WhatsApp is an extremely convenient messaging application that allows us to communicate with friends, family, and colleagues around the world easily. However, in some situations, we might send a message to the wrong person or make a typo, causing us to regret sending the message. Once a message is delivered, it cannot be recalled, and there is no option to delete it from the recipient’s phone.
Fortunately, there is a way to delete messages on WhatsApp after they have been sent, although the feature is not widely known. In this article, we will explore how to delete already sent messages on WhatsApp and offer some tips to avoid making mistakes in the future.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
The first thing you will need to delete already sent messages on WhatsApp is the latest version of the application. If you have an older version, you should update it from the App Store on iOS or the Google Play Store on Android. You will also need to have an internet connection and the recipient’s phone number saved in your contacts.
What Requires Your Attention?
Before we dive into the methods of deleting already sent messages on WhatsApp, there are a few things that require your attention. Firstly, deleting messages only works for texts, not files like images, documents, or videos. Secondly, deleting a message will only remove it from your chat, and the recipient will still be able to see it on their phone. Lastly, you only have a window of one hour after sending a message to delete it.
Method 1: Delete for Everyone
The first method to delete already sent messages on WhatsApp is to use the "delete for everyone" feature. This method removes the message from both your chat and the recipient’s chat within one hour of sending it.
1. Open the chat where you want to delete the message.
2. Tap and hold the message you want to delete.
3. Select "Delete" from the menu.
4. Tap "Delete for Everyone."
5. If the message has been successfully deleted, you will see a notification saying "You deleted this message."
Pros:
– The message is deleted from both your chat and the recipient’s chat.
– The recipient will be notified that you have deleted the message.
Cons:
– You only have one hour to delete the message.
– The feature only works for texts, not files like images or videos.
Method 2: Delete for Me
If you want to delete a sent message just from your chat window, you can use the "delete for me" feature. This method removes the message from your chat, but the recipient will still be able to see it.
1. Open the chat where you want to delete the message.
2. Tap and hold the message you want to delete.
3. Select "Delete" from the menu.
4. Tap "Delete for Me."
5. If the message has been successfully deleted, you will see a notification saying "You deleted this message."
Pros:
– The message is deleted from your chat.
– You can delete the message after the one-hour window for "delete for everyone" has passed.
Cons:
– The recipient will still be able to see the message.
– The feature only works for texts, not files like images or videos.
Method 3: Clear Chat
Another way to remove sent messages from your chat window is by using the "clear chat" feature. This method deletes all the messages in a particular chat, including sent messages.
1. Open the chat you want to clear.
2. Tap the group name or the contact’s name.
3. Scroll down and select "Clear Chat" from the menu.
4. Confirm by tapping "Clear Chat" again.
Pros:
– You can delete all messages in a chat, including sent messages.
– It is a quick way to delete multiple messages at once.
Cons:
– The recipient will still be able to see the deleted messages on their phone.
– You cannot select specific messages to delete; you have to clear the entire chat.
Why Can’t I Delete Some Messages?
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to delete some messages on WhatsApp:
1. The message was sent more than one hour ago.
2. You do not have the latest version of WhatsApp installed.
3. You do not have an internet connection.
4. You are trying to delete a message that was not sent by you.
5. The recipient has already seen the message.
Fixes:
1. Make sure you use the "delete for everyone" feature within one hour of sending a message.
2. Update WhatsApp to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play Store.
3. Ensure your phone has an internet connection.
4. Check that you are trying to delete a message you sent and not one sent by someone else.
5. Unfortunately, there is no fix for this, and the recipient will still be able to see the message.
Implications and Recommendations
Deleting already sent messages can be a helpful feature, but it also has implications. For example, you might accidentally delete a message that you cannot retrieve, or the recipient might suspect that you are hiding something by deleting the message.
To avoid making mistakes, we recommend that you take a few precautions before sending messages on WhatsApp:
1. Double-check the recipient’s name and phone number before you send a message.
2. Be careful when using voice-to-text features as they might misinterpret what you say.
3. Think twice before sending a message when you are feeling emotional or angry.
4. If you need to send sensitive information, use end-to-end encryption features like WhatsApp’s "secret chats."
5. If you make a mistake, consider apologizing or explaining your intentions rather than immediately deleting the message.
FAQs
Q: Does WhatsApp notify the recipient when you delete a message?
A: Yes, the recipient will receive a notification that you have deleted a message. However, they will not see the contents of the message.
Q: Can I delete messages in a group chat?
A: Yes, you can delete messages in a group chat using the same methods described above.
Q: Can I delete messages that I sent to a person that is not in my contacts?
A: No, you must have the recipient’s phone number saved in your contacts to delete a sent message.
Q: Can I retrieve a deleted message?
A: No, once a message is deleted, it cannot be retrieved.
Q: Can I delete messages that were sent to me?
A: No, you cannot delete messages that were sent to you. You can only delete messages that you have sent.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is an incredibly popular messaging application that we use every day to communicate with our friends and family. While we can’t recall messages once they are delivered, we do have the option to delete already sent messages within an hour of sending them, as long as we have the latest version of WhatsApp and an internet connection. By taking a few precautions, we can avoid making mistakes and keep our conversations safe and confidential.