How to delete read messages in WhatsApp for everyone?

How to delete read messages in WhatsApp for everyone - briefly?

Currently, WhatsApp does not offer a built-in feature to unsend or delete messages that have already been read by the recipient. This limitation is designed to maintain message integrity and prevent misuse. For urgent corrections or retractions, users are advised to communicate openly with the recipient.

How to delete read messages in WhatsApp for everyone - in detail?

To delete read messages in WhatsApp for everyone, you need to follow a specific process, as WhatsApp does not allow the deletion of read messages directly through its interface. However, there are workarounds that can help achieve this goal.

Firstly, it is important to note that WhatsApp's "Delete for Everyone" feature only works for unread messages. This means you need to act quickly after sending a message if you want to delete it before the recipient reads it. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
  2. Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the message you wish to delete.
  3. Select the Message: Long-press on the message until a menu appears at the top of the screen.
  4. Delete for Everyone: Tap on the "Delete" icon (represented by a trash can) in the menu. You will be prompted with two options: "Delete for Me" and "Delete for Everyone". Select "Delete for Everyone".
  5. Confirm Deletion: WhatsApp will notify you that the message has been deleted from your device and from the recipient's device as well, provided they haven’t read it yet.

If the message has already been read by the recipient, unfortunately, there is no official way to delete it for everyone using WhatsApp's built-in features. However, you can consider some unofficial methods or third-party applications that claim to offer this functionality, but be cautious as they may pose security and privacy risks.

Additionally, it’s crucial to understand that even if you delete a message for everyone, there is still a chance that the recipient might have seen the message before deletion. WhatsApp notifies users when a message has been deleted, which can sometimes raise suspicion or curiosity.

In conclusion, while WhatsApp provides a convenient "Delete for Everyone" feature, it only applies to unread messages. For maximum effectiveness, act swiftly after sending a message you might want to delete later.