How to delete a read message from a WhatsApp group?

How to delete a read message from a WhatsApp group - briefly?

Deleting a read message from a WhatsApp group is a common request, but unfortunately, WhatsApp does not provide a direct feature to delete messages for everyone in a group after they have been marked as read. Once a message is read, it cannot be deleted for the entire group. However, you can delete the message for your own chat history by selecting the message and choosing "Delete for Me."

How to delete a read message from a WhatsApp group - in detail?

Deleting a read message from a WhatsApp group can be essential for various reasons, such as correcting an error or removing sensitive information. However, it's important to note that once a message is marked as "read," the recipient has already seen its content. Here are the detailed steps to delete a read message from a WhatsApp group:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone.
  2. Select the Group: Navigate to the group chat from which you want to delete the message.
  3. Locate the Message: Scroll through the conversation to find the specific read message that you wish to delete.
  4. Long Press: Tap and hold on the message until a menu appears at the top of your screen. This action is known as long-pressing.
  5. Delete Option: In the menu, select the "Delete" option. This will give you two choices: "Delete for Me" or "Delete for Everyone."
  6. Choose "Delete for Everyone": To ensure that the message is removed from everyone's chat, select "Delete for Everyone." Note that this option is only available for a limited time after sending the message. If the time window has passed, you will see only the "Delete for Me" option.
  7. Confirm Deletion: A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you are sure you want to delete the message. Confirm your choice by tapping on "Delete."
  8. Verify Removal: After the deletion process is complete, check the group chat to ensure that the message has been removed for all participants. If successful, you should see a note indicating that the message was deleted.

It's crucial to remember that while WhatsApp allows you to delete messages for everyone within a certain time frame, recipients may still have seen the content before deletion. Additionally, if a recipient has enabled notifications or has their phone set up to display message previews on the lock screen, they might see the message even after it's deleted.

WhatsApp continuously updates its features, so make sure your application is up-to-date to access the latest functionalities and improvements related to message deletion.