How to delete for everyone on WhatsApp

Many have experienced the feeling of panic when sending a message and then wishing they could take it back. Maybe you sent it to the wrong person or, after sending a message, decided it was a bad idea. Fortunately, WhatsApp offers a useful feature called “Delete for Everyone,” which solves the dilemma of a message going wrong.

While this can alleviate the stress of an error sending a message, there are limitations to the feature and things to consider when deleting a message. This article will explain how to delete messages for everyone on WhatsApp, limitations and common troubleshooting tips.

Delete for everyone using the web version

When you want to delete a message you sent, follow these steps in WhatsApp. You can delete a message, whether it was sent to a group or an inpidual. Unless you’re a group administrator, the right to delete a message only applies to messages you sent.

1. Select the appropriate chat to view the message thread.
   
2. Next to the message you want to delete, click the down arrow. Select “Delete Message” from the drop-down menu.
   
3. A message box will ask if you want to delete it for everyone or just yourself. Click “Delete for everyone.”
   

In your chat, you will see “You deleted this message.” For everyone else, “This message was deleted” will appear instead of the message.

Delete for everyone using the mobile app

The deletion process for everyone is similar when using a mobile app.

1. Select the chat and then the message you are following.
   
2. Long press the message to see its menu and tap “Delete.”
   
3. Select “Delete for everyone.”
   

You can only delete your own messages from all recipients. The exception is for group administrators, who can delete any message they deem inappropriate. The message will be replaced with “This message was deleted by the administrator.” [admin name].”

Why doesn’t my delete work for everyone?

If you’re having trouble with the “Delete for Everyone” option, fear not. A few things must be done to make it work properly. Read on to see why it may not work for you.

• Both the recipient and the sender must have their WhatsApp updated. Otherwise, the “Delete for everyone” option may not be visible or may not delete all copies of the message for all recipients.
• The feature has a time limit. If you sent the message more than two days before, the platform will not be able to delete it.
• “Delete for all” will not work on quoted texts. If the message you sent is quoted by someone else, there is no way for you to delete their message, even if your message is in their content. You can only delete the original message you sent.
• Deleting sent photos will not always remove them from the recipient’s device. Whether they are removable depends on each device and whether the sent photo has already been downloaded to their device or is still on the WhatsApp server. You can select “Delete for everyone” for submitted images, but it is not a guarantee.
• If you use “Delete for me” in a message, “Delete for everyone” will not be available later. So if the message disappeared and you don’t have the option to delete it for everyone, this could be the reason.

Deletion limitations for everyone

While this feature of the app is very useful, there are some considerations when using it.

• You only have two days to delete a message, an extension of the initial seven minutes when the feature was first introduced.
• You cannot secretly delete a message. There will be a placeholder notifying everyone that the message was deleted.
• You can tap and hold the “This message was deleted” prompt and choose to delete it, but it will only disappear from your chat and not anyone else’s.

View deleted messages in notification history

First, you can check your notification history if you are on an Android device. If you have notification history turned on, it will keep a record of your incoming messages.

If you’re on an iPhone, notification history is not cataloged, so you can’t use it to view deleted messages.

View deleted messages with WAMR

The only other way to view deleted messages is to use a third-party app. WAMR is a controversial application that claims to be able to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. If it is important enough to recover them, WAMR is an option.

Use WhatsDelete to view deleted messages

What is delete? is another application to read deleted WhatsApp messages. When someone deletes a message, the app notifies you and saves it so you can still read it. The sender has no way of knowing that you have read their deleted messages.

Frequent questions

Can deleted messages be recovered?

If you delete a message for yourself, the “undo” option will be present for 5 seconds. After this time, the action is permanent. Messages deleted for everyone, whether by a user or a group administrator, are not recoverable and cannot be appealed. Use the function with caution.

Is there a solution to the two-day rule?

Users report that if you sent a message in error and two days have passed, there is a solution. You can try to change the date and time on your phone, tricking WhatsApp into thinking that the time limit has not expired.

How can I view a deleted message?

For some people, the notification of the deleted message piques their curiosity and they can’t help but want to see what was deemed unworthy of being sent. You can check your notification history if you have an Android device and saved history enabled or use a third-party app.

Using Delete from everyone on WhatsApp

The next time you accidentally send your boss a message intended for your partner, remember the “Delete for everyone” option. If you use the app feature correctly, you can save yourself and your boss from embarrassment.

And if you’re determined not to miss a thing, you can use an app to keep track of those deleted messages. Just remember that your friends can also install these apps the next time you delete a message for everyone.

Have you had experience with the “Delete for Everyone” feature? Let us know in the comments.