How to delete a message for everyone in WhatsApp after reading?

How to delete a message for everyone in WhatsApp after reading - briefly?

To delete a message for everyone in WhatsApp after reading it, press and hold the message until it gets highlighted. Then, tap on the 'Delete' icon at the top of the screen and select 'Delete for Everyone'.

How to delete a message for everyone in WhatsApp after reading - in detail?

Deleting messages for everyone in WhatsApp after they have been read is a common need for users who wish to remove sensitive or incorrect information. This feature allows you to maintain control over your communication and ensure that the message does not remain visible to recipients. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Start by launching the WhatsApp application on your device. Ensure you are connected to the internet, as deletion requires an active connection.
  2. Locate the Message: Navigate to the chat where the message you want to delete is located. Scroll through the conversation until you find the specific message.
  3. Select the Message: Tap and hold on the message you intend to delete. This action will highlight the message and bring up options at the top of your screen.
  4. Choose 'Delete for Everyone': After selecting the message, a set of options will appear. Look for the 'Delete for Everyone' option. This may also be labeled as 'Delete for Me/You' or similar variations depending on the device and WhatsApp version you are using.
  5. Confirm Deletion: A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you are sure you want to delete the message. Tap 'Delete' to confirm your action.
  6. Wait for Confirmation: After tapping 'Delete', wait for WhatsApp to process the request. You will receive a notification indicating whether the deletion was successful or not. If successful, the message will be replaced with "This message was deleted" in both your and the recipient's chat window.

Important Considerations:

  • Time Limit: The 'Delete for Everyone' feature works only if the message is deleted within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds of sending it. After this period, the option will no longer be available.
  • Read Receipts: If the recipient has already read the message before you attempt to delete it, they may still see its content in their notifications or previews.
  • Group Chats: Deleting messages in group chats follows the same process, but keep in mind that all participants will see the "This message was deleted" notification.

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Ensure your WhatsApp application is up to date, as older versions may not support this feature.
  • Check your internet connection; a stable connection is crucial for successful deletion.
  • If the 'Delete for Everyone' option is grayed out or unavailable, it likely means that the time window for deletion has expired.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your WhatsApp conversations and ensure that messages are deleted from both your device and those of your recipients.