WhatsApp, the most popular messaging app in the world, introduced a highly anticipated feature: the ability to edit sent messages. This new feature gives users greater control over their chats, allowing them to fix mistakes or add context to a message for up to 15 minutes after it's been sent. So let's see how to do it with a step by step guide.
How to edit whatsapp sent messages
Editing messages on WhatsApp is extremely simple. The functionality that was introduced has also been rendered very intuitive: just hold down on the message and go to the related settings. That's how:
- press and hold on the message that you want to modify (within 15 minutes of sending)
- go to the three dots at the top right (on Android) and press "Modification"
- will appear below the message editor, or a text bar that will allow us to modify the message sent on WhatsApp previously
- once modified (by deleting and rewriting the text), we press on the green icon to send it and the message you see at the bottom right will appear: “This message has been changed for all chat participants using the latest version of WhatsApp"
- now the message will appear modified with a mini message alongside (“Modified“) which will remind us of the modification
Why is this feature important?
The ability to edit sent messages is one of the most requested features by WhatsApp users. This feature makes the messaging app even more flexible and user-friendly, allowing users to correct errors or add information without having to delete and resend a message.
Also, the message editing function respect user privacy. Recipients will see that a message has been edited, but they will not be able to see the original version of the message. This means we can correct a mistake or change the tone of a message without worrying about whether the original version remains visible. As with all personal messages, media files and calls, edited messages are also protected by end-to-end encryption.
