How do I delete messages in WhatsApp that haven't been delivered yet - briefly?
To delete undelivered messages in WhatsApp, open the chat where the message is located, long-press on the message, and then select the "Delete for Everyone" option from the menu that appears at the top of the screen. This will remove the message from both your device and the recipient's device before it has been delivered.
How do I delete messages in WhatsApp that haven't been delivered yet - in detail?
Deleting undelivered messages in WhatsApp can be a crucial task for users who want to ensure their conversations remain private and secure. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:
Firstly, it's essential to understand that WhatsApp does not allow direct deletion of sent messages that have not been delivered. However, there are workarounds to manage this situation effectively.
Method 1: Delete the Message from Your Device
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the undelivered message.
- Long Press on the Message: Find the undelivered message (indicated by a clock icon next to it) and hold your finger on it until a menu appears.
- Delete for Me: Select "Delete for Me" from the menu options. This action will remove the message from your side of the chat, but it will still be visible on the recipient’s device if they have an active internet connection.
Method 2: Use the ‘Delete for Everyone’ Feature
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the undelivered message.
- Long Press on the Message: Find the undelivered message (indicated by a clock icon next to it) and hold your finger on it until a menu appears.
- Delete for Everyone: Select "Delete for Everyone" from the menu options. This feature allows you to delete messages for all participants in the chat, including those that haven't been delivered yet. However, please note that this option is only available within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds after sending the message.
Method 3: Revoke Message Permissions
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Navigate to Settings: Go to the settings menu in WhatsApp.
- Account Preferences: Select "Account" from the list of options.
- Privacy: Tap on "Privacy."
- Read Receipts: Disable the "Read Receipts" option. This will prevent recipients from knowing whether you have read their messages, adding a layer of privacy to your conversations.
- Last Seen: You can also adjust the "Last Seen" setting to control who sees when you were last active on WhatsApp.
Important Considerations:
- Time Constraint: The "Delete for Everyone" feature has a strict time limit, so act quickly if you need to delete an undelivered message.
- Backup and Restore: Be aware that deleted messages may still be present in chat backups if you use the backup feature in WhatsApp.
- Recipient Awareness: Even after deleting a message for everyone, recipients might see a notification saying "This message was deleted."
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and delete undelivered messages in WhatsApp, ensuring your conversations remain private and controlled.