How to delete data in WhatsApp?

How to delete data in WhatsApp - briefly?

To delete data in WhatsApp, you can either manually select and delete specific messages or media, or use the "Clear Chat" option for a more comprehensive clean-up of conversation history. For a complete reset, consider deleting the entire app and reinstalling it.

How to delete data in WhatsApp - in detail?

Deleting data in WhatsApp can be a necessary task for various reasons, such as freeing up storage space or removing sensitive information. This process can be carried out through several methods, each catering to different user needs and preferences. Below is a detailed guide on how to delete data in WhatsApp:

Deleting Individual Messages

To delete individual messages within a chat:

1. Open the chat containing the message you want to delete.
2. Long-press on the message until it becomes highlighted.
3. Tap on the trash can icon that appears at the top of the screen.
4. Confirm the deletion by tapping "Delete" or "Delete for Everyone" if you wish to remove the message from both your and the recipient's devices.

Deleting Entire Chats

To delete an entire chat along with all its contents:

1. Open WhatsApp and navigate to the "Chats" tab.
2. Swipe left on the chat you want to delete, or press and hold the chat until a checkmark appears next to it.
3. Tap on the trash can icon at the top of the screen.
4. Confirm the deletion by tapping "Delete Chat."

Clearing Media from Specific Chats

To remove media files (such as photos, videos, or voice messages) from a specific chat:

1. Open the chat containing the media you want to delete.
2. Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Select "Media Visibility" and then choose "None." This action will hide all media from that particular chat.
4. To view hidden media, tap on the "Show Media" button at the bottom of the chat.

Deleting Data from Storage

To free up storage space by deleting data:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the "Settings" tab.
2. Navigate to "Storage and Data."
3. Here you will see options for managing storage, including "Manage Storage," "Clear Chat," and "Clear Conversations."
4. Tap on "Manage Storage" to view a list of chats sorted by the amount of space they occupy.
5. Select individual chats or groups to delete specific data.
6. Alternatively, tap on "Clear All Chats" to remove all chat history from your device.

Deleting Media and Files from Device Storage

To delete media and files stored on your device:

1. Open the File Manager app on your device.
2. Navigate to the WhatsApp folder, typically found in "Internal Storage > WhatsApp."
3. Locate and select the folders containing the data you wish to delete (e.g., Images, Videos, Documents).
4. Tap on the trash can icon or use the option to delete selected files.
5. Confirm the deletion by tapping "OK" or "Delete."

Backup and Restore

Before deleting any data, it is advisable to create a backup of your WhatsApp chats:

1. Go to "Settings" in WhatsApp.
2. Navigate to "Chats" and then select "Chat Backup."
3. Tap on the "Back Up" button to create a backup of your chats, including multimedia messages.
4. To restore a backup, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then follow the prompts to restore from an existing backup.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and delete data in WhatsApp, ensuring that your device remains organized and free of unnecessary clutter.