How can an admin delete a message in a WhatsApp group for everyone - briefly?
An admin can delete a message in a WhatsApp group for everyone by selecting the message and tapping on the "Delete" icon, then choosing "Delete for everyone".
How can an admin delete a message in a WhatsApp group for everyone - in detail?
To delete a message sent by anyone within a WhatsApp group, the administrator must follow a specific set of steps to ensure that the message is removed from all participants' devices. This feature is particularly useful when an inappropriate or sensitive message needs to be deleted promptly. Here is a detailed guide on how this can be accomplished:
- Identify the Message: First, locate the message within the group chat that you wish to delete. Scroll through the conversation until you find the specific message.
- Select the Message: Once the message has been identified, press and hold on it until a menu appears at the top of the screen. This action will highlight the message and bring up additional options.
- Access the Delete Option: In the menu that appears, tap on the 'Delete' option (represented by a trash can icon). This will present you with two choices: "Delete for me" or "Delete for everyone".
- Choose 'Delete for Everyone': Select the "Delete for everyone" option. This action will initiate the deletion process, removing the message from all participants' devices within the group.
- Confirmation Message: After selecting the option, a confirmation message will appear at the bottom of the screen stating that "This message was deleted". This indicates that the message has been successfully removed for everyone in the group.
- Verify Deletion: To ensure the message has been deleted from all participants' devices, you can ask other members of the group to check their chat history and confirm that the message is no longer visible.
It is important to note that this feature only works within a specific time frame. The message must be deleted within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds after it has been sent. If the time limit has passed, the "Delete for everyone" option will not be available, and you will only have the option to delete the message from your own device.
Additionally, this feature is not retroactive; messages that were deleted before the update introducing this functionality cannot be recovered or redistributed using the 'Delete for everyone' option. It is a forward-looking solution designed to enhance control over group communications moving forward.