How to delete a message in WhatsApp before it is read - briefly?
To delete a message in WhatsApp before it's read, simply long-press the message and select "Delete for everyone." This feature allows you to recall messages within a short time frame, ensuring that recipients do not see them.
How to delete a message in WhatsApp before it is read - in detail?
Deleting a message in WhatsApp before it is read can be crucial for maintaining privacy or correcting an error. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:
For the Sender:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Navigate to Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the message you want to delete.
- Select the Message: Long-press on the message you wish to delete until a menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Delete for Everyone: Tap on the "Delete for everyone" option. This will remove the message from both your device and the recipient's device, provided they have not read it yet.
- Confirm Deletion: A confirmation dialog will appear. Tap "Delete" to confirm the action.
Important Notes:
- Time Limit: You can only delete messages for everyone within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds of sending. After this time frame, you’ll only see the option to "Delete for me," which will remove the message from your device but not from the recipient's device.
- Read Receipts: If a double-checkmark appears next to the message (indicating it has been read), you won't be able to delete it for everyone.
- Group Chats: Deleting messages in group chats works similarly, but all participants must have WhatsApp version 2.17.340 or later installed.
For the Recipient:
While recipients cannot delete messages sent to them before they are read, they can manage their own messages by deleting them for themselves. This will remove the message from their device but not from the sender's device.
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Navigate to Chat: Go to the chat where you received the message you want to delete.
- Select the Message: Long-press on the message until a menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Delete for Me: Tap on the "Delete" option (it will say "Delete for me" if it’s your message). This action removes the message from your device but not from the sender's device or any other recipient's devices in a group chat.
Additional Tips:
- WhatsApp Web: The same deletion process applies to WhatsApp Web. Simply follow the steps mentioned above while using the web version of WhatsApp.
- Backup and Restore: If you accidentally delete a message, you might be able to recover it from a backup if you have enabled this feature in your phone settings or WhatsApp settings.
By following these detailed instructions, users can effectively manage their messages on WhatsApp, ensuring that sensitive information remains private and errors are promptly corrected.