Social Navigation

WhatsApp is rolling out a message editing feature, and it allows text editing up to 15 minutes after it’s been sent

Technology

WhatsApp rolls out the feature to allow users to edit their sent text messages up to 15 minutes after delivery. Earlier last week, WhatsApp was reportedly testing the feature on the beta version of its Android and iOS app, as well as the web interface. However, the feature has now been rolled out to global users. The messaging app already offers the ability to delete sent messages. However, the feature of editing a sent message will save time for rewriting the entire text.

In a post on Facebook, Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg announced the new feature on WhatsApp, which makes it easier for users to correct their mistakes without deleting the entire text. Currently, the ability to edit a message is valid for up to 15 minutes after a text message has been sent.

The feature is available in the latest updates on the Android and iOS app. It can also be used on the web interface of WhatsApp. In order to edit any text sent, the user will need to press and hold on the message. From the menu, choose the “Modify” option to edit the message.

It is important to note here that all edited messages will be displayed with a “modified” tag written along the timestamp. Hence, the recipient will know if the message has been edited, but will not be able to access the text editing history.

WhatsApp also has an option to delete the sent text if there are errors, or a message was sent to the wrong number. However, the ability to edit text saves the user time in rewriting the message.

The company announced, in a blog post, that the update will be rolled out to all users globally. It can be used to “correct a simple misspelling or add additional context to the message”. It also added that all modifications made will be protected with end-to-end encryption.


Google I/O 2023 saw the search giant tell us over and over again that it cares about artificial intelligence, along with the launch of its first Pixel-branded foldable phone and tablet. This year, the company will power its apps, services, and Android operating system with artificial intelligence technology. We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcast.
Affiliate links may be generated automatically – see our Ethics Statement for details.

Joanna Swanson

Joanna Swanson is Europe correspondent at the Thomson Reuters Foundation based in Brussels covering politics, culture, business, climate change, society, economies and inclusive tech. With specific focus in breaking news, she has covered some of the world's most significant stories.