How to delete a WhatsApp message for both users after reading if several days have passed?

How to delete a WhatsApp message for both users after reading if several days have passed - briefly?

Unfortunately, once a WhatsApp message has been read by the recipient, it cannot be deleted for both parties regardless of how much time has passed. The "Delete for Everyone" feature only works if the message is unread and within seven minutes of sending.

How to delete a WhatsApp message for both users after reading if several days have passed - in detail?

Deleting a WhatsApp message for both the sender and receiver can be a challenging task, especially if several days have passed since the message was sent and read. However, there are methods that can help achieve this goal.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that WhatsApp does not provide a built-in feature to delete messages from both parties after they have been read. The "Delete for Everyone" feature only works within seven minutes of sending the message and before the recipient has seen it. If more than seven minutes have passed or if the message has already been read, this option will be unavailable.

Despite these limitations, there are a few workarounds that can be attempted:

  1. Use "Delete for Everyone" Immediately After Sending: Although this method is time-sensitive and may not apply to messages sent days ago, it's essential to remember for future use. To attempt this, long-press on the message you want to delete and select the "Delete" option. Then choose "Delete for Everyone."
  2. Ask the Recipient to Delete the Message: If the message is sensitive or inappropriate, you can politely ask the recipient to delete it from their end. While this won't remove the message from your device, it ensures that the other person no longer has access to it.
  3. Use Third-Party Apps with Caution: There are third-party applications and tools available online that claim to delete messages for both parties even after they have been read. However, these apps often require rooting or jailbreaking your device, which can compromise security and violate WhatsApp's terms of service. Always proceed with caution when using such tools.
  4. Contact WhatsApp Support: In some cases, reaching out to WhatsApp support may provide a solution. While they cannot guarantee the deletion of old messages from both parties, they might offer advice tailored to your specific situation.
  5. Create a Backup and Reinstall WhatsApp: As a last resort, you can create a backup of your chats, uninstall WhatsApp, and then reinstall it. This process will remove the message history from your device but will not delete messages on the recipient's end. Be aware that this method is drastic and should only be used if absolutely necessary.

In conclusion, while there are no foolproof methods to delete a WhatsApp message for both users after several days have passed, understanding these workarounds can help mitigate potential issues. Always prioritize immediate deletion using the "Delete for Everyone" feature when possible and communicate openly with recipients about sensitive information.