User profile for user: Bill Loubiere
Bill Loubiere Author
User level: Level 1
29 points

How do I remove old invalid addresses from autofill in Messages app on Mac?

I am having trouble with autofill in the Messages app. When I try to send a message, the autofill suggested a list of messages that included old invalid addresses. The old address were green colored. The current ones are blue colored.


My iPhone and iPad does not have this issue. They suggested data from my Contacts.


I have tried cleaning cache, restarting, etc.


I can't find where the green messages are stored to clean them out.


I am using a M3 iMac with Tahoe 26.1


Any help would be appreciated.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Messages autofill on

Posted on Nov 15, 2025 8:41 AM

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User profile for user: brbo
brbo
User level: Level 8
38,629 points

Posted on Dec 9, 2025 5:52 PM

You may want to start by ensuring all addresses in your Contacts app are up-to-date, and deleting any old ones.

See how to: Update contact information in Contacts on Mac - Apple Support


  1. Go to the Contacts app  on your Mac.
  2. Select a contact, then click Edit at the top of the window.

Do any of the following:

  • Edit information in a field: Click a field, then enter your changes.
  • Remove a field: Delete the information in the field, or click .


When you’re finished, click Done.

(If needed: There's more info. in the above linked article.)

___________

Then try this: (See if it works in Messages .. if not ... try it in the Mail app)


Begin composing a message to the person whose old address is appearing in your messages app.

When / if the address appears, tap the (i) for info. button next to the address.

Tap "Remove from Recents"


Sorry My Mac is using an older Mac OS ... so am not sure if it works in MacOS 26.1

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: brbo
brbo
User level: Level 8
38,629 points

Dec 9, 2025 5:52 PM in response to Bill Loubiere

You may want to start by ensuring all addresses in your Contacts app are up-to-date, and deleting any old ones.

See how to: Update contact information in Contacts on Mac - Apple Support


  1. Go to the Contacts app  on your Mac.
  2. Select a contact, then click Edit at the top of the window.

Do any of the following:

  • Edit information in a field: Click a field, then enter your changes.
  • Remove a field: Delete the information in the field, or click .


When you’re finished, click Done.

(If needed: There's more info. in the above linked article.)

___________

Then try this: (See if it works in Messages .. if not ... try it in the Mail app)


Begin composing a message to the person whose old address is appearing in your messages app.

When / if the address appears, tap the (i) for info. button next to the address.

Tap "Remove from Recents"


Sorry My Mac is using an older Mac OS ... so am not sure if it works in MacOS 26.1

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How do I remove old invalid addresses from autofill in Messages app on Mac?

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