The present invention proposes a method for deleting messages and a related terminal. The method includes: A: recording a sliding path of a user on a terminal and mapping the sliding path as a message deleting command; B: defining a margin of error based on the sliding path; C: popping up a message prompt box when a new message is detected and must be displayed, whether the screen is locked or the terminal is being used; D: examining the sliding path of users on the screen and deciding whether it is in line with the pre-defined deleting path; and E: deleting the message directly when the sliding path is in line with the pre-defined deleting path. As such, users can immediately delete spam messages when a message is received, even if the screen is locked. The method is easy to use and provide significant convenience to users.