How do I delete an SMS from WhatsApp for everyone - briefly?
Deleting a message on WhatsApp for all participants in a chat is not currently possible. The "Delete for Everyone" feature only works within the first hour of sending the message and only applies to messages sent to individual chats or group chats.
How do I delete an SMS from WhatsApp for everyone - in detail?
Deleting a message on WhatsApp that has been sent to multiple recipients, or an entire conversation, can be achieved through the "Delete for Everyone" feature. This function allows users to remove messages from both their own device and the devices of their contacts within a specific time frame. Here is a detailed guide on how to utilize this feature effectively:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your mobile device. Ensure that you have an active internet connection, as this feature requires data connectivity.
- Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat or group where the message you want to delete is located. This could be a one-on-one conversation or a group chat.
- Select the Message: Long press on the message that you wish to delete until it becomes highlighted. If you are using an iPhone, swipe left on the message instead.
- Access the Delete Option: Once the message is selected, look for the trash can icon at the top of the screen. On some devices, this icon might be located in a different area, such as the bottom-right corner. Tap on this icon to proceed.
- Confirm Deletion: A pop-up menu will appear, asking you to confirm your decision. Select "Delete for Everyone". This option ensures that the message is removed not only from your device but also from the devices of the recipients.
- Check Status: After selecting "Delete for Everyone," WhatsApp will attempt to delete the message from all participants' devices. If successful, you will see a notification stating "You deleted this message." If the deletion is unsuccessful, it means that the message could not be removed from some or all of the recipients' devices, and you will see "This message was successfully deleted for you but not for others."
Important Considerations:
- Time Limit: The "Delete for Everyone" feature is only available within a specific time frame after sending the message. For most users, this window is approximately 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds from the time of delivery. After this period, the option will no longer be available.
- Success Rate: Even if you initiate the deletion process successfully, there is no guarantee that every recipient's device will delete the message. Factors such as network connectivity and the recipients' app version can affect the outcome.
- Notification: Recipients may still see a notification stating "This message was deleted." While they cannot view the content of the message, they will be aware that something was removed.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your communication on WhatsApp and ensure that sensitive or incorrect messages are removed from all involved parties' devices.