How to completely delete WhatsApp messages without the possibility of recovery - briefly?
To permanently delete WhatsApp messages with no chance of recovery, you must delete them from both your device and the recipient's device within seven minutes. After this period, messages can only be deleted from your own device but will remain on the recipient's end.
How to completely delete WhatsApp messages without the possibility of recovery - in detail?
To ensure that WhatsApp messages are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered, you need to follow a detailed process that involves both deleting the messages from your device and ensuring they are removed from WhatsApp's servers. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this:
Deleting Messages from Your Device
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone.
- Navigate to Chats: Go to the 'Chats' tab where all your conversations are listed.
- Select the Chat: Tap on the chat or conversation from which you want to delete messages.
- Highlight Messages: Long-press on a message to select it, then tap on other messages you wish to delete. You can select multiple messages by tapping on them while holding the first one.
- Delete Messages: Once all desired messages are selected, tap on the 'Delete' icon (usually represented by a trash can or bin). Confirm your action when prompted.
Deleting Messages for Everyone
- Open WhatsApp Settings: Go back to the main screen and tap on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner to access the menu. Select 'Settings'.
- Account Preferences: Under 'Settings', tap on 'Account'.
- Delete Messages: In the 'Account' settings, you will find an option called 'Delete messages'. Tap on it.
- Set Deletion Time: You can choose between deleting messages after 1 hour or 7 days for everyone. Select your preferred time frame. Note that this setting applies to all future messages; it does not affect past conversations.
Clearing WhatsApp Cache and Data
- Go to Device Settings: Exit WhatsApp and go to your phone's 'Settings'.
- Access Apps/Applications Manager: Find and tap on 'Apps' or 'Application Manager' (the name may vary depending on your device).
- Select WhatsApp: Scroll through the list of installed applications until you find WhatsApp, then tap on it.
- Clear Cache: Tap on 'Storage' or 'Storage & cache'. You will see options to clear the cache and data. Start by tapping on 'Clear Cache'.
- Clear Data: After clearing the cache, go back to the WhatsApp app info page and tap on 'Clear Data'. Confirm your action when prompted.
Removing Backups from Cloud Storage
- Backup Settings: Go back to WhatsApp and access 'Settings' > 'Chats' > 'Chat Backup'.
- Delete Backup: Tap on the 'Delete backup' option. Confirm your action when prompted. This will remove all cloud backups associated with your account.
- Disable Backup: To prevent future backups, toggle off the 'Backup to Google Drive' (or iCloud for iOS users) option.
Additional Measures
- Log Out of WhatsApp Web/Desktop: If you use WhatsApp on a web browser or desktop application, make sure to log out from all sessions to ensure complete deletion.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: As a final measure, consider uninstalling the WhatsApp app from your device and then reinstalling it. This will ensure that any residual data is removed.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively delete WhatsApp messages without the possibility of recovery, ensuring your conversations remain private and secure.