How to delete WhatsApp correspondence from cloud storage?

How to delete WhatsApp correspondence from cloud storage - briefly?

To delete WhatsApp correspondence from cloud storage, you can either manually delete specific messages or use the "Delete for Everyone" feature if sent within a certain time frame. Additionally, clearing the chat history will remove all conversation data from your device and cloud backup.

How to delete WhatsApp correspondence from cloud storage - in detail?

To delete WhatsApp correspondence from cloud storage, you need to follow a detailed process that involves both your device and the cloud services used by WhatsApp. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to ensure all traces of your conversations are removed.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that WhatsApp automatically backs up your chats to either Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iOS users). The process for deleting these backups varies slightly depending on your operating system and the cloud service you use.

For Android Users:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
  2. Access Settings: Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner to access the menu, then select "Settings".
  3. Navigate to Chats: Within the settings menu, tap on "Chats".
  4. Backup Options: Under the "Chat Backup" section, you will see options for backing up your chats to Google Drive.
  5. Delete Backup: To delete the backup from Google Drive, you need to go directly to the Google Drive app or website:
    • Open the Google Drive app on your phone or visit drive.google.com on a web browser.
    • Locate the WhatsApp folder within your Google Drive storage.
    • Delete the WhatsApp backup files stored there.
  6. Disable Automatic Backup: To prevent future backups, go back to WhatsApp settings and disable the automatic backup option.

For iOS Users:

  1. Open Settings: Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
  2. Access iCloud: Tap on your name at the top of the screen, then select "iCloud".
  3. Manage Storage: Scroll down and tap on "Manage Storage".
  4. Find WhatsApp: Look for WhatsApp in the list of apps using iCloud storage.
  5. Delete Backup: Tap on WhatsApp and then select "Delete Backup". Confirm your choice to permanently remove the backup from iCloud.
  6. Disable Automatic Backup: To prevent future backups, go back to the main Settings menu, tap on "WhatsApp", and turn off the iCloud Drive option for WhatsApp.

Additional Steps:

  • Delete Local Chats: Apart from cloud storage, you may also want to delete the local chats stored on your device. This can be done directly within the WhatsApp app by selecting the chat you wish to delete and choosing the "Delete" option.
  • Clear Cache: Some devices allow you to clear the cache of applications, which can help remove residual data. Check your device settings for this option.

By following these steps, you can effectively delete WhatsApp correspondence from cloud storage and ensure that your conversations are no longer backed up or accessible via cloud services.