How to delete messages in WhatsApp for both parties?

How to delete messages in WhatsApp for both parties - briefly?

To delete messages in WhatsApp for both parties, you can use the "Delete for everyone" feature. This option is available within one hour of sending the message and will remove it from both your and the recipient's chat history.

How to delete messages in WhatsApp for both parties - in detail?

Deleting messages in WhatsApp for both parties involves a few key steps and is designed to ensure that both the sender and the recipient no longer have access to the message. Here’s how you can achieve this:

First, it's important to note that WhatsApp offers two types of delete options: "Delete for Me" and "Delete for Everyone". The latter is what you need if you want to ensure the message is removed from both parties' chats.

Steps to Delete Messages for Both Parties:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
  2. Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you want to delete the message. This could be an individual or group chat.
  3. Select the Message: Tap and hold the message you wish to delete until it is highlighted. You will see options appear at the top of your screen.
  4. Delete for Everyone Option: Among the options, tap on "Delete" (the trash can icon). A pop-up menu will appear with two choices: "Delete for Me" and "Delete for Everyone". Select "Delete for Everyone".
  5. Confirmation Message: After you select "Delete for Everyone", WhatsApp will send a confirmation that the message has been deleted. This ensures both you and the recipient(s) no longer see the message in their chat.

Important Considerations:

  • Time Limit: The "Delete for Everyone" option is only available within 7 minutes of sending the message. If more than 7 minutes have passed, you will only be able to delete the message from your own chat using the "Delete for Me" option.
  • Delivery Status: Make sure the message has been delivered before attempting to delete it. Undelivered messages cannot be deleted for everyone.
  • Recipient Awareness: Recipients may still see a notification stating that a message was deleted. However, they won’t be able to see its content.

Additional Tips:

  • Group Chats: Be aware that in group chats, all participants will receive a notification that a message has been deleted, but the content of the message will remain hidden from everyone.
  • Backup and Restore: If you or the recipient has enabled chat backups, deleted messages may still exist in the backup until it is restored. To ensure complete deletion, consider disabling backups temporarily.

By following these steps, you can effectively delete messages in WhatsApp for both parties, ensuring that the message is removed from both your and the recipient's chats.