How do I delete old conversations in WhatsApp for both parties?

How do I delete old conversations in WhatsApp for both parties - briefly?

To delete old conversations in WhatsApp for both parties, you can use the "Delete for Me" option to remove the messages from your device, and the "Delete for Everyone" feature to ensure they are also deleted from the recipient's device.

How do I delete old conversations in WhatsApp for both parties - in detail?

Deleting old conversations in WhatsApp can be a challenging task, especially when you want to ensure that the messages are removed from both your device and the recipient's device. Below is a detailed guide on how to accomplish this:

For Android Users:

  1. Backup Your Chats: Before deleting any conversations, it’s crucial to backup your chats to avoid losing important data. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
  2. Delete the Conversation: Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to delete. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner of the screen, then select More > Delete Chat. Confirm your action by tapping DELETE.
  3. Clear Cache: To ensure that all traces of the deleted conversation are removed from your device, you can clear the WhatsApp cache. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > WhatsApp > Storage & Cache, then tap on CLEAR CACHE.

For iOS Users:

  1. Backup Your Chats: Similar to Android, it’s essential to backup your chats first. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
  2. Delete the Conversation: Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat you wish to delete. Tap on the contact name at the top of the screen, then select More > Delete Chat. Confirm your action by tapping DELETE CHAT.
  3. Offload App: To remove any residual data from your device, consider offloading the WhatsApp app. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find WhatsApp in the list, tap on it, and select Offload App.

Important Considerations:

  • Delete for Everyone: If you want to delete a message for everyone in a chat, open WhatsApp, go to the chat containing the message, then tap and hold the message. Select the DELETE icon at the top of the screen, then choose DELETE FOR EVERYONE. Note that this feature only works within seven minutes after sending the message.
  • Group Chats: If you delete a group chat, it will be removed from your device but not from other participants' devices. They will still see the group in their WhatsApp.

Limitations:

  • Media Files: Deleting a conversation does not remove media files (photos, videos, etc.) from your phone’s gallery. You need to manually delete these files if you want them removed completely.
  • Backup Data: Even after deletion, some data may remain in your chat backups. To ensure complete removal, consider deleting the backup as well.

By following these steps, you can effectively delete old conversations from WhatsApp for both parties involved.