WhatsApp Tip: How to Unsend Message on WhatsApp

WhatsApp is one of the most commonly used chat apps around the world. However, when we use it, mistakes in messaging are bound to happen - whether it's sending a message to the wrong person, typing an embarrassing typo, or sharing information you immediately regret.

Fortunately, WhatsApp offers your a option to "unsend" your message from your device and others'. So how to unsend message on WhatsApp? In this post, you will get overall instruction to unsend your message on WhatsApp, whether on your iPhone or Android phone.

Part 1. How to Unsend Message on WhatsApp for Android

Follow these simple steps to remove unwanted messages from both your chat and the recipient's chat on Android devices.

Step 1. Navigate to the chat where the message you want to unsend is located. Ensure your are in the correct chat to avoid deleting the wrong message.

Step 2. Long-press the message to highlight it. Once highlighted, a toolbar will appear at the top of your screen.

Step 3. Tap on the trash bin icon in the toolbar. This action brings up the options for deleting the message.

Step 4. Select Delete for Everyone to remove the message from all participants' chats.

Part 2. How to Unsend Message on WhatsApp for iPhone

If you’re using an iPhone, follow these straightforward steps to unsend your message and remove it from both your chat and the recipient's chat.

Step 1. Access the chat where the message you want to unsend is located. Ensure you've selected the correct conversation to avoid any mistakes.

Step 2. Press and hold the message you want to unsend until a menu appears.

Step 3. Select the trash icon or the Delete option from the menu. This step allows you to choose whether to delete the message just for yourself or for everyone in the chat.

Step 4. If the option is available, tap Delete for Everyone to remove the message from both your chat and the recipient's chat.

Part 3. How to Edit Sent Message on WhatsApp

There is a special situation when you want to unsend a message on WhatsApp: misspelled messages. If you sent a WhatsApp message but the message has some spelling mistakes, you can correct it by editing the message on WhatsApp instead of deleting it. Here is the way on how to edit sent message.

For Android

Step 1. Navigate to the chat containing the message you want to edit.

Step 2. Long-press the message you wish to edit until a menu appears at the top of the screen.

Step 3. In the menu at the top-right corner, tap the three-dot icon to see additional options.

Step 4. From the drop-down menu, select Edit. This will allow you to modify the message text.

Step 5. Update the text of the message as needed. Ensure your changes are clear and accurate.

Step 6. Tap the checkmark or Save button to finalize your changes. The updated message will replace the original one, and an Edited label will appear next to it to notify the recipient.

For iPhone

Step 1. Navigate to the conversation where the message you want to edit is located.

Step 2. Long-press the sent message you wish to edit until a menu appears.

Step 3. From the options that appear, select Edit. This will allow you to modify the text of the message.

Step 4. Edit the message as needed. Tap the checkmark or Save button to finalize the edited message. The edited message will replace the original, and a small Edited label will appear next to it to inform recipients of the update.

Part 4. Why I Can't Unsend Message on WhatsApp?

There are several possibilities for that question. Here are the detailed explanations.

• Time Limit Expired

WhatsApp's "Delete for Everyone" feature has a strict time limit, typically up to 48 hours after a message is sent. If this time has passed, you'll no longer see the option to delete the message for everyone.

• Outdated WhatsApp Version

An outdated version of WhatsApp can prevent you from using the "Delete for Everyone" feature. Both you and the recipient must have the latest version of the app installed for this functionality to work.

• Message Not Delivered Yet

The delivery status of your message can also affect your ability to unsend it. If the recipient is offline or has connectivity issues, the message may remain undelivered. In such cases, WhatsApp may temporarily restrict the "Delete for Everyone" feature until the message is delivered.

• Group Chat Restrictions

In group chats, admin settings can restrict who can delete messages for everyone. If the group admin has enabled permissions that limit this ability to specific members or admins, you may not be able to unsend messages for the entire group.

• App or System Glitches

Technical glitches or system bugs can sometimes prevent the "Delete for Everyone" feature from functioning.

Part 5. Back Up WhatsApp in Case Chats Get Lost

In case the reason why you can't unsend message on WhatsApp is app or system glitches of your device and those glitches delete important messages, you'd better back up your WhatsApp once you find this problem.

Officially, you can regularly back up your WhatsApp using the WhatsApp built-in backup feature, Google Drive or iCloud. However, for iOS users, there is a better choice to get WhatsApp backup that is to use TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer. That is a one-click WhatsApp backup tool which allows you to back up all your WhatsApp data to your PC without occupying any storage space of your mobile device. Additionally, it is also a useful WhatsApp transfer, restore, and export tool. Here is the way to use TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer to back up your WhatsApp data.

Step 1. Download and install TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer on your computer. Next, connect your iPhone to that computer and click the Backup icon.

Step 2. Check the info of your iPhone on this backup page. After confirming, click the Start Backup button to back up your WhatsApp to the Export part on your computer. You can use the Export feature to export backup to your PC.

Part 6. FAQs about Unsending Message on WhatsApp

1. Will the recipient know I deleted a message?

Yes, when you delete a message for everyone, the recipient will see a placeholder text that says, "This message was deleted."

2. Can I unsend a message if the recipient has already read it?

Yes, you can still delete the message for everyone even if the recipient has read it. However, deleting it won't erase the fact that the recipient has already seen its content.

3. Can I delete a message for everyone in a group chat?

Yes, you can delete a message for everyone in a group chat as long as you're within the time limit and group settings don't restrict your permissions.

Part 7. Conclusion

Erroneous information can easily lead to unnecessary misunderstandings, especially in fast-paced conversations. Thankfully, WhatsApp offers features to recall and edit sent messages, making it easier for users to manage their communication. Learning how to unsend message on WhatsApp isn't difficult.

By following the methods mentioned above, you can retract incorrect or inappropriate messages before they are seen by recipients. If you're unable to unsend a message, remember to use tools like TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer to back up important messages in advance to avoid potential issues.