How to delete a message sent to someone else in WhatsApp - briefly?
To delete a message sent to the wrong chat on WhatsApp:
- Open the chat where you sent the incorrect message.
- Tap and hold the message until the options menu appears, then select "Delete for Everyone."
How to delete a message sent to someone else in WhatsApp - in detail?
Deleting a message sent to the wrong person on WhatsApp can be a critical task, especially if the content is sensitive or could cause misunderstandings. Fortunately, WhatsApp offers several methods to address this situation effectively. Here’s a detailed guide on how to delete a message sent to someone else in WhatsApp:
Deleting for Everyone (Message Recall)
WhatsApp provides a feature called "Delete for Everyone," which allows you to remove messages from both your and the recipient's chat history. This option is available within a short timeframe after sending the message.
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the wrong message.
- Select the Message: Tap and hold the message you wish to delete until a menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Delete for Everyone: In the menu, tap "Delete" and then select "Delete for Everyone." This will remove the message from both your chat and the recipient's chat.
Note: The "Delete for Everyone" option is only available within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds of sending the message. After this timeframe, you can still delete the message, but it will only be removed from your chat history, not the recipient’s.
Deleting for Yourself Only
If the "Delete for Everyone" option is no longer available, you can still delete the message from your chat history to prevent the recipient from seeing it in their chat window. However, this action will only remove the message from your device and not from the recipient's device.
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the wrong message.
- Select the Message: Tap and hold the message you wish to delete until a menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Delete for Me: In the menu, tap "Delete" and then select "Delete for Me." This will remove the message from your chat history but not the recipient's.
Additional Tips
- Backup Your Chats: Before deleting any messages, ensure you have backed up your chats to avoid losing important conversations.
- Check Recipient’s Settings: Some users may have enabled read receipts or typing indicators, which can inform them that a message was deleted. Be aware of these settings when deciding whether to delete a message.
- Use the Right Method: Choose the appropriate method based on your goal—whether you want to remove the message entirely for both parties or just from your chat history.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and delete messages sent to the wrong person in WhatsApp, maintaining privacy and avoiding potential misunderstandings.