How to delete read messages from the recipient in WhatsApp on Android?

How to delete read messages from the recipient in WhatsApp on Android - briefly?

To delete a message you've sent or received from both your phone and the recipient's phone in WhatsApp for Android:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat containing the message you want to delete.
  2. Press and hold on the message, tap "Delete" at the top of the screen, then select "Delete for everyone".

How to delete read messages from the recipient in WhatsApp on Android - in detail?

Deleting read messages from a recipient's device in WhatsApp is a feature that many users find useful for various reasons, such as retracting sensitive information or correcting mistakes. However, it is important to note that WhatsApp does not provide a direct method to delete messages from the recipient's phone after they have been read. Once a message has been delivered and read by the recipient, it becomes part of their conversation history.

Despite this limitation, there are a few strategies you can employ to manage or mitigate the impact of sent messages:

  1. Delete for Me: While this option does not delete the message from the recipient's phone, it removes the message from your device. To do this, open WhatsApp, go to the chat where the message was sent, long-press on the message, and select "Delete" from the menu that appears at the top of the screen. You will be prompted to choose whether you want to delete the message for yourself or for everyone in the chat. Selecting "Delete for Me" will remove the message from your device but leave it intact on the recipient's phone.
  2. Use the "Delete for Everyone" Feature: If you act quickly enough, you can use the "Delete for Everyone" feature to delete messages from both your and the recipient's devices. To do this, open WhatsApp, go to the chat where the message was sent, long-press on the message, and select "Delete" from the menu that appears at the top of the screen. Choose "Delete for Everyone." This option is only available within seven minutes after sending the message and will delete it from both your device and the recipient's phone.
  3. Revoke Message Delivery: If you realize immediately after sending a message that you need to retract it, you can revoke its delivery before it is read by the recipient. To do this, turn off your internet connection on your Android device (either by enabling Airplane Mode or disabling Wi-Fi and mobile data). Then, open WhatsApp, go to the chat where the message was sent, long-press on the message, and select "Delete" from the menu that appears at the top of the screen. Choose "Delete for Everyone." After reconnecting to the internet, the message will not be delivered to the recipient's phone.
  4. Contact WhatsApp Support: In rare cases where a critical error has occurred or you need assistance with a specific situation, contacting WhatsApp support can provide additional guidance tailored to your needs.

It is crucial to understand that while these methods offer some control over sent messages, they have limitations and may not always achieve the desired outcome. Always be cautious when sending sensitive information and consider the potential implications of any message you send.