How to delete a message in WhatsApp so that it is invisible to others?

How to delete a message in WhatsApp so that it is invisible to others - briefly?

To make a WhatsApp message invisible to others, you can delete the message within seven minutes of sending it. This will remove the message from both your and the recipient's chat history.

How to delete a message in WhatsApp so that it is invisible to others - in detail?

Deleting a message in WhatsApp can help protect your privacy by making the message invisible to others. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Start by opening the WhatsApp application on your device.
  2. Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where the message you want to delete is located. This could be an individual chat or a group chat.
  3. Select the Message: Press and hold the message you wish to delete until it becomes highlighted. If you’re using an iPhone, swipe left on the message instead.
  4. Access the Delete Option: At the top of your screen, you will see several options appear. Look for the trash can icon or the "Delete" option. On Android devices, this is usually represented by a trash can icon, while on iPhones, it’s simply labeled "Delete".
  5. Choose Delete for Everyone: Tap on the "Delete" option, and you will be presented with two choices: "Delete for Me" and "Delete for Everyone". Select "Delete for Everyone". This option is only available for messages sent within the last 1 hour 8 minutes and 16 seconds. If the time limit has passed, you will only see the "Delete for Me" option.
  6. Confirm Deletion: A confirmation message will appear, asking if you’re sure you want to delete the message. Tap "Delete" again to confirm.
  7. Verify Deletion: The message should now be invisible to others in the chat. However, recipients may still see a notification that reads: “This message was deleted”. This is an unavoidable indication that a message has been removed.

Important Notes:

  • The "Delete for Everyone" feature works across all platforms (iOS, Android, and Web).
  • Deleting a message does not delete the attachments associated with it. If you sent a photo or video, it will still be saved on the recipient’s device.
  • WhatsApp does not guarantee that the message will be deleted from the recipient's phone before they see it.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your messages remain private and are invisible to others in your WhatsApp chats.