How to delete links from WhatsApp?

How to delete links from WhatsApp - briefly?

To delete links from WhatsApp, you can select the message containing the link and choose the "Delete for Me" option. This will remove the link from your device but not from the devices of other participants in the chat.

How to delete links from WhatsApp - in detail?

Deleting links from WhatsApp can be necessary for various reasons, such as removing unwanted or inappropriate content, managing data usage, or simply maintaining a clean chat history. Here is a detailed guide on how to delete links from WhatsApp:

  1. Identifying the Link:

    Firstly, you need to identify the link that you wish to delete. Open the WhatsApp chat where the link is located and scroll through the messages until you find the specific link.

  2. Deleting for Yourself:

    If you want to delete the link from your own device, follow these steps:

    • Tap and hold on the message containing the link. This will select it.
    • At the top of the screen, several options will appear. Tap on the 'Delete' icon (usually represented by a trash can).
    • You will be prompted with two choices: 'Delete for Me' or 'Delete for Everyone.' Select 'Delete for Me.' This action will remove the message from your device but not from the devices of other chat participants.
  3. Deleting for Everyone:

    If you want to delete the link for all participants in a group chat or from both sides in a one-on-one chat, follow these steps:

    • Tap and hold on the message containing the link until it is selected.
    • At the top of the screen, tap on the 'Delete' icon.
    • Select 'Delete for Everyone.' This action will remove the message from your device and the devices of all other participants in the chat. Please note that this feature has a time limit; you can only delete messages for everyone within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds after sending. After this period, only the 'Delete for Me' option will be available.
  4. Clearing Links from Media Storage:

    Sometimes, links can lead to media files that are saved in your device’s storage. To clear these:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to 'Settings.'
    • Navigate to 'Storage and Data' and then select 'Manage Storage.'
    • Here you will see a list of chats along with the amount of storage they occupy. You can tap on a specific chat to see more details about the types of files stored (photos, videos, GIFs, etc.).
    • To delete links related to media files, you may need to clear the entire chat's data. Tap on the chat and then select 'Clear Chat.' This will remove all messages and media from that particular conversation.
  5. Preventing Future Links:

    If you frequently receive unwanted links, consider adjusting your privacy settings:

    • Go to 'Settings' in WhatsApp.
    • Select 'Account' and then tap on 'Privacy.'
    • Here you can control who can add you to groups or who can see your status updates, which might help reduce the influx of unwanted links.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and delete links from WhatsApp, ensuring a cleaner and more organized chat experience.