How Do I Delete a Sent Message Before Someone Reads It on WhatsApp?

If you've ever sent a text message and immediately regretted it, you can understand what a lifesaver this WhatsApp feature is. It allows you to delete messages before people read them — but only if you do it within seven minutes. Here's how.

1. Open WhatsApp and Select the Conversation

To delete a message you've sent on WhatsApp, you'll need to open the conversation where you sent it. To select the chat:

• Select the conversation from your conversations list, then tap on the message you want to delete.
• On the messages screen, tap on the three dots icon in the top-right corner of your screen.

2. Keep the Message Selected Until a Menu Appears

Once you select the message, a menu will appear at the top of your screen. You should see an option that says More. Select this option to open up more options.

In the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, you should see an option that says "Delete." Select this option to delete your message from WhatsApp.

3. Tap Delete

Each message you send or receive will have a trash can icon in the upper right-hand corner.

You should:

• Tap the trash icon, then confirm that you want to delete your message.
• Touch the three vertical dots in the top right-hand corner of the screen. This will open a menu with some options.
• Click Delete for this conversation and select Deleted messages.

4. To Delete for Everyone

Ensure you tap Delete for Everyone to delete messages you sent to all your contact. This will delete the message from your chat and the recipients' phones.

Deleting Unwanted Messages Within Seven Minutes

If you want to delete a sent message from WhatsApp, but the people who received it have already seen it, you can't. However, you can delete your message for recipients who have not yet read or forwarded it. You will have to act fast as there are only seven minutes during which deleting a sent message remains possible.