How to completely delete data from WhatsApp - briefly?
To permanently delete data from WhatsApp, users can either delete individual messages or conversations within the app itself, or they can delete the entire WhatsApp account, which will erase all associated data from the company's servers.
How to completely delete data from WhatsApp - in detail?
To completely delete data from WhatsApp, you need to follow a series of steps that ensure all your information is permanently removed from the application. This process involves deleting the app itself, clearing cache and data, and ensuring no backups are left behind. Here’s a detailed guide on how to accomplish this:
Deleting WhatsApp Data Permanently
1. Backup Your Data (Optional but Recommended)
Before you start the deletion process, it is advisable to create a backup of your chats and media files. This ensures that you won't lose important information in case you change your mind later.
- Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap on "Backup" to save your data to Google Drive or iCloud, depending on your device.
2. Uninstall WhatsApp
The first step in permanently deleting your WhatsApp data is to uninstall the app from your device.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Uninstall.
- On iPhone: Press and hold the WhatsApp icon until it jiggles, then tap the "X" button to delete it.
3. Clear Cache and Data
After uninstalling WhatsApp, you need to clear any remaining cache and data associated with the app to ensure a complete deletion.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Storage & Cache > Clear Cache and Clear Data.
- On iPhone: Unfortunately, iOS does not allow users to clear cache and data manually for individual apps. Uninstalling the app is sufficient in this case.
4. Delete Backups
If you created a backup before uninstalling WhatsApp, make sure to delete these backups from your cloud storage to ensure all data is permanently removed.
- For Google Drive: Open the Google Drive app > Tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) > Settings > Manage Storage > WhatsApp > Delete Backup.
- For iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > WhatsApp > Delete Backup.
5. Delete WhatsApp Media from Device Storage
WhatsApp media files are often saved in a separate folder on your device’s internal storage or SD card. Make sure to delete these as well.
- On Android: File Manager > Internal Storage/SD Card > WhatsApp > Media. Delete the folders inside, such as WhatsApp Images, WhatsApp Videos, etc.
- On iPhone: This step is not necessary as uninstalling the app will remove all associated data including media files.
6. Reinstall WhatsApp (Optional)
If you decide to use WhatsApp again after deleting your data, you can reinstall it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This will create a new instance of the app without any of your previous data.
Additional Tips
- Two-Factor Authentication: If you have two-factor authentication enabled for WhatsApp, make sure to disable it before deleting the app to avoid any issues with reinstallation.
- Linked Accounts: Ensure that any linked accounts (like Facebook) are disconnected from your WhatsApp settings before deletion.
By following these steps, you can ensure that all your data is completely and permanently deleted from WhatsApp.