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In WhatsApp, you can also edit messages after they have been sent. However, you can only use the function within a certain time frame.
Edit WhatsApp message: How to proceed
WhatsApp has introduced a long-awaited feature: You can now edit messages after the fact. The function is available up to 15 minutes after the message has been sent.
- To edit a message afterwards, first open the chat with the message you want to adjust
- Tap and hold your finger on the message until it is highlighted
- Now click on the three dots at the top right of the menu bar.
- Select the item “Edit”.
- Customise the message and confirm on the hook.
- Note that you can only edit a message up to 15 minutes after sending it. After that, the function is no longer available.
- In addition, the message “edited” is displayed for edited messages. However, the change history of the message remains hidden. So the other person cannot see what exactly you have edited.
- If the function is not available for you, check WhatsApp for updates. If necessary, you should update WhatsApp.
- If you are still unable to edit messages, you have no choice but to wait. It usually takes a few weeks before a new function is available to all users.
Delete or quote instead of edit in WhatsApp
If the function is not yet available for you, you can help yourself with some workarounds.
- Quickly delete and rewrite: If your counterpart hasn’t read the message yet, then it’s a case of reacting quickly. Delete the sent message by pressing and holding on it and then clicking on “delete for all”. Attention: If you click on “Delete for me only”, the other person will still see the message.
- Cite: Correct your mistake by “commenting” on the message by swiping to the right. Quoting the text allows you to at least correct the faux pas afterwards.
- messenger services: Alternatively, use messengers such as Signal or Telegram. These already have the editing function integrated.
