How to delete a message on WhatsApp that says This message has been deleted - briefly?
To remove a message on WhatsApp that displays "This message has been deleted," you can follow these steps:
- Open the chat where the deleted message was sent.
- Long press on the message and select "Delete" from the options menu. This will permanently remove the message for all participants in the chat.
How to delete a message on WhatsApp that says This message has been deleted - in detail?
Deleting a message on WhatsApp that indicates it has already been deleted can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is achievable. This process involves several steps and some technical knowledge. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the procedure:
- Backup Your Data: Before attempting any deletions or modifications, it's crucial to back up your WhatsApp data. This ensures that you won't lose important conversations in case anything goes wrong during the process.
- Understand the Limitations: WhatsApp provides a feature where users can delete messages for everyone within seven minutes of sending them. After this period, only the recipient can see the "This message has been deleted" notification. If you're trying to delete such a message, it implies that the initial deletion window has passed.
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Access WhatsApp Databases: To proceed with deleting a message that says "This message has been deleted," you need to access the WhatsApp databases on your device. These databases are stored in different locations depending on whether you're using an Android or iOS device.
- Android: The database is located at
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. - iOS: Accessing these files requires jailbreaking your device, which voids the warranty and poses security risks.
- Android: The database is located at
- Use a File Manager: On an Android device, you can use a file manager to navigate to the WhatsApp databases directory. For iOS devices, if jailbroken, use a similar tool to access the necessary files.
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Modify the Database Files: Once you've located the database files (usually named
msgstore.db), you need to edit them. This step requires specialized software or scripts capable of modifying SQLite databases.- Download and install an SQLite viewer like DB Browser for SQLite.
- Open the
msgstore.dbfile with the viewer. - Locate the table containing message information, typically named
message. - Find the entry corresponding to the "This message has been deleted" notification and delete that row.
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Restore WhatsApp: After modifying the database, restore your WhatsApp data from the backup you created earlier. This process will overwrite any changes made during the manual editing of databases.
- Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp on your device.
- During the setup process, choose to restore from a backup.
- Verify Deletion: Once WhatsApp is fully restored, open the conversation where the message was supposedly deleted. Check if the "This message has been deleted" notification still appears. If done correctly, it should be gone.
Important Note: This method involves manipulating system files and databases, which can lead to data loss or corruption if not handled carefully. Always ensure you have a recent backup before proceeding with any modifications. Additionally, altering WhatsApp's internal workings may violate the platform’s terms of service, potentially leading to account suspension.
By following these steps meticulously, you should be able to delete a message on WhatsApp that says "This message has been deleted," effectively removing any trace of its existence from your conversation history.