How to delete a message in WhatsApp if it has been read?

How to delete a message in WhatsApp if it has been read - briefly?

To delete a message in WhatsApp that has already been read by the recipient, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where you sent the message.
2. Tap and hold on the message until it gets highlighted, then tap the trash can icon at the top of the screen.

How to delete a message in WhatsApp if it has been read - in detail?

Deleting a message on WhatsApp after it has been read is a common requirement, whether you want to retract sensitive information or simply correct an error. While WhatsApp allows message deletion for both the sender and recipient under certain conditions, there are some nuances to consider. Here’s a detailed guide on how to delete messages in WhatsApp if they have been read:

For the Sender:

WhatsApp provides a feature that allows senders to delete messages for everyone in a chat. This feature is available for both individual chats and group conversations. However, there are specific time constraints:

1. Individual Chats:

   • To delete a message, open the WhatsApp chat where the message was sent.
   • Long-press on the message you wish to delete until the options menu appears.
   • Tap on the 'Delete' icon (represented by a trash can) at the top of the screen.
   • Select 'Delete for everyone'. This option is available only within 7 minutes of sending the message. If more than 7 minutes have passed, you will see the 'Delete for me' option instead.

2. Group Chats:

   • The process in group chats is similar to individual chats.
   • Long-press on the message and select the 'Delete' icon.
   • Choose 'Delete for everyone'. This option is also available within 7 minutes of sending the message.

For the Recipient:

Recipients have more limited options for deleting messages. However, they can still manage their chat history by deleting messages locally from their device:

1. Deleting Messages Locally:
   • Open the WhatsApp chat where the message was received.
   • Long-press on the message you wish to delete until the options menu appears.
   • Tap on the 'Delete' icon at the top of the screen.
   • Select 'Delete for me'. This action will remove the message from your device but not from the recipient’s device.

Important Considerations:

• Time Limit: The 7-minute window for deleting messages for everyone is crucial. After this time, you can only delete messages locally.
• Notification: When a sender deletes a message using 'Delete for everyone', recipients will see a notification that says "This message was deleted".
• Backup: Deleted messages may still be present in chat backups if the recipient has enabled backup settings on their device.
• Quoted Messages: If a message is quoted or forwarded, deleting the original message won’t remove the quoted version from other chats.

Final Thoughts:

While WhatsApp offers robust options for managing sent and received messages, it's essential to act promptly within the 7-minute window to delete messages for everyone effectively. Understanding these features can help you maintain control over your communication and ensure that sensitive information is handled appropriately.