If WhatsApp deleted the message only for itself, how to delete it for everyone - briefly?
If WhatsApp has deleted a message for its own servers but you still want to delete it from all recipients' devices, unfortunately, this is not possible. Once a message has been delivered, users cannot unilaterally remove it from others' inboxes.
If WhatsApp deleted the message only for itself, how to delete it for everyone - in detail?
If you've sent a message on WhatsApp and subsequently realized that you need to delete it not just from your own device but from all recipients' devices as well, you might be wondering how to achieve this. Unfortunately, once a message has been delivered and read by the recipient, WhatsApp does not provide an option to remotely delete the message from their devices. However, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the situation:
- Delete for Yourself: The first step is to delete the message from your own device. This ensures that the message is no longer visible in your chat history. To do this, open the chat with the recipient, select the message you want to delete, and tap on 'Delete' for yourself.
- Ask the Recipient: Since WhatsApp does not allow remote deletion of messages from other people's devices, the best course of action is to ask the recipient to delete the message from their end. You can politely request them to do so by explaining the situation. Most people will understand and comply with your request.
- Revoke Message Delivery: If you are quick enough and the message has not yet been read, you can revoke its delivery. To do this, open the chat with the recipient, select the message you want to delete, and tap on 'Delete for Everyone.' This will remove the message from both your device and the recipient's device. However, this option is only available within a certain time frame (usually 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds after sending).
- Block the Recipient: In extreme cases where you need to ensure that the recipient cannot view or access the message anymore, you can block them on WhatsApp. Blocking will prevent the recipient from seeing your last seen status, profile picture, and any messages you send after blocking. However, this is a drastic measure and should be used only as a last resort.
- Contact Support: If none of the above methods work or if you have further questions about deleting messages on WhatsApp, you can contact WhatsApp support for additional assistance. They might provide more specific guidance based on your particular situation.
In summary, while WhatsApp does not offer a direct way to delete messages from all recipients' devices after delivery, you can take proactive steps such as asking the recipient to delete the message or revoking its delivery if it hasn't been read yet.