Sometimes we will want to delete the messages sent by Signal , either due to an error in the text, for having made the wrong recipient or for simple privacy, so now we will explain how this possibility works in Signal.
After downloading Signal we have to get used to how it works, which is generally intuitive. When it comes to deleting messages, we can delete them only from our chat , or even make them disappear on the recipients’ mobile phones , although with certain limitations in the latter case.
Remember that Signal is a very secure app , so the degree of privacy is high. However, you cannot prevent screenshots from being taken before we delete the message.
Although the reliability is not total, it is worth knowing this option. Let’s see the process step by step:
- We keep pressed on the message that we want to delete until a top menu appears:
- We touch the icon of a trash can in the upper area:
- We will get the options “Delete for me” and “Delete for everyone” in a pop-up window:
- If we choose “Delete for me” the message disappears from our conversation without leaving any trace, but the other person continues to see it , and with this, the process would end.
- On the other hand, by clicking on “Delete for everyone” (it only appears within 3 hours after sending the message) it will disappear in the conversations of all chat participants . A notice informs us and asks us to confirm the action:
- The message disappears from everyone’s chat, regardless of whether they have read it or not, and in return a text indicates “You have deleted this message” , which will also be seen by other users.
“Delete for everyone”, how does it work?
This possibility of Signal is very similar to “Delete for all” of WhatsApp , although it has certain peculiarities. For example, there is a maximum period of 3 hours , then Signal does not allow you to delete messages on other people’s mobiles.
This works regardless of whether the other person has read the message , the only limit is temporary. On the other hand, if someone has replied to the deleted message, the quoted reply will not be deleted.
In addition, it requires a recent version of the application , specifically one of the following:
- Signal 4.73 or higher on Android.
- Signal 3.19 or higher on iPhone or iPad.
- Signal 1.37.1 or higher on desktop.
If we do not have a compatible version, the option will not appear and, in addition, messages will not be deleted on mobiles with old versions , so this Signal functionality is not infallible, far from it.
If we are concerned about privacy, Signal’s self-destructing messages are a better alternative, making it difficult for their content to be disclosed.
In conclusion, it is easy to delete messages from Signal , and in this aspect it is at the same level as competitors such as WhatsApp or Telegram, so it will be easy to get used to it if we migrate from another platform.
