How to delete read messages from yourself in WhatsApp - briefly?
Deleting read messages from your own view in WhatsApp is not currently possible through the standard app interface. To achieve this, users may need to employ third-party applications or services that offer additional functionalities not available in the default version of WhatsApp. However, it's important to note that using such services can pose security and privacy risks, so caution should be exercised when choosing which tools to use.
How to delete read messages from yourself in WhatsApp - in detail?
Deleting read messages from your own device in WhatsApp can be a useful feature for maintaining privacy and managing storage space. However, it's important to note that deleting messages on your end does not remove them from the recipient's device; they will still see the message unless you use additional features like "Delete for Everyone." Here is a step-by-step guide on how to delete read messages from yourself in WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone. The app icon resembles a green speech bubble with a white phone inside it.
- Navigate to Chats: Once you are in the main screen of WhatsApp, navigate to the "Chats" section where all your conversations are listed.
- Select a Chat: Choose the chat from which you want to delete messages. You can do this by tapping on the contact or group name.
- Long Press on Message: Locate the message(s) you wish to delete and long-press on it. This will select the message and bring up options at the top of your screen.
- Delete Option: Tap on the trash can icon that appears at the top of the screen. This action will delete the selected message from your device.
- Confirm Deletion: WhatsApp may ask for confirmation before deleting the message. Simply tap "Delete" to confirm.
Additional Tips:
- Multiple Messages: You can select and delete multiple messages at once by long-pressing on the first message, then tapping on additional messages while holding the selection.
- Media Files: Be aware that deleting media files (images, videos) from your device will also remove them from your phone's gallery or camera roll if they were saved there.
- Backup: Ensure you have a backup of important conversations, as deleted messages cannot be recovered unless backed up using WhatsApp’s built-in backup feature.
Limitations:
- Deleting messages on your device will not delete them from the recipient's device. For that, you need to use the "Delete for Everyone" feature within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds of sending the message.
- The "Delete for Everyone" option is only available for certain types of messages, such as text, images, videos, GIFs, documents, stickers, and voice notes. It does not work for forwarded messages or messages you never successfully sent.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your WhatsApp conversations and maintain a cleaner inbox on your device.