WhatsApp developers are planning to add a message editing function since 2017. However, the update never came out. Pity – perhaps everyone knows the frustration of sending a wrong message and not being able to fix it. However, we found a way around it – read on to find out.
We will explain how to edit the default invitation message in WhatsApp Business and how to delete a message for both you and the recipient. Additionally, we’ll explain how to format your messages, restore your chats, and answer more questions about editing messages in the app.
How to Edit a Message on WhatsApp
WhatsApp Business gives you the option to send a message every time you share your invitation QR code with someone. To edit the default message, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp Business and tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner of your screen.
- Select ‘Business Tools’, then tap ‘Short Link’.
- Select “View QR Code”.
- Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner of your screen, then select “Edit”.
- Edit the default message to your liking.
- Tap “OK” to confirm.
Editing a Sent Message on WhatsApp
It is not possible to edit sent messages on WhatsApp. However, you can delete a sent message and write a new one. Here’s how to do this:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the “Chats” tab. Optionally, go to the “People” tab and select a contact to open a chat with them.
- Tap the conversation with the message you want to delete.
- Find the message, tap and hold for a few seconds.
- Tap the trash can icon in the upper right corner of your screen.
- Select “Delete for everyone” to delete the message for both you and the recipient.
How to Edit a Message on WhatsApp on Android
Although you cannot edit a sent message on WhatsApp, you can delete the message for both yourself and the recipient. To do this on Android, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the “Chats” tab at the top of your screen.
- Tap the conversation with the message you want to delete.
- Find the message, tap and hold for a few seconds.
- Tap the trash can icon that appears in the upper right corner of your screen.
- Select “Delete for everyone” to delete the message for both you and the recipient.
Note: The recipient will know that you have deleted the message, even if they do not see the text of your message.
How to Edit a Message in WhatsApp on iPhone
It is impossible to edit a message on WhatsApp. However, you can delete both for yourself and for your contact. Here’s how you can do this on an iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the “Chats” tab located at the bottom of your screen.
- Tap the conversation with the message you want to delete.
- Find the message, tap and hold for a few seconds.
- Tap the trash can icon in the upper right corner of your screen.
- Select “Delete for everyone” to delete the message for both you and the recipient.
Note: The recipient will know that you have deleted the message, even if they do not see the text of your message.
Editing WhatsApp Messages Sent by Your Friends
Just like with your own messages, it’s impossible to edit your friends’ messages on WhatsApp. However, if you want to edit someone’s message before forwarding it, you can copy and edit it after pasting. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the “Chats” tab.
- Select a chat containing the message you want to forward.
- Find the message, tap and hold for a few seconds.
- Tap the copy icon in the upper right corner of your screen.
- Open a chat where you want to forward the message.
- Tap and hold the message input box for a few seconds, then tap “Paste” when it appears.
- Edit and send your message.
How to Edit WhatsApp Message Before Forwarding
While you can’t edit a message in WhatsApp before forwarding it, there is a way – you can copy the message and edit it after you paste it. To do this, follow the instructions below:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the “Chats” tab.
- Select a chat containing the message you want to forward.
- Find the message, tap and hold for a few seconds.
- Tap the copy icon in the upper right corner of your screen.
- Open a chat where you want to forward the message.
- Tap and hold the message input box for a few seconds, then tap “Paste” when it appears.
- Edit and send your message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read this section to learn more about editing and restoring messages on WhatsApp.
How Can I Bold a Message on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp allows a variety of text formatting options – italic, bold, strikethrough and monospace. You can format your message like this:
• To make the text bold, simply put an asterisk
before and after your text.
• To italicize text, put an underscore (_) before and after it.
• To strikethrough your text, type the “~” symbol on either side.
How to Edit Message on WhatsApp
How Do I Restore WhatsApp Backup?
The easiest way to restore WhatsApp backup is to do it with the help of Google Drive. Follow the steps below:
• Make sure you use the same number for your Google Drive account and WhatsApp.
• Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
• Open the app and verify your phone number.
• Tap “Restore” when the option appears.
• Tap “Next” and wait for your chats to be restored.
How to Recover WhatsApp Chat?
Unfortunately, you cannot recover a deleted chat on WhatsApp. However, you can use third-party software to do this. One such application is Phone Rescue, which is available for both iPhone and Android devices. Here’s how to use it:
• Install the software on your computer.
• Connect your mobile device to your computer.
• Select the recovery mode in the application.
• Select “WhatsApp”, then select the specific chats or media you want to recover.
• Confirm and wait for your chats to be restored.
Flawed, But Working
While other messengers like Viber and Telegram implemented the message editing option a long time ago, WhatsApp doesn’t leave you a chance to make mistakes. Of course, the method of deleting and writing a new message is not perfect, because the recipient will still know that the message exists. However, it’s better than nothing. Hopefully, WhatsApp will get an update and allow us to edit messages soon.
What are your thoughts on the lack of “Edit” and “Undo Send” functions in WhatsApp? Share your views in the comments section below.
