How to remove viewed messages in WhatsApp - briefly?
To delete a message you've already seen on WhatsApp, press and hold the message, then tap "Delete for me" or "Delete for everyone."
How to remove viewed messages in WhatsApp - in detail?
Removing viewed messages in WhatsApp can be a complex task, as the platform is designed to ensure that once a message is read, it remains visible to the recipient. However, there are several methods and workarounds you can employ to achieve this goal.
Method 1: Delete for Everyone
WhatsApp offers a feature called "Delete for Everyone," which allows you to delete messages for all participants in a chat. Here’s how to use it:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the message is located.
- Long press on the message you want to remove.
- Tap the trash can icon at the top of the screen.
- Select "Delete for Everyone" from the menu that appears.
This feature works best when used immediately after sending a message, as it ensures that the recipient does not see the message before you delete it.
Method 2: Turn Off Read Receipts
While this method doesn’t remove viewed messages, turning off read receipts can prevent others from knowing whether you have seen their messages. Here’s how to do it:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the "Settings" menu.
- Navigate to "Account" and then "Privacy."
- Toggle off "Read Receipts."
This setting applies to all chats, so recipients will not see blue checkmarks next to their messages, indicating that you have read them.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party App
There are third-party applications available that claim to help remove viewed messages from WhatsApp. However, it’s important to note that using such apps can violate WhatsApp’s terms of service and may lead to your account being banned. Additionally, these apps often require root access on Android devices or jailbreaking on iOS devices, which can pose security risks.
Method 4: Archive the Chat
If you want to hide a chat from view without deleting it, you can archive the chat. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to archive.
- Long press on the chat until a menu appears at the top of the screen.
- Tap the "Archive" icon (it looks like a box with an arrow pointing down).
Archived chats will be moved out of your main chat list but can still be accessed by searching for them in the search bar.
Method 5: Delete the Entire Chat
If you need to remove all messages from a specific conversation, you can delete the entire chat. Note that this action is irreversible and will erase all messages from both your device and the recipient’s device. Here’s how to do it:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to delete.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "More" from the menu that appears.
- Tap "Delete Chat."
- Confirm your action when prompted.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp doesn’t provide a straightforward way to remove viewed messages due to its design focus on message visibility, using the methods outlined above can help you manage and control the visibility of your messages in various ways. Always remember to use these techniques responsibly and within the bounds of WhatsApp’s terms of service.