How to edit WhatsApp messages after sending

Have you ever sent a WhatsApp message only to discover a typo or realize that you left something important out? We’ve all been there! Fortunately, WhatsApp allows you to quickly edit any message, even after it has been sent.

How to edit a WhatsApp message

Editing messages is a lesser-known WhatsApp feature that’s very handy – it’s great for correcting typos or adding details you initially missed. Instead of cluttering the chat with follow-up texts, you can customize your original message, keeping the conversation clear and concise.

Suppose you told a friend to meet you at a coffee shop, but you gave the wrong time. Instead of sending another message, you can simply edit your original message to resolve the issue.

To edit a message in WhatsApp for Android or iPhone, open the chat and long press the message. Right-click the message on the desktop.

On Android, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the screen. Skip this step on iPhone and desktop.

Choose “Edit” from the menu.

Make your changes to the message and then check the box to save your changes.

The limitations when editing WhatsApp messages

WhatsApp gives you up to 15 minutes to edit a message after sending it. During this time, you can make as many changes as necessary, but the original version will be replaced and there will be no edit history. Once the 15 minute window closes, you will no longer be able to make any further changes. All you have to do is delete the message and send a new one instead.

You can only edit the message on the device from which you sent the message. So if you send the message from your Android phone and then go to the WhatsApp desktop app, you won’t be able to make any changes.

Changes are possible in both personal chats and group chats, but not in WhatsApp community announcement groups. You also can’t edit multiple messages at once, nor can you edit media like photos.

Does editing a message notify the recipient?

WhatsApp doesn’t send a notification to the recipient when you edit a message. The updated message simply replaces the original in the chat and the word “Edited” appears below it. This lets the recipient know that changes have been made without drawing unnecessary attention to them.

Whether you’re correcting a typo, adding additional context, or adjusting your tone, editing your WhatsApp messages ensures your chats are clear and concise. Just make sure you edit the message before the recipient sees the original!