How to delete data from WhatsApp?

How to delete data from WhatsApp - briefly?

To delete data from WhatsApp, you can either clear the chat history or permanently delete your account. Clearing chat history will remove messages and media from a specific chat, while deleting your account will erase all data associated with it.

How to delete data from WhatsApp - in detail?

Deleting data from WhatsApp can be a necessary task for various reasons, such as freeing up storage space or maintaining privacy. Here is a detailed guide on how to delete different types of data from WhatsApp:

Deleting Individual Messages:

1. Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat containing the message you want to delete.
2. Long-press the message until it gets highlighted.
3. Tap on the trash can icon that appears at the top of the screen. This will open a menu where you can select:
   • Delete for me: Removes the message from your device only.
   • Delete for everyone: Deletes the message from both your and the recipient's devices, provided the message was sent within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds.

Deleting Entire Chats:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the Chats tab.
2. Swipe left on the chat you want to delete. This will reveal options like Archive, Mute, and Delete.
3. Tap on Delete. You can choose whether to delete the chat from your device only or also remove it from your backup (if you have enabled backups).

Clearing Storage:

WhatsApp provides a built-in feature to manage storage by deleting large files:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
2. Navigate to Storage and Data. Here you can see how much space is being used by media (photos, videos, GIFs) and other data.
3. Tap on Manage Storage. You will see a list of chats sorted by the amount of storage they use.
4. Select the chat(s) from which you want to delete large files.
5. Choose the type of file you want to delete (photos, videos, GIFs, etc.). This action will remove these files from your device but not from WhatsApp's servers, meaning they can still be downloaded later if needed.

Deleting Backups:

If you have enabled backups in Google Drive or iCloud, you might want to delete old backups to free up space:

1. Open Settings on your device.
2. Navigate to Accounts and Backup.
3. Tap on Google Account (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS).
4. Go to Manage Storage under the WhatsApp section.
5. Select the backup you want to delete and confirm the action.

Deleting Data from the Web Version:

1. Open WhatsApp Web in your browser.
2. Navigate to the chat or message you want to delete.
3. Right-click on the message and select Delete. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Delete for a quicker action.

Important Considerations:

• Deleting messages or chats from your device does not delete them from WhatsApp's servers. They remain there until the recipient downloads them again.
• Backups are crucial if you want to ensure that deleted data can be restored later. Regularly back up your WhatsApp data to avoid permanent loss.
• Be cautious when deleting data, especially in group chats or important conversations, as this action cannot be undone.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively manage and delete data from WhatsApp, ensuring that your device stays clutter-free and your privacy is maintained.