How do I delete WhatsApp completely - briefly?
To delete WhatsApp completely from your device, follow these steps:
- Open the WhatsApp application and go to "Settings."
- Select "Account," then "Delete my account," and confirm the action.
How do I delete WhatsApp completely - in detail?
To completely delete WhatsApp from your device and ensure all associated data is removed, you need to follow a series of steps that vary depending on whether you are using an Android or iOS device. Below is a detailed guide for both platforms:
For Android Devices:
- Backup Your Data: Before deleting WhatsApp, it's recommended to back up your chats and media to Google Drive. This can be done by going to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Open the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and then tap 'Uninstall'. Alternatively, you can go to your device's settings, find the Apps menu, select WhatsApp, and then tap 'Uninstall'.
- Delete Backup Files: To ensure all associated data is removed, delete the backup files stored on your Google Drive. Open Google Drive, go to the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select 'Backup', and then delete the WhatsApp backups.
- Clear Cache and Data: Go to your device's settings, find the Apps menu, select WhatsApp (even if it's uninstalled), and clear any remaining cache or data files.
- Delete Media Files: Manually delete any WhatsApp media files stored on your device. You can do this by accessing your file manager and locating the WhatsApp folder in your internal storage, typically found under 'WhatsApp > Media'.
For iOS Devices:
- Backup Your Data: Similar to Android, back up your chats and media to iCloud before deleting WhatsApp. This can be done by going to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Press and hold the WhatsApp icon on your home screen until it jiggles, then tap the 'X' that appears in the top left corner of the app. Confirm deletion by tapping 'Delete'.
- Delete Backup Files: To ensure all associated data is removed from iCloud, go to your device's Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > WhatsApp, and then delete the backup files.
- Clear Cache and Data: Unlike Android, iOS does not provide an option to clear cache or data for individual apps directly. However, you can free up storage space by going to your device's Settings > General > iPhone Storage and deleting any unnecessary data or apps.
- Delete Media Files: Manually delete any WhatsApp media files stored on your device. You can do this by accessing the 'Photos' app and locating the WhatsApp folder, typically found under 'Albums'.
Additional Steps for Both Platforms:
- Deactivate Your Account (Optional): If you wish to deactivate your account temporarily, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Delete my account. Note that this will not delete the app from your device but will remove your account and all associated data.
- Clear Google Drive or iCloud Storage: Ensure that any remaining WhatsApp files in your cloud storage are deleted. This can be done through the respective cloud service's settings.
- Sign Out of Linked Accounts (Optional): If you linked your WhatsApp account to Facebook or other social media platforms, sign out from those accounts to ensure complete data removal.
By following these steps carefully, you can effectively delete WhatsApp completely from your device along with all associated data.