In iOS 17 and later, Apple has replaced the old horizontal app bar above the keyboard with a cleaner app drawer in the Messages app. So, now you can see all your iMessage apps, including Stickers, Photos, Audio Messages, and third-party apps in a single list.

But with this new layout, organizing or removing iMessage apps works differently. This guide shows you how to rearrange and delete iMessage apps on your iPhone.

What Are iMessage Apps and Why They Matter

iMessage apps are small extensions that work inside Apple’s Messages app. They let you:

• Send Stickers, GIFs, and Polls.
• Play games with friends.
• Use Apple Cash or payment tools.
• Add fun effects or share content quickly.
• Access shortcuts for apps like Google Maps, TikTok, and YouTube.

Most of these aren’t downloaded individually. They appear automatically when you install their main app from the App Store. For example, installing Google Maps adds a location-sharing extension.

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This convenience is great, but it also means your app drawer can quickly fill up with apps you never planned to use in Messages. That’s where rearranging and deleting iMessage apps becomes helpful. A tidy drawer makes your messaging experience smoother and more personal.

How to Rearrange iMessage Apps on iPhone or iPad

In iOS 26, reordering iMessage apps happens inside the new + menu, not in the old More (…) section.

Here’s how:

1. Open the Messages app and go to any conversation.
2. Tap the + button next to the text box. This opens the redesigned drawer of iMessage apps.
3. Scroll down to see the full list of iMessage apps and actions.
4. Tap and hold the app or extension, then drag it up or down to your preferred position in the list.
5. Simply, release the app to save the rearrangement.
   

Tip

Place your most-used actions, such as Photos, Stickers, and Audio, at the top so they’re always one tap away.

How to Hide or Remove iMessage Apps from the Drawer

If you have a long list of apps and extensions, reordering them may not resolve the clutter. You need to hide them from the main list.

1. Open Settings, tap Apps at the bottom, and select Messages.
2. Scroll down and tap iMessage Apps.
   
3. Here you will see the apps only available in Messages and extensions.
4. From the Included With An App list, toggle Off any app you want hidden.
   

When hidden, the app remains installed on your device but no longer appears in the Messages menu. This method is perfect for third-party iMessage apps you rarely use.

However, you can’t temporarily hide apps you downloaded from the iMessage App Store, such as Sticker packs, games, and meme makers. The only way is to delete them.

How to Completely Delete iMessage Apps

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > iMessage Apps.
   
2. Tap the red minus sign next to the app you want to delete.
3. Select the Delete option.
   

This option is only available for apps in Messages. To remove the extensions, you need to delete the parent app from your iPhone or iPad.

1. Go to your Home Screen.
2. Find the app that installed the iMessage extension. For example, delete GIPHY to remove the GIPHY iMessage extension.
3. Press and hold the app icon.
4. Tap Delete App, then confirm by selecting Delete.
   

Once the app is deleted, the iMessage extension disappears instantly.

Troubleshooting: iMessage Apps Not Showing or Not Deleting

If something feels off, here’s how to fix it.

Issues	Solutions
iMessage apps not showing in the drawer	Make sure iMessage is toggled in Settings > Apps > Messages, Restart your iPhone, or Update iOS if a bug fix is available.
An app won’t delete	You cannot delete built-in Apple apps such as Photos or Camera. For third-party apps, turn off Screen Time restrictions.
Rearranging doesn’t save	You cannot delete built-in Apple apps like Photos, Camera, etc. For third-party apps, turn off Screen Time restrictions.

Tips for Keeping Your iMessage Drawer in Order

A clean Messages menu makes texting much easier. Here’s how you can keep it that way:

• Check your app drawer regularly. New apps sneak in iMessage extensions.
• Keep only 3 favorites at the top for quick access.
• Hide instead of deleting if you may need the app later.
• Delete unused apps to avoid clutter later.
• Move essentials like Photos, Apple Cash, Stickers, etc. upward.

Small habits keep the Messages app clean and fast.

Tidy Your Message App Drawer!

With the redesigned iMessage layout in iOS 26, managing your apps looks different, but it’s still easy once you know where to tap. Rearranging, hiding, or deleting iMessage apps means less scrolling, fewer distractions, and quicker access to the tools you use most.

Which apps or extensions do you use in iMessage? Let us know in the comments below!

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