Edit WhatsApp messages afterwards: here’s how

Typos happen, especially on cell phones. In WhatsApp, you can now adjust messages after they’ve been sent – if you’re quick enough.

The message editing feature proves to be very useful, especially when you need to fix autocorrect errors or adjust unclear wording. While other messengers like Telegram have offered this option for years, WhatsApp has long resisted the message editing function.

And with the update in 2022, WhatsApp finally succumbed to the desire of users. From then on, you can correct messages that have already been sent. However, this is only possible within the first 15 minutes after sending. The message is then marked “edited” so the recipient will know that you changed something later. Once 15 minutes have passed, no changes can be made.

1. Long press on the text you want to change.
2. Click Edit.
3. Change the text as desired.

1. Press and hold on the text you want to change.
2. Click on the three dots at the top.
3. Select “Edit”.
4. Change the text and confirm with “Submit”.

As early as December 2016, WABetaInfo predicted the introduction of editing functionality. It was not introduced until more than six years later. The long wait is surprising.

Introducing the editing feature can be problematic as it has the potential to change the meaning of messages already sent. This can be confusing, especially in group chats. Therefore, a period of 15 minutes may have been set to prevent abuse.