How to delete old messages in WhatsApp for everyone on their phones?

How to delete old messages in WhatsApp for everyone on their phones - briefly?

To delete old messages in WhatsApp for everyone, you can use the "Delete for Everyone" feature. However, this option is only available within seven minutes of sending the message and will not apply to messages that have already been read by the recipients.

How to delete old messages in WhatsApp for everyone on their phones - in detail?

To delete old messages in WhatsApp for everyone, including yourself, you can utilize the "Delete for Everyone" feature. This function allows you to remove specific messages from a chat within a certain time frame, ensuring that all participants no longer see those messages. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your phone.
  2. Select the Chat: Go to the individual or group chat from which you want to delete the message.
  3. Find the Message: Scroll through the conversation to locate the message you wish to delete.
  4. Long Press on the Message: Hold down on the message until it becomes highlighted and options appear at the top of your screen.
  5. Choose 'Delete': Tap on the "Delete" option (represented by a trash can icon) that appears at the top.
  6. Select 'Delete for Everyone': A prompt will ask you if you want to delete the message for everyone or just for yourself. Choose "Delete for Everyone".
  7. Confirmation: WhatsApp will notify you that the message has been deleted. Note that this feature only works within a specific time frame, typically 13 hours, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds from when the message was sent. If the time frame has expired, you will not see the "Delete for Everyone" option, and the message can only be deleted for yourself.

It’s important to remember that while "Delete for Everyone" removes the message from your and the recipients' chat windows, it does not entirely erase the message from WhatsApp’s servers or prevent others from having taken a screenshot of the message before you deleted it.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage old messages in your WhatsApp conversations, ensuring that unwanted or outdated information is removed for all participants involved.