How to return a message to a WhatsApp chat - briefly?
To return a message in a WhatsApp chat, simply select the message and tap on the "Reply" button. This will create a new message with the selected text already included, allowing you to add your response directly above it.
How to return a message to a WhatsApp chat - in detail?
Returning a message to a WhatsApp chat can be a useful feature when you want to recall or delete a message that was sent by mistake, or if the recipient has not yet seen it. This process can be executed within a specific time frame and has certain limitations. Here’s a detailed guide on how to return a message in a WhatsApp chat:
- Locate the Message: Open the WhatsApp application on your device. Navigate to the chat where you sent the message you wish to delete or recall.
- Select the Message: Long-press on the message you want to return. This action will highlight the message and bring up a menu with various options at the top of the screen.
- Access the Menu: With the message still selected, tap on the three dots (⋮) or the overflow icon that appears in the top-right corner of the screen. This will open the context menu with several actions you can perform on the message.
- Choose the Return Option: In the context menu, look for the option labeled "Delete for Me" or "Delete for Everyone." The exact wording may vary depending on your device and WhatsApp version. Select this option to initiate the process of returning the message.
- Confirm the Action: A confirmation dialog will appear, asking if you are sure you want to delete the message. Tap "OK" or "Delete" to confirm your choice. If the option is "Delete for Everyone," it means that the message will be removed from both your device and the recipient's device.
- Wait for Confirmation: After confirming, wait for WhatsApp to process the request. You should see a notification stating whether the message was successfully deleted or if there was an error. If the message is successfully returned, it will be replaced with a text indicating that the message was deleted.
Important Considerations:
- Time Limit: The "Delete for Everyone" feature can only be used within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds of sending the message. After this time frame, you can only use the "Delete for Me" option, which will delete the message from your device but not from the recipient's device.
- Recipient Notification: The recipient will be notified that a message was deleted by you. They will see a placeholder in the chat indicating that a message was removed.
- Message Status: If the recipient has already seen the message, you won’t be able to delete it for everyone. The "Delete for Everyone" option is only available if the message is still unread.
By following these steps, you can effectively return or delete messages in a WhatsApp chat, ensuring that any mistakes or sensitive information are promptly removed from the conversation.