How to delete a WhatsApp message for everyone after it has been read - briefly?
To delete a WhatsApp message for everyone after it has been read, use the "Delete for Everyone" feature within 1 hour and 8 minutes of sending the message. This option is available in both individual chats and group conversations.
How to delete a WhatsApp message for everyone after it has been read - in detail?
Deleting a WhatsApp message for everyone after it has been read is a feature that can help rectify mistakes or retract sensitive information. However, it's important to note that this functionality only works within a specific timeframe and under certain conditions. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:
Firstly, ensure that your WhatsApp application is up-to-date. The 'Delete for Everyone' feature requires the latest version of the app. If you haven't updated recently, visit your device's app store and install any available updates for WhatsApp.
Once your app is updated, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Navigate to Chats: Go to the 'Chats' tab where all your conversations are listed.
- Select the Chat: Find and tap on the chat or conversation from which you want to delete the message.
- Locate the Message: Scroll through the messages to find the one you wish to delete. Note that this feature only works for messages sent within 7 minutes of deletion.
- Delete the Message: Long-press on the message until a menu appears at the top of your screen. Select the 'Delete' option from this menu.
- Confirm Deletion: A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you want to delete the message for everyone or just for yourself. Choose 'Delete for Everyone'.
It’s crucial to remember that while WhatsApp allows you to delete messages for everyone, there is no guarantee that the recipient hasn't already seen the content. The 'Delete for Everyone' function replaces the original message with a notification stating, "This message was deleted." Recipients can still see this notification and may infer what the original message said based on context or other clues.
Additionally, if the recipient has disabled read receipts in their WhatsApp settings, you won't be able to see if they have read your message before deleting it. This makes it even more important to act quickly if you need to delete a message for everyone.
In summary, while the 'Delete for Everyone' feature can be very useful, its effectiveness is limited by time and other factors. Always ensure your WhatsApp app is updated, and act swiftly if you need to retract a message.