How to erase a message in WhatsApp for yourself?

How to erase a message in WhatsApp for yourself - briefly?

To delete a message in WhatsApp for yourself, simply tap and hold the message you wish to delete. Then, select "Delete" from the menu that appears at the top of the screen.

How to erase a message in WhatsApp for yourself - in detail?

Erasing a message in WhatsApp for yourself can be useful if you've sent something by mistake or simply want to clean up your chat history. Here’s how you can do it:

Firstly, it's important to note that this feature is available only on devices where WhatsApp has been updated to the latest version. If your app isn’t current, update it via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store before proceeding.

For Android Users:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
  2. Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the message you want to delete.
  3. Select the Message: Long press on the specific message you intend to erase until it’s highlighted.
  4. Delete for Me: At the top of the screen, a trash can icon will appear. Tap this icon.
  5. Confirm Deletion: A prompt will ask if you want to delete the message for yourself. Confirm your choice by tapping "Delete."

For iOS Users:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
  2. Navigate to the Chat: Go to the chat where you sent the message you want to delete.
  3. Select the Message: Swipe left on the specific message you intend to erase until it’s highlighted.
  4. Delete for Me: At the bottom of the screen, a "Delete" option will appear in red. Tap this option.
  5. Confirm Deletion: A prompt will ask if you want to delete the message for yourself. Confirm your choice by tapping "Delete for Me."

Important Considerations:

  • Timing Matters: You can only delete messages within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds of sending them. After this window, the message cannot be deleted.
  • Recipients Awareness: While you can delete a message for yourself, it does not disappear from the recipient's device. They will still see the message unless they also choose to delete it from their end.
  • Group Chats: Deleting a message in a group chat works similarly but remember that all participants in the group will still see the message unless they manually delete it on their devices as well.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage your WhatsApp messages and keep your chat history clean and organized.