How to delete an SMS message I sent in WhatsApp - briefly?
To delete a sent SMS message on WhatsApp, open the chat containing the message, tap and hold the message until it is selected, then press the 'Delete' icon at the top of the screen. This action will remove the message from your device and the recipient's device if they have not yet read it.
How to delete an SMS message I sent in WhatsApp - in detail?
Deleting a sent SMS message in WhatsApp can be crucial for maintaining privacy and correcting mistakes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this:
- Open WhatsApp: Start by launching the WhatsApp application on your smartphone. Ensure that you are logged into the account where the message was sent from.
- Navigate to Chats: Once inside WhatsApp, go to the 'Chats' tab at the bottom of the screen. This is where all your conversations are listed.
- Select the Conversation: Find and tap on the chat or group conversation where you sent the message you want to delete.
- Long Press on the Message: Locate the specific message you wish to delete. Long press (hold down) on the message until a menu appears at the top of your screen.
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Delete for Me/Delete for Everyone: The menu will provide two options: 'Delete for Me' and 'Delete for Everyone'.
- Delete for Me: This option deletes the message only from your device. The recipient(s) will still see the message in their chat window.
- Delete for Everyone: This option deletes the message from both your device and the recipient’s device. Note that this feature is available only within a short timeframe after sending the message (typically 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds). After this period, you can only delete the message for yourself.
- Confirm Deletion: Once you select either 'Delete for Me' or 'Delete for Everyone', WhatsApp will ask for confirmation. Tap 'Delete' to finalize the action.
- Verify Deletion: To ensure that the message has been successfully deleted, check both your chat window and, if applicable, the recipient’s chat window (you may need their assistance).
Important Notes:
- The 'Delete for Everyone' feature is subject to WhatsApp's limitations. If you attempt to delete a message after the allowed timeframe, only the 'Delete for Me' option will be available.
- Deleting a message does not prevent the recipient from seeing it if they have already read or viewed it.
- Be mindful that while messages can be deleted, WhatsApp maintains a record of such actions on their servers, which could potentially be accessed under legal circumstances.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and delete SMS messages sent via WhatsApp, ensuring your communication remains accurate and private.