<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "iOS: 10.0.0 -",
    "iPadOS: 10.0.0 -",
    "macCatalyst: 13.1.0 -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "Messages",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/Messages/MSMessage/shouldExpire",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Instance Property",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Instance Property",
    "modules" : [
      "Messages"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:objc(cs)MSMessage(py)shouldExpire"
  },
  "title" : "shouldExpire"
}
-->

# shouldExpire

A Boolean value that determines whether the message should expire after being read.

```
var shouldExpire: Bool { get set }
```

## Discussion

If <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Swift/true>, the message should expire after it is read. Expired messages are deleted a short time after being read by the recipient. The recipient may opt to keep the message.

The `shouldExpire` property defaults to <doc://com.apple.documentation/documentation/Swift/false>.

---

Copyright &copy; 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)