How to delete messages in a WhatsApp chat from a conversation partner - briefly?
To delete messages sent by your conversation partner in a WhatsApp chat, you need to have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your device. Simply select the message and tap the "Delete" option that appears at the top of the screen.
How to delete messages in a WhatsApp chat from a conversation partner - in detail?
Deleting messages in a WhatsApp chat can be a useful feature for both individual users and group conversations. However, it's important to note that while you can delete messages you've sent, you cannot directly delete messages received from your conversation partner. Here’s a detailed guide on how to handle message deletion in WhatsApp:
Deleting Messages You've Sent
- Open the Chat: Launch WhatsApp and open the chat where you want to delete a message.
- Select the Message: Long-press on the message you wish to delete until it gets highlighted.
- Delete Option: Once the message is selected, tap on the trash can icon that appears at the top of the screen.
- Confirm Deletion: You will be prompted to confirm the deletion. Tap "Delete for Me" if you want to remove the message from your device only. If the message was sent within the last few minutes, you might see an option to "Delete for Everyone". This will remove the message from both your and your recipient's devices.
Important Notes on Message Deletion
- Time Limit: The "Delete for Everyone" feature has a time limit of 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds after sending the message. If more than this time has passed, you will only be able to delete the message from your device using the "Delete for Me" option.
- Recipient Notification: When you use the "Delete for Everyone" feature, both you and the recipient will see a notification in place of the deleted message saying "This message was deleted".
What You Cannot Do
- Cannot Delete Received Messages Directly: WhatsApp does not allow users to delete messages they have received from others. If you need to remove a received message, you would have to manually delete the entire chat or archive it.
- No Undo Feature: Once you delete a message using "Delete for Everyone", there is no way to retrieve it. Ensure that you truly want to delete the message before confirming.
Alternative Methods
If you need to remove all traces of a conversation, consider these alternatives:
- Archiving Chats: You can archive chats to hide them from your main chat list without deleting them permanently. This is useful for keeping important conversations out of sight but not out of reach.
- Deleting the Entire Chat: To delete an entire conversation, open the chat, tap on the three dots in the top-right corner, and select "More" > "Delete Chat". Confirm your action to permanently remove the chat from your device.
By following these steps, you can manage your WhatsApp messages effectively, ensuring that sensitive or unwanted information is handled appropriately.