How to delete documents from WhatsApp - briefly?
To delete a document from WhatsApp, open the chat containing the document, long press on the document, and then tap the trash can icon that appears at the top of the screen.
How to delete documents from WhatsApp - in detail?
Deleting documents from WhatsApp can be a straightforward process, but it's essential to follow the correct steps to ensure that the files are permanently removed from your device and WhatsApp storage. Here’s a detailed guide on how to delete documents from WhatsApp:
Deleting Documents Directly in WhatsApp
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone or desktop.
- Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where the document is located. This could be an individual chat, group chat, or even a broadcast list.
- Locate the Document: Scroll through the messages until you find the document you wish to delete. Documents can include PDFs, Word files, Excel sheets, and more.
- Long Press on the Document: For Android users, hold down on the document until a menu appears with options like 'Delete', 'Forward', and 'More'. For iPhone users, swipe left on the document to reveal the same options.
- Select Delete: Tap on the 'Delete' option. A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you want to delete the file.
- Confirm Deletion: Confirm by tapping on 'Delete for Me' or 'Delete for Everyone'. The former removes the document only from your device, while the latter deletes it from everyone’s devices in the chat.
Clearing Storage from WhatsApp Settings
- Open WhatsApp Settings: On your smartphone, tap on the three dots (Android) or the gear icon (iPhone) at the top right corner of the screen to access the settings menu.
- Go to Storage and Data: Navigate through the options until you find 'Storage and Data'. This section provides an overview of how much space WhatsApp is using on your device.
- Manage Storage: Tap on 'Manage Storage' to see a list of all the chats and the amount of storage each one is consuming.
- Select a Chat: Choose the chat from which you want to delete documents.
- Review Media Types: WhatsApp will show different types of media, including documents.
- Delete Documents: Tap on 'Documents' and then select the specific files you wish to delete. Confirm your selection by tapping on the trash can icon or the 'Delete' button.
Deleting from File Manager (Android Only)
- Open File Manager: If you have downloaded documents to your device’s storage, you can also delete them using a file manager app.
- Navigate to WhatsApp Folder: Go to the 'WhatsApp' folder, usually located in the 'Internal Storage' or 'SD Card'.
- Find the Media Folder: Open the 'Media' folder and then the specific type of document you want to delete (e.g., 'WhatsApp Documents').
- Select and Delete Files: Choose the files you wish to remove and tap on the delete icon or select 'Delete' from the menu options.
Important Considerations
- Backup: Before deleting any important documents, consider backing them up to ensure you don’t lose critical information.
- Device Storage vs WhatsApp Storage: Deleting a document from your device’s file manager does not delete it from WhatsApp’s storage. Make sure to clear the space within WhatsApp itself for complete removal.
- Group Chats: When deleting documents in group chats, use 'Delete for Everyone' cautiously as it will notify all participants that a message was deleted.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively manage and delete documents from WhatsApp, ensuring your storage remains optimized and clutter-free.