How to delete a deleted message in WhatsApp for everyone - briefly?
Unfortunately, once you've deleted a message on WhatsApp, it is not possible to retrieve or undelete it for everyone. The message will be permanently removed from the recipient's chat history and cannot be recovered.
How to delete a deleted message in WhatsApp for everyone - in detail?
Deleting a message that has already been sent on WhatsApp can be crucial, especially when sensitive or incorrect information has been shared. While the standard feature allows users to delete messages within a certain time frame (7 minutes), there are methods to extend this capability. However, it’s important to note that these techniques may not always guarantee complete deletion for everyone involved in the conversation.
Official Method: Delete Within 7 Minutes
WhatsApp provides an official method to delete messages within 7 minutes of sending them. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the message was sent.
- Press and hold the message you wish to delete until the options menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Select the trash can icon (Delete) from the menu.
- Choose ‘Delete for everyone’ if available, or ‘Delete for me’ if the option has expired.
Extending the Deletion Window: Use Airplane Mode
To extend the deletion window beyond the 7-minute limit, you can use a workaround involving Airplane Mode. Here are the steps:
- Turn on Airplane Mode on your device immediately after sending the message you wish to delete. This will disconnect your phone from the internet.
- Go to WhatsApp and navigate to the chat where the message was sent.
- Delete the message following the steps mentioned above (press and hold, select ‘Delete for everyone’).
- Turn off Airplane Mode. This will reconnect your phone to the internet, allowing WhatsApp to process the deletion request.
Important Considerations
While these methods can help you delete messages, there are some important considerations:
- Timing: The sooner you attempt to delete a message, the higher the chances of success.
- Recipient Awareness: Recipients may still see the message before it is deleted.
- Notifications: If the recipient has notifications enabled, they might have already seen the message in the notification panel.
- Quoted Messages: If a message has been quoted or forwarded, deleting it from your end will not delete it from the recipient’s chat history where it was quoted or forwarded.
Alternative Method: Contact WhatsApp Support
If you are unable to delete a message using the above methods, contacting WhatsApp support might be an option. However, this is generally reserved for cases involving privacy breaches or legal issues. Support can sometimes assist in deleting messages from both ends of the conversation, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the specifics of your case.
In conclusion, while there are methods to extend the deletion window and potentially delete a message for everyone, success is not always guaranteed due to various factors such as timing, recipient awareness, and notification settings. Always be cautious when sending messages that you might later regret or need to delete.