How to completely delete WhatsApp messages - briefly?
To completely delete WhatsApp messages, you can use the "Delete for everyone" feature within 1 hour 8 minutes and 16 seconds of sending the message. This will remove the message from both your device and the recipient's device.
How to completely delete WhatsApp messages - in detail?
To completely delete WhatsApp messages, users have several options depending on their specific needs and the device they are using. It is important to note that while messages can be deleted from a user's phone, they may still exist on the recipient's device or in backups. Here are detailed steps for both individual message deletion and more comprehensive removal methods:
Deleting Individual Messages:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
- Navigate to Chats: Go to the 'Chats' tab where all your conversations are listed.
- Select Conversation: Tap on the chat from which you want to delete messages.
- Long Press Message: Hold down on the message you wish to delete until a menu appears.
- Delete Option: In the menu, select 'Delete' for that particular message. You can choose whether to delete it only for yourself or for everyone in the chat. If you select 'Delete for Everyone', the message will be removed from all participants' devices.
Deleting Entire Conversations:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
- Navigate to Chats: Go to the 'Chats' tab where all your conversations are listed.
- Select Conversation: Tap and hold on the chat you want to delete until a menu appears.
- Delete Option: Select 'Delete Chat'. Confirm the deletion when prompted. This action will remove the conversation from your device but may still leave traces on the recipient's device or in backups.
Clearing WhatsApp Storage:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
- Settings Menu: Tap on the three dots (or the gear icon) in the top-right corner to access the settings menu.
- Storage and Data: Select 'Storage and Data'. Here you can manage the storage usage by deleting unnecessary files, such as forwarded images or videos.
- Manage Storage: Choose the type of file you want to delete (e.g., Photos, Videos) and select the specific items to remove.
Backup Considerations:
It is crucial to remember that while deleting messages from your device, they might still be present in backups created by WhatsApp or other third-party services. To ensure complete removal:
- Disable Backup: Go to 'Settings' > 'Chats' > 'Chat Backup'. Turn off the automatic backup feature.
- Delete Backup: If you have previously backed up your chats, you may need to delete these backups from cloud storage services like Google Drive or iCloud.
By following these detailed steps, users can effectively manage and completely delete WhatsApp messages according to their preferences.