How to delete already read messages for everyone in WhatsApp - briefly?
To delete a message for everyone after it has been read on WhatsApp, you need to use the "Delete for Everyone" feature within 1 hour and 8 minutes of sending the message. This will remove the message from both your chat and the recipient's chat.
How to delete already read messages for everyone in WhatsApp - in detail?
Deleting already read messages for everyone on WhatsApp is a feature that many users find highly useful, especially when they need to remove sensitive or embarrassing information from group chats or individual conversations. This functionality allows users to maintain control over their digital footprint and ensures that the message is removed not only from their device but also from the devices of recipients who have already seen it. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve this:
First, it's essential to understand that WhatsApp provides a limited time frame for deleting messages for everyone. Specifically, users have 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds from the moment the message is sent to delete it for all participants in the conversation. If this window has passed, there is no way to force-delete a read message from other people's devices.
To proceed with deleting an already read message:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone or tablet.
- Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the message you want to delete. This could be a group chat or an individual conversation.
- Select the Message: Long-press on the message you wish to delete until it is highlighted. If you need to select multiple messages, continue holding and tapping on other messages.
- Access the Delete Option: Once the message(s) is selected, tap on the trash can icon located at the top of your screen (next to the search bar). Alternatively, you may also see a "Delete" option appear in the menu that pops up after selecting the message.
- Choose 'Delete for Everyone': A confirmation dialog will appear with two options: "Delete for Me" and "Delete for Everyone". Tap on "Delete for Everyone".
- Confirm Deletion: WhatsApp will prompt you to confirm your action. Tap "OK" or the equivalent confirmation button.
After following these steps, the message will be removed from both your device and the devices of all recipients who have already read it (assuming the time limit has not been exceeded). It's crucial to note that even after deletion, some recipients might still see a notification saying "This message was deleted". This is an unavoidable aspect of WhatsApp's design, ensuring transparency in communication.
In summary, while WhatsApp offers a convenient way to delete messages for everyone, the feature is subject to a strict time constraint. Users should be aware of this limitation and act promptly if they need to remove a message from all participants' devices.