Delete WhatsApp message afterwards: Here's how

If you have sent a message to WhatsApp and would like to delete it immediately or afterwards, this now works without major problems. We'll show you how it's done.

Delete WhatsApp message afterwards

Previously, once you were sent, you could not retrieve messages. Since the latest WhatsApp update, however, you can delete all sent messages retrospectively, regardless of whether they have already been read or not. And so it goes:

• If you have sent a message, you have seven minutes to recall the message. After that there is no going back.
• Simply hold the desired message with your finger. Then select the "Delete" option.
• Now select the "Delete for all" option. However, if you only see the "Delete for me" option, the seven minutes have already expired. Then you can no longer recall the message.
• Instead of the message, the message "This message has been deleted" remains in the chat. The recipient also sees that the message has been deleted, regardless of whether he has already read it or not.
• Warning: Just because the recipient has not yet been online at WhatsApp does not mean that he has not already read the message on the lock screen. Calling back messages also works in group chats.
• Update: You currently have 7 minutes to delete messages on both sides. The function will soon be available for a full 68 minutes. So far, this is only possible in the WhatsApp Beta. From May 2018, the function should appear for all users. In the video below, we will show you how you can become a WhatsApp beta tester yourself.

Hack: Remove messages even after 7 minutes

You actually only have 7 minutes to delete messages on both sides. With a little trick, you can remove much older messages.

1. To do this, open the "Settings" app on your smartphone and activate the flight mode above.
2. On iOS, select "Date & Time" in the "General" category. On Android you will usually find the item of the same name in the main menu.
3. Deactivate the automatic time setting and then change the date manually to the date and time when you sent the respective message.
4. Now open WhatsApp and delete the message as described in the instructions above.
5. Now activate the automatic time setting again and only then exit the flight mode.
6. The message is now deleted on both sides. Note that WhatsApp may fix this error soon.

WhatsApp: delete messages afterwards

Note: The information in this paragraph is outdated and only applies to users of the old WhatsApp version.

• Whether message, photo, video or other content - messages can only be withdrawn if they have not yet been sent to WhatsApp. This is the case if you see the clock symbol next to the message and no gray or blue check mark.
• In this case, you should close WhatsApp as soon as possible, activate flight mode, open WhatsApp again and then delete the message in peace. With a slow internet connection you can therefore take back messages at the last second.
• As soon as there are one or two hooks behind a message, the message is on the WhatsApp servers and is sent to the recipient.
• It is not possible to delete messages that have already been sent. If you hold your finger on a message, the "Delete" option appears. However, the message only disappears from your field of vision.

Expert tip: Future-proof smartphones for WhatsApp and Co.

• WhatsApp regularly receives updates with new content and functions. However, support for older Android and iOS devices is often discontinued. So if you want to use Messenger to its full extent, you need a current smartphone.
• In our cell phone leaderboard, we have tested the best and cheapest smartphones for you at the moment. WhatsApp and other apps are no problem for these devices.

In the next practical tip, we will show you 7 things that you did not know about WhatsApp.