The new feature named “Delete for everyone” allow users to delete wrongly-sent messages to individuals or group chats.
In a statement on the company’s website, WhatsApp said “Deleting messages for everyone allows you to delete specific messages you have sent to either a group or an individual chat. This is particularly useful if you sent a message to the wrong chat or if the message you sent contains a mistake.”
However, the most awaited feature comes with a few terms – you have to delete it within seven minutes; it isn’t legible for messages beyond that time frame, and there is a chance that the recipient may have read the message despite you deleting it within the seven-minute mark.
Once the message has been successfully deleted, a “This message was deleted” text or "You deleted this message" text will replace the said deleted message. So, don’t think you’re safe ah, people can still know you sent something that’s not meant for them.
Previously, the app only has a delete feature whereby the sender can only clear messages on his or her own device. With this new feature, senders can clear messages on the recipient’s end and also delete multiple messages at once.
So, when can you start using this feature to prevent you from sending any embarrassing, awkward, or cringe-worthy messages in the future?
Well since WhatsApp has over 1 billion users worldwide, the feature will roll out in batches so some of your friends may have already started using this feature.
The most important thing to ensure that this feature works is both sender and recipient are using the latest version of WhatsApp. If the recipient is still using an old version, he or she will still be able to read the message.
So, who’s excited for this new feature? We know we are!