23 May 2023, Mumbai: WhatsApp, the popular messaging app owned by Meta, has recently unveiled an eagerly awaited feature that brings relief to users who often find themselves sending messages riddled with typos. With the introduction of the new Edit button, WhatsApp now allows users to make changes to their sent messages. This long-awaited functionality is set to eliminate the need for follow-up messages to clarify previous errors. However, there is a slight limitation to this feature that users should be aware of. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.
Making Corrections with WhatsApp’s Edit Button
In a blog post, WhatsApp shared the exciting news of the Edit button, which grants users the ability to rectify mistakes or add context to their sent messages. Whether it’s fixing a simple misspelling or providing additional information, this feature puts more control in the hands of users. To utilize the Edit feature, users can long-press on a sent message and select “Edit” from the menu. While the introduction of message editing is undoubtedly a welcome addition, there is a catch. Users can only edit their messages within 15 minutes of sending them. After this time frame, the message becomes permanent and unalterable. It’s important for users to keep this limitation in mind to make timely corrections to their messages.
Visible Edits and Privac
When a message is edited, WhatsApp appends the label “edited” to indicate that changes have been made. This ensures that recipients are aware of the correction made to the original message. However, it’s worth noting that edit history remains private and is not visible to others. WhatsApp emphasizes that all messages, including edits, are protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring the privacy and security of users’ conversations.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Announcement
Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg himself took to his Facebook page to share the news, expressing his excitement about the new feature. He stated, “You can now edit your WhatsApp messages up to 15 mins after they’re sent!”. WhatsApp’s introduction of the message editing feature brings a sigh of relief to users who have long awaited the ability to make corrections to their sent messages. With a simple long-press and the “Edit” option, users can rectify typos or provide additional context within a 15-minute timeframe. The visibility of edits ensures transparency, while the end-to-end encryption preserves user privacy. As this new feature rolls out, WhatsApp users can enjoy greater control over their messaging experience, bidding farewell to embarrassing typos and unnecessary follow-up messages.