How do I retract a message in WhatsApp - briefly?
To retract a message in WhatsApp, simply long-press on the message you wish to delete and select "Delete for everyone." This feature is available within one hour of sending the message.
How do I retract a message in WhatsApp - in detail?
Retracting a message in WhatsApp can be crucial for correcting mistakes or preventing misunderstandings. Here’s a detailed guide on how to delete sent messages:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Navigate to Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the message you wish to retract. This could be an individual chat or a group conversation.
- Select Message: Long press on the message you want to delete until it is highlighted. You will see several options appear at the top of your screen.
- Delete for Everyone: Tap on the "Delete" icon (represented by a trash can or recycling symbol). A pop-up menu will appear with two options: "Delete for Me" and "Delete for Everyone". Select "Delete for Everyone".
- Confirm Deletion: You’ll be prompted to confirm your action. Tap "Delete" again to finalize the process.
Important Notes:
- Time Limit: WhatsApp allows you to delete messages for everyone within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds of sending. After this period, you can only delete messages for yourself.
- Recipient Notification: The recipients will see a notification that reads "This message was deleted" in place of the original message.
- Media Files: If the message contains media files (images, videos, etc.), deleting it won’t remove the files from the recipient’s device if they have already downloaded them.
- Group Chats: In group chats, all participants will see that a message was deleted, not just the sender and the recipient.
Alternative Method (Android Only):
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat with the message you want to delete.
- Press and hold on the message until it gets highlighted.
- Tap on the three dots (⋮) that appear at the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "Delete" from the menu, then choose "Delete for Everyone".
- Confirm your action by tapping "Delete".
By following these steps, you can effectively retract a message in WhatsApp, ensuring that any errors or miscommunications are corrected swiftly.