How to delete a message from a WhatsApp chat?

How to delete a message from a WhatsApp chat - briefly?

To delete a message in a WhatsApp chat, tap and hold the message you want to remove. Then, select "Delete" from the menu that appears at the top of the screen.

How to delete a message from a WhatsApp chat - in detail?

Deleting a message in a WhatsApp chat can be essential for maintaining privacy or correcting an error. This process can be executed on both individual and group chats, and the steps are straightforward whether you're using an Android or iOS device.

For Android users:

1. Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat from which you want to delete a message.
2. Locate the message you wish to remove.
3. Long-press on the message until it is highlighted in blue. You can select multiple messages by tapping on them while holding down.
4. Once selected, tap on the Delete icon at the top of your screen (it looks like a small trash can).
5. A pop-up menu will appear with two options: Delete for me and Delete for everyone.
   • Selecting Delete for me will remove the message from your device only. The recipient will still see the message in their chat.
   • Choosing Delete for everyone will delete the message from both your device and the recipient's device, provided they have not seen it yet or the deletion time frame (7 minutes) has not passed.
6. Confirm your choice by tapping on the appropriate option.

For iOS users:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the message is located.
2. Find the message you intend to delete.
3. Swipe left over the message until a menu appears with options like Reply, Forward, Delete.
4. Tap on More if you wish to select multiple messages.
5. After selecting the messages, tap on the Delete icon at the bottom of your screen.
6. Similar to Android, you will be presented with two options: Cancel and Delete for Everyone.
   • Choosing Cancel will keep the message in the chat.
   • Selecting Delete for Everyone will remove the message from both your device and the recipient’s device, as long as they haven't seen it yet or the 7-minute deletion window hasn't expired.
7. Confirm your action by tapping on Delete.

It is crucial to note that the Delete for Everyone feature works only if both you and the recipient are using the latest version of WhatsApp. Additionally, this option is available only within 7 minutes after sending the message. After this time frame, you can only delete messages from your own device using the Delete for Me option.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and clean up your WhatsApp chats, ensuring that sensitive information remains private or correcting any mistakes promptly.