How to delete WhatsApp messages from the server - briefly?
To delete WhatsApp messages from the server, both the sender and recipient must have the latest version of the app. The sender can then select the message and choose "Delete for everyone" from the menu.
How to delete WhatsApp messages from the server - in detail?
Deleting WhatsApp messages from the server is a process that requires careful attention and understanding of the platform's features and limitations. WhatsApp, by design, ensures end-to-end encryption for user messages, which means that deleting messages from their servers is not a straightforward task due to privacy and security considerations. However, there are specific scenarios where messages can be removed or their impact minimized.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand the difference between deleting messages on your device and removing them from WhatsApp's servers entirely. When you delete a message from your phone, it is only removed from your local storage; the message still exists on the recipient's device and WhatsApp's servers. This is why users often see notifications like "This message was deleted" instead of the actual content.
To delete messages from the server, you have two primary options:
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Delete for Everyone: This feature allows you to delete a message from both your device and the recipient's device within seven minutes after sending it. To use this option, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat containing the message you want to delete.
- Press and hold the message until the options menu appears.
- Tap on "Delete" at the top of the screen.
- Select "Delete for Everyone."
Note that this option only works if the recipient has not seen the message yet, as indicated by the checkmarks next to the message (one grey checkmark means it's sent but not delivered, and two grey checkmarks mean it's delivered but not read). If the message is already read or if more than seven minutes have passed since sending, this option will not be available.
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Request Account Deletion: If you want to remove all your messages and data from WhatsApp's servers permanently, you can request the deletion of your account. This action will delete your message history, groups, and settings from WhatsApp's servers. Here’s how to do it:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
- Tap on "Account."
- Select "Delete My Account."
- Enter your phone number in the international format (e.g., +1 2345678901) and tap "Delete My Account" again.
After completing these steps, WhatsApp will begin the process of deleting your account information from its servers. However, it's important to note that this action is irreversible and you will lose access to your chat history and other data associated with your account.
In conclusion, while WhatsApp does not offer a direct way to delete messages from their servers beyond the "Delete for Everyone" feature within seven minutes of sending, requesting account deletion provides a more comprehensive solution. Understanding these options allows users to manage their message history effectively and maintain control over their digital footprint on the platform.