanup settings.
Enable the Auto-delete OTPs option.
Xiaomi Messages
Open the Mi Messaging app.
Go to Settings by tapping the menu icon.
Under Organize messages, toggle on Auto-delete OTPs after 24 hours.
Tip: Check your specific device’s user guide if you cannot locate the option.
How to Turn Off Auto-Delete OTP Messages
If you prefer to keep OTP messages for reference or if you’re using them for ongoing tasks, you can disable the feature with ease.
Google Messages
Open the Google Messages app.
Tap the three-dot menu and go to Settings.
Navigate to Message organization.
Toggle off the Auto-delete OTPs after 24 hours option.
Manufacturer-Specific Messaging Apps
Open your messaging app (e.g., Samsung Messages or Xiaomi Messages).
Go to Settings.
Locate and disable the Auto-delete OTPs feature under Message categories or similar sections.
Benefits of Managing the Auto-Delete OTP Feature
Turning the feature on or off depends on your needs. Here’s a quick overview of its benefits:
When Enabled
Organized Inbox: Keeps your messages free of clutter.
Improved Security: Deletes sensitive OTPs after use, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Optimized Storage: Frees up storage space by removing unnecessary messages automatically.
When Disabled
Reference Access: Retains OTPs for future verification or troubleshooting.
Audit Trail: Keeps a record of your OTPs for transactions or logins.
User Control: Allows you to decide when and what to delete.
Troubleshooting Tips
If the auto-delete OTP feature isn’t working as expected:
Update Your Messaging App: Ensure your messaging app is updated to the latest version.
Check Permissions: Verify that the app has the necessary permissions to manage SMS messages.
Restart Your Device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor glitches.
Contact Support: If the issue persists, consider reaching out to the app’s customer support or your device manufacturer.
The auto-delete OTP feature on Android offers a convenient way to manage your SMS inbox while enhancing security and reducing clutter. Whether you choose to enable or disable this feature, the process is straightforward and customizable to suit your preferences. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take full control of how OTP messages are handled on your device, ensuring a better and more efficient messaging experience.
