How to change an already sent message in WhatsApp?

How to change an already sent message in WhatsApp - briefly?

As of now, WhatsApp does not support editing messages that have already been sent. To correct a mistake, you will need to delete the original message and send a new one.

How to change an already sent message in WhatsApp - in detail?

Changing a previously sent message on WhatsApp can be crucial for correcting errors or improving communication. Unfortunately, as of now, WhatsApp does not provide a direct "edit" function for messages that have already been delivered. However, there are alternative strategies you can employ to effectively alter the content of your message:

  1. Delete and Resend: The simplest approach is to delete the original message and then resend the corrected version. To do this:

    • Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat where the message was sent.
    • Long-press on the message you want to change until a menu appears.
    • Select "Delete" from the menu options. You can choose to delete for everyone or just yourself depending on your preference.
    • Compose the corrected message and send it.
  2. Use the Message Recall Feature: WhatsApp offers a feature that allows you to recall (or unsend) messages within a certain timeframe. Here’s how:

    • Long-press on the message you want to change until the menu appears.
    • Select "Delete for Everyone" from the menu options. This will remove the message from both your and the recipient's chat history.
    • Once deleted, compose and send the corrected message.
  3. Clarify with a New Message: If you need to correct or clarify something without deleting the original message, simply send a new message explaining the correction or addition. This approach maintains the context of your conversation while ensuring clarity:

    • Type out the correction or additional information in a new message.
    • Send it as usual.
  4. Edit on WhatsApp Web/Desktop: If you are using WhatsApp Web or Desktop, you can utilize the "Delete for Everyone" feature more conveniently through your keyboard shortcuts:

    • Select the message by clicking on it.
    • Press the delete key (usually backspace) to bring up the delete options.
    • Choose "Delete for Everyone."

While these methods do not allow you to directly edit a sent message, they provide effective workarounds to ensure your communication is accurate and clear. It's always a good idea to double-check messages before sending to minimize the need for corrections afterward.