How to delete an old message in WhatsApp for everyone on Android - briefly?
To delete an old message in WhatsApp for everyone on Android, open the chat containing the message you want to delete, select the message, tap "Delete" and then choose "Delete for everyone".
How to delete an old message in WhatsApp for everyone on Android - in detail?
Deleting an old message in WhatsApp for everyone on an Android device can be a bit tricky, as the standard feature only allows deletion of messages within a limited time frame. However, there are some methods you can employ to achieve this. Here’s a detailed guide:
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Using the Standard Delete Feature:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the message is located.
- Press and hold the message you want to delete until the options menu appears at the top of your screen.
- Tap on the 'Delete' icon (the trash can).
- From the pop-up menu, select 'Delete for everyone'. Note that this option will only be available if the recipient has not yet seen or read the message and it is within the 1-hour, 8-minute, and 16-second time frame.
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Using a Third-Party App:
If you miss the time window for the standard delete feature, you can use third-party apps like WhatsRemoved+ to manage message deletion more effectively. Here’s how:
- Download and install WhatsRemoved+ from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and follow the setup instructions. You may need to grant certain permissions for it to work properly.
- Once set up, go back to your WhatsApp chat, press and hold the message you want to delete, and select 'Delete'.
- Even if the message is outside the standard deletion time frame, WhatsRemoved+ can help ensure that the message is deleted from both your device and the recipient’s device.
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Manually Deleting Messages:
While this method doesn't delete messages for everyone, it allows you to remove them from your own chat history.
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the message is located.
- Press and hold the message until the options menu appears at the top of your screen.
- Tap on the 'Delete' icon (the trash can).
- From the pop-up menu, select 'Delete for me'. This will remove the message from your device but not from the recipient’s device.
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Factory Reset (Not Recommended):
As a last resort, you could perform a factory reset on your phone. However, this is an extreme measure and will erase all data on your device, including messages, contacts, and other personal information. It's not recommended unless you have backed up all important data.
In conclusion, while WhatsApp provides a standard feature for deleting messages within a specific time frame, using third-party apps like WhatsRemoved+ can offer more flexibility. Always remember to backup your important chats and use these methods responsibly.