How to delete a message that says "This message was deleted"?

How to delete a message that says "This message was deleted" - briefly?

Deleting a message that displays "This message was deleted" typically means the message has already been removed from your view. If you wish to delete the notification itself, simply swipe left on the message and tap the 'Delete' option.

How to delete a message that says "This message was deleted" - in detail?

Deleting a message in various messaging platforms can sometimes result in a placeholder indicating that the message has been deleted, often displaying as "This message was deleted." This situation can be frustrating if you wish to completely remove all traces of the original communication. Here’s how you can handle this scenario:

Understanding the Deletion Process

When you delete a message on most platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal, the message is removed from your device and the server, but it may not be entirely erased from the recipient's device. Instead, a placeholder "This message was deleted" appears to maintain the continuity of the conversation thread.

Deleting Messages on Different Platforms

WhatsApp

  1. Delete for Everyone:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to the chat containing the message you want to delete.
    • Tap and hold the message until it’s selected.
    • Tap the trash can icon at the top of the screen.
    • Confirm by tapping "DELETE FOR EVERYONE."

  2. Delete for Me:

    • Follow the same steps but tap "DELETE FOR ME" instead. Note that this will only delete the message from your device, not the recipient’s.

Telegram

  1. Self-Destruct Timer:

    • Open the chat and select the message you want to delete.
    • Set a self-destruct timer (e.g., 1 minute) for the entire chat.
    • After the timer expires, the messages will be deleted from both devices.

  2. Delete Message:

    • Open the chat and select the message you want to delete.
    • Tap on the three-dot menu (⋮).
    • Select "Delete" and then choose whether to delete for everyone or just yourself.

Signal

  1. Regular Deletion:
    • Open the chat containing the message.
    • Long press on the message until it’s selected.
    • Tap the trash can icon at the top of the screen.
    • Confirm the deletion by tapping "DELETE."

Additional Steps for Complete Removal

If the placeholder still appears after following the above steps, consider these additional actions:

  1. Clear Cache:

    • On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal > Storage & cache > Clear cache.
    • On iOS: There is no direct way to clear cache, but you can uninstall and reinstall the app.

  2. Update App:

    • Ensure your messaging app is up-to-date as newer versions often include bug fixes and improvements related to message deletion.

  3. Contact Support:

    • If the issue persists, contacting the support team of the respective platform can provide further assistance tailored to your specific situation.

Conclusion

Deleting a message that displays "This message was deleted" requires understanding the nuances of how different messaging platforms handle message deletion. By following the detailed steps outlined above for each platform, you can effectively manage and remove unwanted messages, ensuring that they are no longer visible to both parties involved in the conversation.