How to delete a previous message on WhatsApp - briefly?
To delete a previous message on WhatsApp, open the chat where the message is located and tap and hold on the message you wish to delete. Then, select "Delete for Me" or "Delete for Everyone."
How to delete a previous message on WhatsApp - in detail?
Deleting a previously sent message on WhatsApp can be crucial for maintaining the integrity and privacy of your conversations. While WhatsApp does not have a direct "unsend" feature like some other messaging platforms, there are several methods you can use to achieve this goal.
Method 1: Delete for Everyone
WhatsApp offers a feature called "Delete for Everyone," which allows you to delete messages for all participants in a chat. However, this option is only available for a limited time after sending the message. Here’s how to use it:
- Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat where the message was sent.
- Long press on the message you want to delete until the options menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Tap on the trash can icon. A pop-up will appear asking if you want to delete the message for everyone or just for yourself.
- Select "Delete for Everyone". This option is only available within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds of sending the message. After this period, you can only delete the message for yourself.
Method 2: Delete for Me
If the "Delete for Everyone" option has expired or if you prefer to delete the message only from your device, you can use the "Delete for Me" feature. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the message is located.
- Long press on the message until the options menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Tap on the trash can icon. Since more than 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds have passed since sending the message, only the "Delete for Me" option will be available.
- Select "Delete for Me". The message will be deleted from your device but will remain visible to other participants in the chat.
Method 3: Use WhatsApp Web
If you prefer using a computer, you can also delete messages via WhatsApp Web:
- Open WhatsApp Web on your computer and scan the QR code with your phone to log in.
- Navigate to the chat containing the message you want to delete.
- Hover over the message until the options menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Click on the trash can icon. If the "Delete for Everyone" option is available, select it. Otherwise, choose "Delete for Me".
Important Considerations
- Time Limit: The "Delete for Everyone" feature has a strict time limit of 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds after sending the message. After this period, you can only delete messages from your device.
- Notification: Recipients may still see a notification stating that a message was deleted if they have notifications enabled for WhatsApp.
- Quoted Messages: If the message is quoted in another message, deleting it will not remove the quote. You need to delete or edit the quoting message as well.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your messages on WhatsApp and maintain the privacy and integrity of your conversations.