Typos and grammar mistakes are common in conversations, especially when you are on the go or typing without autocorrection. While you can follow up with a correction or retrieve the message, editing the sent text is more convenient for both sides. Following the footsteps of iMessage and Telegram, WhatsApp, the world’s biggest chat app, announced an option to edit text messages to take care of such typos.


Did you accidentally send your friend or loved one the wrong movie time on WhatsApp? Before your typo leads to confusion and mistakes, quickly edit the message to avoid any further mess. The ability to edit sent WhatsApp messages is available on Windows, Mac, iPhone, top budget Android phones, and the web.


Editing messages on WhatsApp: Requirements

Before we start, let’s set some rules straight. Otherwise, the message editing feature may not work as expected.

  • You won’t see the Edit option on an outdated WhatsApp app. Make sure to install the latest WhatsApp app on your iPhone, Android, Windows desktop, or Mac. The company’s desktop app is available on the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store.
  • The recipient also needs to use the latest WhatsApp version on their phone.
  • You can only edit the message within 15 minutes of sending the message. The Edit option disappears after that.
  • You can edit the sent WhatsApp message only from the device from which it was sent. You can’t send a message from your Android phone and edit it using the desktop app within the time limit. You must use the original device to edit the text.

How to edit WhatsApp messages on Android

Now that you know the requirements for editing a sent message on WhatsApp, let’s check it in action. Like your regular WhatsApp messages, calls, and media, your messages and edits are end-to-end encrypted.

  1. Launch WhatsApp on your Android phone and open a conversation.
  2. Long-tap on a message you want to edit.
  3. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
  4. Select Edit.
  5. Fix your typos or enter a new message and tap the checkmark beside it.

That’s it. The recipient only sees the new message with the Edited banner under it. Check the screenshot below for reference.

How to edit WhatsApp messages on iPhone

If you use WhatsApp on your iPhone, use the steps below to edit typos in conversations.

  1. Open a chat thread in WhatsApp for iPhone.
  2. Long-tap on a message and tap Edit from the floating menu.
  3. Type a new message and tap the checkmark.

WhatsApp doesn’t send a notification about edited messages. The message timestamp also remains unchanged.