How to delete a message in WhatsApp without recovery?

How to delete a message in WhatsApp without recovery - briefly?

To permanently delete a message in WhatsApp without the possibility of recovery, follow these steps:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the message is located.
  2. Tap and hold on the message, then select "Delete" > "Delete for everyone".

How to delete a message in WhatsApp without recovery - in detail?

Deleting a message in WhatsApp permanently, without the possibility of recovery, is a process that requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps necessary to ensure that your message is deleted without any chance of retrieval by either party involved in the conversation.

Firstly, it's important to understand that WhatsApp offers two primary methods for deleting messages: deleting for yourself and deleting for everyone. The "Delete for Everyone" feature allows you to remove a message from both your device and the recipient's device within seven minutes of sending it. However, this method does not guarantee permanent deletion, as there are ways to potentially recover deleted messages using third-party software or by exploiting backup files.

To permanently delete a message without any recovery options, you should follow these steps:

  1. Identify the Message: Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat where the message is located. Find the specific message that you want to delete permanently.
  2. Delete for Everyone (if within 7 minutes): If it has been less than seven minutes since you sent the message, you can use the "Delete for Everyone" feature. Long-press on the message until a menu appears at the top of the screen. Select the trash can icon labeled "Delete." Confirm your action by tapping "Delete for Everyone" in the pop-up window.

  3. Manual Deletion from Device: After using the "Delete for Everyone" feature, manually delete the message from your device's storage to ensure it cannot be recovered through backup or forensic methods. This step varies depending on your operating system:

    • iOS: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and tap on "Delete Chat." Confirm by tapping "Delete" again.
    • Android: Navigate to the file manager, locate the WhatsApp folder (usually in the internal storage), and delete any files related to the chat containing the message you want to permanently remove.

  4. Clear Backup Files: Ensure that your backup files do not contain the deleted message. This is crucial because even if a message is deleted from the device, it can still be present in cloud backups.

    • iCloud: Go to iCloud Settings on your iPhone and disable WhatsApp backup. Then, delete the backup by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Select WhatsApp and tap "Delete Backup."
    • Google Drive: Open Google Drive on your Android device, go to Backups, find the WhatsApp backup, and delete it.

  5. Disable Message Notifications: To further ensure that no trace of the message remains, disable notifications for WhatsApp. This prevents any alerts related to the deleted message from appearing in the future.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively delete a message in WhatsApp without the possibility of recovery, ensuring that both your device and the recipient's device are free from any trace of the deleted communication.