WhatsApp new feature update allows users to unsend messages

Facebook/WhatsApp
The official logo of the messaging app, WhatsApp.

There is an estimated one billion people who are now using the messaging app, WhatsApp. However, not all these users are aware of the full extent of this messaging app's features. There are some interesting factoids that can be found online about how to unsend messages, which is something that can potentially save a person from humiliating or regretful experiences.

In a report by Independent, WhatsApp has recently released a feature that allows people to take back some potentially embarrassing messages. The feature is called "Delete for Everyone," and the way it works is that it removes the undesired sent messages from a particular thread — after which, it will no longer be seen by the sender, as well as the recipient. Users must delete the unwanted message within a time frame of seven minutes for it to work.

This may be a god send for most WhatsApp users, but there are a few flaws that exist with the "Delete for Everyone" feature. Even after utilizing the feature, Android users can still access the deleted message through the Notification Log, which makes the feature somewhat useless for Android users. According to We Live Security, at the very least, people will be able to access the first 100 characters of the deleted message.

It is safe to assume that pictures can be viewed once more, despite making use of the "Delete for Everyone" feature. The company has yet to announce this issue, which could probably be fixed in future patches. It is also important to note that there are other means to access the deleted messages for the Android. Indiana Express has reported that another app can be downloaded, and it is called "Notification History" which is compatible with Android 7.0 and up.

The app can be obtained from the Google Play Store. However, it is notable to mention that this app does not work for photos or videos. The deleted messages can only be accessed for a limited time, even if using other apps to access them, and are instantly deleted from existence after a user restarts their phone.