How to delete all messages in WhatsApp for everyone in the chat - briefly?
To delete all messages in a WhatsApp chat for everyone, you must use the "Delete for Everyone" feature. This can only be done within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds of sending the message.
How to delete all messages in WhatsApp for everyone in the chat - in detail?
Deleting all messages in a WhatsApp chat for everyone involved can be a complex process, as it's not a feature directly supported by the app. However, there are methods to achieve this, though they require careful consideration and steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to effectively delete all messages from a WhatsApp chat:
Method 1: Delete for Everyone Feature
WhatsApp offers a "Delete for Everyone" feature that allows you to remove sent messages from both your device and the recipient's device within seven minutes of sending. Here’s how to use it:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Navigate to the chat where you want to delete messages.
- Tap and hold on a message until a menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Select all messages by tapping on them one by one or using the multi-select option if available.
- Once all desired messages are selected, tap on the delete icon (a trash can) that appears in the toolbar.
- Choose "Delete for Everyone."
Method 2: Clear Chat History
If you want to clear your chat history but not necessarily delete the messages from the other person’s device, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Go to the chat where you want to delete the messages.
- Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "More" and then choose "Clear Chat."
- Confirm by tapping "Clear."
Method 3: Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp
This method is more drastic and should be used as a last resort, especially if you want to remove all traces of the chat from your device. Note that this will not delete messages for others in the chat.
- Backup Your Chats by going to WhatsApp settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your phone.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the app store.
- During the setup process, restore your chats from the backup if needed.
Method 4: Use a Third-Party App
There are third-party apps available that claim to delete messages for everyone, but use these with caution as they may violate WhatsApp’s terms of service and could potentially compromise your account security. Always ensure you download such apps from trusted sources.
Important Considerations
- Time Limit: The "Delete for Everyone" feature only works within seven minutes of sending the message.
- Backup: Regularly back up your chats to avoid losing important data.
- Privacy: Deleting messages does not guarantee that the recipients did not see or screenshot them before deletion.
- Legal Implications: Be aware of any legal implications, as deleting messages could be seen as tampering with evidence in certain contexts.
By following these steps and considering the limitations, you can effectively manage your WhatsApp chat history and ensure that unwanted messages are removed from your device and potentially from others' devices as well.