OkCupid users have been there before; they're messaging people, going about their business, only to run into a roadblock: Their inbox is suddenly full, and they're no longer able to send or receive messages.

OkCupid tries to push pay-for services on users in order to gain additional features, including a bigger inbox. However, while the temptation to plunk down some of your hard-earned cash for a service that's mostly free could very well be strong, there's a way around taking the plunge.

We realize you may not want to delete messages and conversations that are going on between you and other active users, even if the conversation has been dormant for a few days or longer. Not to worry: There's a different approach you can take.

You can delete messages and conversations that have taken place between yourself and users that no longer have accounts on the site. By doing so, you'll open up space in your inbox, allowing you to go back to messaging at will.

However, that approach comes with its own problems. It's more than likely people you've recently messaged and spoken with are still active, so it's understandable in the case that you'd rather not delete those messages.

The best approach to take in this situation is to scroll down to older messages -- those both in your inbox and your sent messages folder. The farther back you go in your account, the more likely you are to find messages that were sent to people who are no longer account holders.

Unfortunately, stretching back to conversations and messages from months ago or longer can be a pain. Not everyone wants to go through the monotony of swiping and scrolling back through old messages.

Thankfully, we found a trick that makes doing so much easier. However, you'll need a PC with a mouse to pull it off.

How to Delete Old Messages and Create New Space in a Full Account

First, open your inbox and sent messages folder. Then, click your mouse's mousewheel. After that, point your mouse downward so it automatically begins to scroll back through old messages.

Now, leave your PC alone for a few minutes. Go get a snack or a drink -- do something to distract yourself.

When you return, your account should be displaying your oldest messages on record. This, more than likely, should be full of messages sent to people who no longer hold accounts.

Now, hold Left Control on your keyboard, and click on the messages that you want to delete. Click as many as you can. Once you're satisfied, click on the delete message button, which should appear at the bottom of your screen as soon as you select a message for deletion.

As soon as you hit delete, those messages will be cleared out, and you'll have that many more open slots in your inbox.

What do you think of this OkCupid tip? Sound off in the comments below.

Related