How to permanently clear WhatsApp - briefly?
To permanently clear WhatsApp on your device, you can follow these steps:
- Open the WhatsApp application and navigate to the Settings menu.
- Select "Storage and Data" or "Data and Storage Usage," then choose "Clear All Chats."
How to permanently clear WhatsApp - in detail?
Permanently clearing WhatsApp involves more than just deleting the app from your device. To truly erase all traces of your WhatsApp activity, you need to follow a series of detailed steps that ensure both local and cloud data are wiped out. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this:
Backup Your Data (Optional)
Before proceeding with the deletion process, it is advisable to back up any important data or conversations you wish to keep. WhatsApp offers an in-built backup feature that can save your chats to Google Drive or iCloud.
Delete Local Data
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the app on your device.
- Navigate to Settings: Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top right corner and select "Settings".
- Go to Chats: Under settings, tap on "Chats".
- Delete All Chats: Scroll down and tap on "Delete all chats". Confirm the action by tapping "DELETE" again when prompted.
Remove WhatsApp Account
- Access Settings: Go back to your device's settings menu.
- Find Apps/Applications: Look for the "Apps" or "Application Manager" section.
- Select WhatsApp: Tap on WhatsApp from the list of installed apps.
- Clear Data: Depending on your device, you may find an option to "Clear data" or "Storage". Tap this to remove local app data.
Deauthorize Your Number
To ensure that your phone number is no longer linked to a WhatsApp account:
- Open WhatsApp Web/Desktop: If you have used WhatsApp on a desktop or web browser, log in and go to the settings menu.
- Log Out: Log out of all sessions. This will deauthorize your number from any linked devices.
- Unlink Your Number: Go back to your mobile app, tap on the three dots (menu), select "Settings", then "Account". Tap on "Delete my account" and follow the prompts. Ensure you enter your phone number correctly when asked.
Delete Cloud Backups
- Google Drive (Android): Open Google Drive, tap on the three lines in the top left corner, go to "Backup", find WhatsApp, and delete the backup.
- iCloud (iOS): Go to "Settings" > [Your Name] > "iCloud" > "Manage Storage" > "WhatsApp" and delete the backup.
Uninstall WhatsApp
- Return to Home Screen: Close all apps and go back to your home screen.
- Long Press on App Icon: Hold down the WhatsApp icon until it starts wiggling or shows an uninstall option at the top.
- Uninstall: Tap "Uninstall" (or the trash can icon) to remove the app from your device.
Factory Reset (Optional but Recommended)
For a more thorough cleanup, consider performing a factory reset on your device:
- Backup Your Device: Ensure all important data is backed up elsewhere.
- Go to Settings: Navigate to "Settings" > "System" > "Reset options".
- Factory Reset: Tap on "Erase all data (factory reset)" and follow the prompts.
By following these steps, you can effectively clear WhatsApp from your device and associated cloud services, ensuring that no trace of your activity remains.