Unable to auto delete verification codes in iOS 18

I have "Delete after Use" toggled on in autofill & passwords in settings on both my iPhone 13 mini and my iMac 2024. Both devices are up to date. After I use security codes from various websites they are not automatically deleted from iMessage or mail. I thought it would happen instantly. Is there another setting I need to change or does it take longer than I expected for the codes to delete?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]


iPhone 13 mini, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 23, 2025 09:17 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 25, 2025 07:10 AM

While the "Delete After Use" setting is designed to improve security by automatically removing OTPs (one-time passwords) after they've been used, it doesn’t ensure instant deletion across all platforms or scenarios. The actual behavior of this feature can vary based on the app or service utilizing the OTP.


For instance, some services may process OTPs locally on the iPhone and immediately trigger the deletion. However, others might rely on backend systems or APIs that could delay acknowledgment, meaning the OTP might remain visible temporarily. Furthermore, the deletion feature may also depend on how the specific app integrates with the iPhone's OTP autofill system. If an app or service doesn't fully support or interact correctly with this system, the OTP might persist longer than expected.


Therefore, while "Delete After Use" adds a layer of convenience and security, its effectiveness can be influenced by external factors, such as app design and third-party implementation. Users should remain aware of these limitations and verify the feature's behavior with critical apps where security is paramount.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 25, 2025 07:10 AM in response to Kate Shanahan-Branagan

While the "Delete After Use" setting is designed to improve security by automatically removing OTPs (one-time passwords) after they've been used, it doesn’t ensure instant deletion across all platforms or scenarios. The actual behavior of this feature can vary based on the app or service utilizing the OTP.


For instance, some services may process OTPs locally on the iPhone and immediately trigger the deletion. However, others might rely on backend systems or APIs that could delay acknowledgment, meaning the OTP might remain visible temporarily. Furthermore, the deletion feature may also depend on how the specific app integrates with the iPhone's OTP autofill system. If an app or service doesn't fully support or interact correctly with this system, the OTP might persist longer than expected.


Therefore, while "Delete After Use" adds a layer of convenience and security, its effectiveness can be influenced by external factors, such as app design and third-party implementation. Users should remain aware of these limitations and verify the feature's behavior with critical apps where security is paramount.

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Unable to auto delete verification codes in iOS 18

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