WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows users to easily send messages, photos, videos and other files to individuals or groups.
As an administrator of a WhatsApp group, you may sometimes need to delete images that have been sent in the group, for instance inappropriate content or large files taking up space. However, WhatsApp does not provide an easy way for admins to delete images sent by others.
In this article, we will explain two main methods that WhatsApp group admins can use to delete images sent in their groups:
Method 1: Using a Third-Party App
There are some third-party apps that provide the functionality for group admins to delete any messages in their WhatsApp groups. This includes the ability to target and delete images. Some examples of such apps include WAMR and WhatsApp Manager.
The main steps are:
1. Download and install the third-party app on your device (must be an Android device)
2. Grant the app access to your WhatsApp data and groups
3. Open the group in the app and delete the images you want removed
Method 2: Ask a User to Delete the Image
Since WhatsApp does not currently allow admins to delete others’ messages, another option is to directly ask the sender to delete the image themselves.
As the admin, you can send a private message or post a request in the group itself asking the user who sent the image to voluntarily delete it. Most users will cooperate with the admin’s request.
You can also warn that you will have to remove the user from the group if they do not comply and delete the image. This can motivate them to delete it.
Step-by-Step Guide for Each Method
Now let’s look at the detailed steps to delete WhatsApp images as an admin using each of these two methods:
Using a Third-Party App
Here are the step-by-step instructions to delete WhatsApp images as admin using a third-party app like WAMR:
- Download and install the WAMR app on your Android phone from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and select ‘WhatsApp Business’ when prompted.
- Allow the app access and permissions to your WhatsApp data when requested.
- In WAMR, tap on the 3-line menu button and select ‘WhatsApp Manager’.
- Select the group from which you want to delete an image.
- Open the media tab and browse the images in the group.
- Tap and hold on the image you want to delete.
- Select ‘Delete’ from the pop-up menu.
- Confirm deletion in the prompt.
The image will be immediately deleted from the group for all participants. The steps may be slightly different in other third party apps but the overall process is similar.
Ask User to Delete
To delete a WhatsApp image as admin by asking the sender, follow these steps:
- Open the WhatsApp group in which the image was sent.
- Note down the contact number or name of the user who sent the image.
- Open an individual chat with that person.
- Politely ask them to delete the specific image from the group that they had sent.
- If they agree, confirm once they have deleted it by checking the group.
- If they refuse, firmly state that you will have to remove them from the group if the image is not deleted.
- If still not deleted, remove the user from the group by opening Group Settings > Select the person > Remove from Group.
- Now you can delete the image yourself as it will show as sent by “a participant” rather than the user.
This process relies on the cooperation of the user who sent the image initially, but usually works if handled diplomatically.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Let’s summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of using a third party app vs asking the user to delete the image:
Third-Party App Pros
- Admin has full control to delete any images
- Fast and convenient process
- No need to involve original sender of the image
Third-Party App Cons
- Need to download separate app with access to data
- Only works on Android phones
- Images may already be seen by some users
Ask User to Delete Pros
- No external app required
- Works on both iOS and Android
- Original user deletes the image so it is completely removed
Ask User to Delete Cons
- Relies on user’s cooperation
- May be inconvenient and slower process
- Original user may have already saved the image
In summary, using a specialized third-party app provides more efficient and reliable control for an admin to remove images. But it requires installing an extra app and only works on Android devices. Asking the sender to remove the image themselves retains more privacy but is less convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to delete images on iPhone as admin?
Unfortunately on iOS/iPhones there is currently no integrated way or third party app for admins to delete WhatsApp images sent by others. The only option is to politely ask the original sender to remove it themselves.
Will other users be notified if I delete their images?
When you delete a message using third party apps, WhatsApp does not send any notification to group participants that an image was removed. The image is simply gone. However, if you ask a user to delete their own image, they will obviously know it was removed.
Can I find and delete images that were sent long time ago?
Yes, with third party tools like WAMR you can browse back through your full WhatsApp chat history and search for old images to delete them even if they were sent months or years ago. This can help free up storage space on your phone.
Is this method ethical for admins to delete without consent?
There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this issue. Some feel that consent is not needed as the admin must keep the group safe and usable. Others argue deleting without permission violates trust. In general it is wise to use discretion and try the collaborative approach first.
Will deleting images affect my WhatsApp backup?
No, deleting images from chats does not affect your backups. WhatsApp backups are a snapshot record of your chat history at the time of backup. If you delete an image now, backups from before it was deleted will still contain that image.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp does not provide official options for group admins to delete images sent by others, there are two main workarounds:
– Using a third-party app (like WAMR on Android) to directly delete images
– Asking the user who sent the image to voluntarily remove it themselves
Both have pros and cons that should be considered. But used properly, these methods do give WhatsApp admins some control over removing problem images from groups without having to delete entire conversations.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Party App | Full control, fast, convenient | Separate app required, Android only, privacy risks |
| Ask User to Delete | No app required, works on iOS | Relies on cooperation, slower, user may have saved image |
We hope this article has helped explain how to delete WhatsApp images as an admin! Let us know if you have any other questions.