How to change the time in WhatsApp to delete a message?

How to change the time in WhatsApp to delete a message - briefly?

To change the time on your device and delete a message in WhatsApp, follow these steps:

  1. Adjust your device's date and time settings to reflect the desired past or future time.
  2. Open WhatsApp, select the conversation containing the message you want to delete, long-press on the message, and choose 'Delete for everyone'.

How to change the time in WhatsApp to delete a message - in detail?

Changing the time on your device to delete a message in WhatsApp is a common practice, although it's important to note that this method has its limitations and may not always be effective. Here’s a detailed guide on how you can attempt to change the time on your device to potentially delete a sent message:

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Access WhatsApp Settings:

    • Open WhatsApp on your device.
    • Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner to access the menu.
    • Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

  2. Locate Account Settings:

    • In the Settings menu, tap on “Account.”

  3. Change Date and Time:

    • Exit WhatsApp and go to your device’s settings.
    • Navigate to "Date & Time" or a similar setting depending on your operating system (Android or iOS).
    • Manually change the date and time to a point before you sent the message you wish to delete. For example, if you sent the message today at 3 PM, set the date and time back to yesterday at 2 PM.

  4. Delete the Message:

    • Return to WhatsApp.
    • Open the chat where the message was sent.
    • Long press on the message you want to delete until the options menu appears.
    • Select "Delete" for everyone or just for yourself, depending on your preference and the time frame since sending the message.

  5. Reset Date and Time:

    • After attempting to delete the message, go back to your device’s settings.
    • Change the date and time back to the current date and time. It is crucial to set it back to the correct time to avoid any potential issues with other apps or services that rely on the accurate system clock.

Important Considerations:

  • Time Limit: WhatsApp allows you to delete messages for everyone within 7 minutes after sending. If more than 7 minutes have passed, you can only delete messages for yourself.
  • Recipient Awareness: Even if you successfully delete a message for everyone, recipients may still see a notification indicating that a message was deleted.
  • Backups: Deleting a message does not remove it from backups. If a recipient has enabled chat backups, they can still view the deleted message in their backup.

Alternative Methods:

If changing the time does not work or if the message is older than 7 minutes, you might want to consider other options such as:

  • Requesting the Recipient to Delete: Politely ask the recipient to delete the message from their end.
  • Using WhatsApp Web: In some cases, using WhatsApp on a web browser can provide additional options for managing messages that are not available on the mobile app.

Conclusion:

While changing the time on your device is a method to potentially delete sent messages in WhatsApp, it comes with limitations and should be used judiciously. Always ensure you reset the date and time back to the current setting after attempting this process to maintain the accuracy of other applications and services on your device.