How to delete SMS messages in WhatsApp on Android - briefly?
To delete SMS messages in WhatsApp on an Android device, follow these steps:
- Open the WhatsApp application.
- Select the message or conversation you want to delete, tap and hold until a menu appears, then choose "Delete" from the options provided.
How to delete SMS messages in WhatsApp on Android - in detail?
Deleting SMS messages in WhatsApp on an Android device is a straightforward process, but it's important to understand the difference between deleting messages for your own view and removing them permanently from both your device and the recipient's device. Here’s a detailed guide on how to perform these actions:
Deleting Messages for Yourself
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your Android device.
- Navigate to Chats: Go to the "Chats" tab where you can see all your conversations.
- Select a Chat: Tap on the chat from which you want to delete messages.
- Long Press on Messages: Long-press on the message(s) you wish to delete until they are highlighted. You can select multiple messages by tapping on them while holding the first one.
- Delete for Me: Once selected, tap on the trash can icon at the top of the screen. This will give you two options: "Delete for me" and "Delete for everyone." Choose "Delete for me."
- Confirmation: A confirmation dialogue will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete the messages. Tap "OK."
Deleting Messages for Everyone (Permanent Deletion)
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your Android device.
- Navigate to Chats: Go to the "Chats" tab where you can see all your conversations.
- Select a Chat: Tap on the chat from which you want to delete messages.
- Long Press on Messages: Long-press on the message(s) you wish to delete until they are highlighted. You can select multiple messages by tapping on them while holding the first one.
- Delete for Everyone: Once selected, tap on the trash can icon at the top of the screen. This will give you two options: "Delete for me" and "Delete for everyone." Choose "Delete for everyone."
- Confirmation: A confirmation dialogue will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete the messages. Tap "OK."
- Time Limit: Note that you have a time limit of 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 46 seconds from when you sent the message to use the "Delete for everyone" option. After this period, you can only delete messages for your own view.
Additional Tips
- Backup: Before performing any mass deletions, consider backing up your WhatsApp data using Google Drive or another backup service.
- Storage Management: Deleting messages is a good way to manage storage space on your device, especially if you are experiencing low storage warnings.
- Privacy Concerns: Be mindful of privacy when deleting messages for everyone, as it will remove the message from both your and the recipient's devices permanently.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage and delete SMS messages in WhatsApp on your Android device, ensuring that your chat history remains clutter-free and organized.