How to delete a WhatsApp message for both users after a long time on an Android phone?

How to delete a WhatsApp message for both users after a long time on an Android phone - briefly?

To delete a WhatsApp message for both users after a considerable amount of time has passed on an Android phone, unfortunately, the feature is not supported natively by WhatsApp. However, you can use third-party apps or services that offer this functionality, but always ensure they comply with privacy and security standards to protect your data.

How to delete a WhatsApp message for both users after a long time on an Android phone - in detail?

Deleting a WhatsApp message that has already been sent can be a challenging task, especially if the message was sent some time ago. However, there are ways to achieve this on an Android phone. Here is a detailed guide on how to delete a WhatsApp message for both users after a long time:

  1. Understanding Message Deletion:

    WhatsApp allows users to delete messages for everyone within 7 minutes of sending them. After this window, the message can only be deleted from your own device and not from the recipient's device. Unfortunately, there is no official feature that allows you to delete a message sent long ago for both parties.

  2. Backup Your Chats:

    Before proceeding with any deletion, it’s crucial to back up your chats to avoid losing important data. You can do this by going to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and following the prompts.

  3. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp:

    One method that has shown some success is uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp. Here’s how you can do it:

    • Uninstall WhatsApp from your Android phone.
    • Go to the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and reinstall it.
    • Open WhatsApp and restore your chat history when prompted.

  4. Delete Messages Individually:

    After reinstalling, you can try deleting the message again:

    • Open the chat where the message was sent.
    • Long-press on the message you want to delete.
    • Tap the trash can icon at the top of the screen.
    • Select "Delete for everyone" if available. If not, select "Delete for me."

  5. Use Third-Party Apps:

    There are third-party apps that claim to help in deleting old messages for both users, but their effectiveness is not guaranteed and they may pose security risks. Use such apps with caution.

  6. Contact WhatsApp Support:

    If the message is particularly sensitive or important, consider reaching out to WhatsApp support. They might be able to provide more specific advice or assistance based on your situation.

  7. Educate Yourself on Future Deletions:

    To avoid needing to delete old messages in the future, remember that you can only delete messages for everyone within 7 minutes of sending them. It’s a good practice to review your messages before hitting send to ensure they are correct and appropriate.