How to Edit a WhatsApp Message You've Already Sent

Did you send a WhatsApp message too quickly, with mistakes or a clumsy wording? Don't worry—you can easily edit it after sending it, as long as you act quickly!

A typo? A conjugation error? An inappropriate word? A clumsy phrasing? A misunderstanding? The messages we exchange throughout the day can contain embarrassing errors, leading to awkwardness or even misunderstandings. This is particularly true with applications like WhatsApp, which encourage quick writing and sending without careful proofreading. For a long time, the only solution was to delete a sent message after noticing a mistake or clumsy wording—not ideal, especially since the recipient would still see the "This message has been deleted" notification.

However, since early 2024, WhatsApp has allowed users to correct sent messages. A text message sent on the app, even after it has been received, can be edited by the sender. And it's fair to say that this is a game-changer!

Editing a message in a conversation is very simple.

• Just long-press on the message in the chat. An options menu will then appear.
• In addition to the usual actions (Star, Reply, Forward, Copy, Delete, etc.), you'll now see an "Edit" option that allows you to modify your text after sending it.

However, don't wait too long! The feature only allows you to edit the content of your message within fifteen minutes of sending it. After this time, you'll no longer be able to modify it, and you'll have to delete it or correct it in a new message. This restriction ensures that no one can alter the meaning of a conversation by changing old messages.

Once the change is made, your recipient will see that the original message has been edited, thanks to the "Edited" mark. However, they won't be able to see the original text that was sent. Of course, as with all messages, media, and personal calls, your communications and any changes you make are protected by Meta's end-to-end encryption.

This feature makes it much easier to fix small mistakes and keep your conversations clear. Whether it's a chat with friends or an important message, you can now quickly correct errors without the hassle of deleting and retyping your message.