How do I delete read messages in WhatsApp for another person - briefly?
As of the latest updates, WhatsApp does not allow users to delete read messages for others. The feature currently only permits deletion of unread messages.
How do I delete read messages in WhatsApp for another person - in detail?
Deleting read messages in WhatsApp for another person is a common request, but it's important to understand the limitations and ethical considerations involved. WhatsApp does not provide a direct feature that allows users to delete messages from someone else's device. However, there are a few workarounds that can be considered:
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Delete for Everyone: If you want to remove a message from everyone in a chat, including yourself and the recipient, you can use the "Delete for Everyone" feature within 7 minutes of sending the message. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat containing the message you wish to delete.
- Tap and hold the message until the options menu appears at the top of your screen.
- Select "Delete" from the menu.
- Confirm by tapping "Delete for Everyone". This will remove the message from both your device and the recipient's device.
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Revoke Access to Media: If you have sent a photo, video, or document that you wish to delete from another person’s phone, you can revoke access to it from their gallery:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat containing the media file.
- Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "Media visibility".
- Choose "No one" or select specific contacts from whom you want to hide the media. This will not delete the message but will prevent it from being viewed in their gallery.
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Blocking and Reporting: In cases where a message is causing distress or harm, consider blocking the sender and reporting the issue to WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat with the sender.
- Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "More" > "Block".
- Confirm by tapping "Block". This will prevent further messages from that person, but it won't delete past messages. Reporting can be done through WhatsApp’s support channels for more serious issues.
- Ethical Considerations: It is crucial to remember that deleting or altering someone else’s messages without their consent raises ethical and legal concerns. Always consider the impact on trust and privacy before taking such actions.
While these methods can help manage the visibility of your messages, it's essential to understand that complete control over another person's device is not feasible through WhatsApp. Communication and mutual understanding are often the best approaches to resolving issues related to message content.