How to delete SMS messages in WhatsApp on iPhone for everyone?

How to delete SMS messages in WhatsApp on iPhone for everyone - briefly?

To delete SMS messages in WhatsApp on an iPhone so that they are removed for everyone in the conversation, you can use the "Delete for Everyone" feature. Simply select the message(s) you want to delete, tap "Edit," and then choose "Delete." This will remove the message from both your device and the recipient's device.

How to delete SMS messages in WhatsApp on iPhone for everyone - in detail?

Deleting SMS messages in WhatsApp on an iPhone can be accomplished in several ways, depending on whether you want to delete the message for yourself only or for everyone in the conversation. If your goal is to delete a message for everyone, there are specific steps and considerations to keep in mind. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Understand Message Deletion Options: WhatsApp offers two main options for deleting messages—delete for me or delete for everyone. The "Delete for Everyone" feature allows you to remove messages from both your device and the recipients' devices within seven minutes of sending them. After this time frame, you can only delete messages for yourself.
  2. Open WhatsApp: Unlock your iPhone and open the WhatsApp application. Ensure that you have an active internet connection, as message deletion requires online access.
  3. Navigate to the Chat: Find the chat or conversation where the SMS message you want to delete is located. Tap on the chat to open it.
  4. Locate the Message: Scroll through the conversation to find the specific message you wish to delete.
  5. Select the Message: Long-press (hold your finger down) on the message until a pop-up menu appears at the top of the screen. This menu will display several options, including "Delete" and "More..."
  6. Delete for Everyone Option: If the message was sent within the last seven minutes, you should see an option labeled "Delete for Everyone." Tap on this option to delete the message from both your device and the devices of all recipients in the chat.
  7. Confirm Deletion: A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you are sure you want to delete the message. Tap "Delete for Everyone" again to confirm.
  8. Message Status: After deleting the message, a notification will be displayed in the chat indicating that the message has been deleted for everyone. Recipients will see this notification as well, and the message will be removed from their devices too.
  9. Delete for Me Option (Alternative): If more than seven minutes have passed since you sent the message, the "Delete for Everyone" option will not be available. In this case, you can only delete the message for yourself by tapping on "Delete." This action removes the message from your device but leaves it intact on the recipients' devices.
  10. Additional Considerations: Be mindful of the seven-minute window for deleting messages for everyone. It’s also important to note that the "Delete for Everyone" feature works only if both you and the recipient are using the latest version of WhatsApp.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your message history in WhatsApp on an iPhone, ensuring that sensitive or incorrectly sent messages do not remain visible to recipients.