How to delete SMS messages in a WhatsApp group - briefly?
To delete an SMS message in a WhatsApp group, simply long-press on the message until a trash can icon appears at the top of the screen, then tap on it to remove the message from your device.
How to delete SMS messages in a WhatsApp group - in detail?
Deleting SMS messages in a WhatsApp group can be essential for maintaining privacy, clearing up space, or removing inappropriate content. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are the sender of the message or not. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate this task:
For Users Who Are Not the Sender:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
- Select the Group: Navigate to the group where the message is located.
- Find the Message: Scroll through the chat history to locate the message you wish to delete.
- Long Press: Tap and hold the message until a menu appears at the top of your screen.
- Delete for Me: In the menu, select the "Delete for me" option. This action will remove the message from your device only. The sender and other group members will still see the message.
For Users Who Are the Sender:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
- Select the Group: Navigate to the group where the message is located.
- Find the Message: Scroll through the chat history to locate the message you wish to delete.
- Long Press: Tap and hold the message until a menu appears at the top of your screen.
- Delete for Everyone: In the menu, select the "Delete for everyone" option. This action will remove the message from all participants' devices in the group chat. Note that this feature is only available for a short period after sending the message (within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds).
Important Considerations:
- Time Limit: The "Delete for everyone" option is time-sensitive. If the message is older than the allowed time frame, you will only see the "Delete for me" option.
- Notification: Recipients will see a notification stating that a message was deleted. They won’t be able to view its content, but they will know that something has been removed.
- Backup: Deleting messages does not affect WhatsApp backups. If you do not want the message to appear in your backup, ensure you delete it before creating or updating your backup.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and remove unwanted SMS messages within a WhatsApp group, contributing to a cleaner and more organized chat environment.