How to change a sent message in WhatsApp on Android - briefly?
As of the latest updates, WhatsApp does not allow users to edit or delete messages for the recipient after they have been sent. This feature is currently unavailable on both Android and iOS platforms.
How to change a sent message in WhatsApp on Android - in detail?
Changing a sent message in WhatsApp on an Android device can be a bit tricky, as the platform does not offer a direct edit feature for messages like some other messaging apps do. However, there are a few workarounds that users can employ to correct or modify their sent messages. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve this:
Method 1: Delete and Resend the Message
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your Android device.
- Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the message that needs to be changed.
- Select the Message: Long-press on the message you want to change until it is highlighted.
- Delete the Message: Tap on the trash can icon at the top of the screen to delete the message. Alternatively, you can swipe left on the message and tap "Delete".
- Confirm Deletion: If prompted, confirm that you want to delete the message by tapping "Delete for Me" or "Delete for Everyone" if the option is available. Note that "Delete for Everyone" must be done within 7 minutes of sending the message.
- Type and Send the New Message: Compose your corrected message and send it as you normally would.
Method 2: Use WhatsApp Web or Desktop
- Open WhatsApp Web/Desktop: On your computer, open a web browser and go to web.whatsapp.com for WhatsApp Web, or download and install the WhatsApp desktop application if you prefer using that.
- Scan the QR Code: Use your Android device to scan the QR code displayed on the web or desktop interface to link your WhatsApp account.
- Navigate to the Chat: Find the chat with the message you need to change.
- Select and Delete the Message: Similar to the mobile app, long-press on the message until it is highlighted, then click the trash can icon to delete it.
- Send the Corrected Message: Type your corrected message in the text box and hit enter to send it.
Method 3: Edit a Quoted Message (Indirect Method)
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your Android device.
- Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the message that needs correction.
- Quote the Message: Long-press on the message until it is highlighted, then tap on the quote icon (usually represented by a speech bubble with an arrow).
- Edit the Quoted Message: Add your corrected text before or after the quoted message, and then send it as a new message. This way, the original incorrect message remains unchanged, but the correct information is sent in a follow-up message.
Important Notes:
- Time Limit for Deletion: The "Delete for Everyone" feature only works within 7 minutes of sending the message. After that time frame, you can only delete the message for yourself using "Delete for Me".
- Backup and Restore: If you frequently need to edit messages, consider backing up your chats regularly. This way, if you accidentally delete important conversations, you can restore them from the backup.
- Third-Party Apps: Be cautious with third-party apps claiming to offer an edit feature for WhatsApp. Many of these are not secure and could compromise your data or privacy.
By following these methods, users can effectively change a sent message in WhatsApp on their Android devices, ensuring that the correct information is communicated to their contacts.