How to reset a WhatsApp group?

How to reset a WhatsApp group - briefly?

To reset a WhatsApp group, you need to delete the group chat and then create a new one with the same members. This process will clear all previous messages and media from the group.

How to reset a WhatsApp group - in detail?

Resetting a WhatsApp group involves several steps, and it's important to understand the implications before proceeding. When you reset a WhatsApp group, all chat history will be deleted, and all members except for the admin (you) will be removed from the group. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reset your WhatsApp group:

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone. Ensure that you have an active internet connection.
  2. Navigate to the Group: Go to the group chat that you want to reset. You must be the administrator of this group to perform a reset.
  3. Access Group Info: Tap on the group name at the top of the screen to open the "Group info" page.
  4. Remove Members: Scroll down to see the list of members in the group. You will need to remove all members except yourself manually. To do this, tap on each member’s name and select “Remove [Name] from Group.” Repeat this process until you are the only member left in the group.
  5. Delete Group Media: If you want to delete all media (photos, videos, documents) sent in the group, go to "Media" in the "Group info" page and tap on "Clear chat." This will remove all media files from your device. Note that this action cannot be undone.
  6. Delete Chat History: To clear the entire chat history, including messages, photos, videos, and GIFs, go back to the group chat screen. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner of the screen and select "More." Then, tap on "Clear chat." You will be prompted to confirm this action. Choose “Yes” to delete all messages from your device.
  7. Re-add Members: Now that you have cleared the group’s history and removed all members except yourself, you can start fresh by re-adding the members you wish to include in the new group. Invite them back using their phone numbers or by sharing a link to the group.
  8. Set New Group Info (Optional): After resetting the group, you might want to set a new group subject and icon. To do this, go to "Group info" and tap on the current subject or icon to change it.

Important Notes:

  • Resetting a WhatsApp group will not delete messages from other members’ devices. They will still have access to the previous chat history unless they manually delete it.
  • Be cautious when resetting, as deleting chat history is irreversible.
  • Always inform your group members about the reset if necessary, especially if important information might be lost in the process.

By following these steps, you can effectively reset your WhatsApp group and start with a clean slate.