How to delete a sent message in WhatsApp for everyone if it has been read - briefly?
Unfortunately, once a message is read by the recipient on WhatsApp, it cannot be deleted for everyone. The "Delete for Everyone" feature only works within the first seven minutes after sending the message and before it has been seen or opened.
How to delete a sent message in WhatsApp for everyone if it has been read - in detail?
Deleting a sent message on WhatsApp for everyone, even after it has been read, is a feature that many users find incredibly useful. This functionality allows you to rectify mistakes or remove messages that are no longer relevant, providing an extra layer of control over your communications.
To delete a sent message in WhatsApp for everyone, follow these detailed steps:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device. This could be a smartphone or a tablet.
- Locate the Message: Navigate to the chat where you sent the message you want to delete. Scroll through the conversation to find the specific message.
- Select the Message: Long press on the message until it is highlighted in blue. This indicates that the message has been selected for further action.
- Access the Options Menu: Once the message is selected, look for options at the top of your screen (usually represented by icons). Depending on your device and WhatsApp version, these could be three dots (⋮), a trash can icon, or other symbols. Tap on the menu to reveal more options.
- Delete for Everyone: In the menu that appears, you should see an option labeled "Delete for Everyone" or something similar. Tap on this option to initiate the deletion process.
- 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."
- Wait for Confirmation: After confirming the deletion, you will need to wait for WhatsApp to process the request. This can take a few moments depending on your internet connection and server load. Once the process is complete, you should see a message stating that the message was deleted for everyone.
Important Considerations:
- Time Limit: The "Delete for Everyone" feature has a time limit of one hour, eight minutes, and sixteen seconds after sending the message. After this period, messages cannot be deleted for all recipients.
- Read Receipts: If the recipient has already read the message before you attempt to delete it, they will still see a notification stating that the message was deleted. However, the content of the message will no longer be visible.
- Group Chats: Deleting messages in group chats follows the same process but may have different implications depending on the group settings and member permissions.
By following these steps, you can effectively delete sent WhatsApp messages for everyone, even if they have already been read, ensuring that your conversations remain tidy and private.