How to delete a sent SMS in WhatsApp for everyone?

How to delete a sent SMS in WhatsApp for everyone - briefly?

To delete a sent SMS in WhatsApp for everyone, you can use the "Delete for Everyone" feature within one hour of sending the message. Simply tap and hold the message, select "Delete," and then choose "Delete for Everyone."

How to delete a sent SMS in WhatsApp for everyone - in detail?

Deleting a sent SMS (Short Message Service) message on WhatsApp is a feature that allows users to remove messages from both their own and the recipient's devices. This capability can be particularly useful if you sent a message in error or wish to retract information that you no longer want to share. Here’s a detailed guide on how to delete a sent SMS in WhatsApp for everyone:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone. Ensure that you have an active internet connection, as this feature requires online access.
  2. Navigate to Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the message you want to delete. Tap on the chat to open it.
  3. Select the Message: Long-press on the message you wish to delete until a menu appears at the top of your screen. This menu will typically include options such as Reply, Forward, Copy, and Delete.
  4. Delete for Everyone: In the menu, tap on the 'Delete' option. A confirmation dialog box will appear with two choices: 'Delete for Me' and 'Delete for Everyone'. Select 'Delete for Everyone'.
  5. Confirmation: After selecting 'Delete for Everyone', WhatsApp will initiate the deletion process. You will see a message indicating that the deletion was successful if it worked. If the recipient has not yet seen the message or if too much time has passed since sending, you may not be able to delete it for everyone.
  6. Check the Recipient's Device: To verify that the message has been deleted from the recipient’s device as well, ask them to check their chat. They should no longer see the message that you have deleted.

Important Considerations:

  • Time Limit: The 'Delete for Everyone' feature is only available within a specific time frame after sending the message. For iPhone users, this window is about 1 hour and 8 minutes; for Android users, it’s approximately 13 hours and 8 minutes. If the message was sent more than this allotted time ago, you will not be able to delete it for everyone.
  • Recipient's Settings: The recipient must have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on their device. If they do not, they may still see the deleted message until they update the app.
  • Quoted Messages: If the message you want to delete is quoted within another message, you will need to delete the entire quote or thread. Individual deletion within a quoted message is not supported.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your communication on WhatsApp and ensure that sensitive or erroneous messages are removed from both your and the recipient’s devices.