How to Delete WhatsApp Messages for Both Sides: A Comprehensive Guide

Many users wonder if it's possible to delete WhatsApp messages that have been sent to both sides. While it is a feature often associated with professional hackers, it's also a functionality within WhatsApp that can be accessed by average users. This guide will help you understand the ins and outs of deleting messages for both sides and provide you with detailed instructions on how to do it.

Deleting Messages for Everyone

If you want to delete a message for both you and the recipient, there are certain conditions you need to meet. This can only be done within a specific time frame, usually around an hour after the message was sent. Here are the steps:

Long press on the message you want to delete. Tap the trash can icon. Select Delete for Everyone.

After you've completed these steps, the message will be removed from both of your devices. It will be replaced with a notification stating that the message has been deleted. This ensures a complete and permanent removal for everyone involved.

Deleting Messages for Yourself

If you only want to remove a message from your end of the conversation, you can do so without any time limits. This action will not affect the recipient's chat. Here’s how:

Long press on the message you want to delete. Tap the trash can icon. Select Delete for Me.

This option is particularly useful if you realize you made a mistake and don't want the recipient to see the message. Keep in mind that the recipient will still be able to see the message unless they also choose to delete it themselves.

Can You Delete Both Sides of a WhatsApp Message?

No, it is not possible to delete a message for both sides simultaneously. The only person who can delete a message is the person who sent it. Once they delete it, it will only be removed from their end of the conversation. The recipient will still be able to see the message unless they too decide to delete the message.

However, if you wish to completely remove your entire chat history with another person, you have the option to do so by selecting Delete chat in the chat settings. This action will remove all messages from your device, but it will not delete the recipient's messages, unless they also decide to delete the chat.

Additional Tips

While deleting messages can be useful, it's important to consider the privacy and security implications. Deleting a message can be seen as a sign of urgency or discomfort, so use this feature wisely.

Conclusion

Deleting messages for both sides on WhatsApp is possible within certain conditions. Understanding these conditions and the steps involved can help you manage your communication more effectively. Remember, while this feature can be convenient, it's also important to communicate openly with your contacts if there are any concerns about privacy or sensitive information.