Here are some quick answers to common questions about permanently deleting someone’s number from WhatsApp:
Can I delete a contact and keep the chat history?
Yes, when you delete a contact in WhatsApp it only removes them from your contacts list. Their chat history will remain in WhatsApp.
Does deleting a contact delete the chat history?
No, deleting a contact does not delete the chat history. To delete the chat history you need to clear the chat or delete the conversation.
If I delete a contact, will my messages disappear from their phone?
No, deleting a contact only removes them from your contacts list. It does not delete or remove the chat history from their phone.
How do I permanently delete a contact and all chat history?
To permanently delete a contact and all associated chat history from WhatsApp, you need to:
- Open the chat with the contact you want to delete
- Tap on the contact’s name at the top
- Scroll down and tap Clear Chat
- Confirm you want to clear the chat
- Go back to your contacts list and delete the contact
This will delete the entire chat history with that contact and remove them from your contacts list. The chat history will also be deleted from their phone.
Can I recover deleted chats after deleting a contact?
Unfortunately no, clearing a chat before deleting a contact will permanently erase the conversation. There is no way to recover deleted chats after removing a contact.
Will my messages be deleted from the other person’s phone if I delete their contact?
No, deleting a contact only removes it from your contacts list. It does not delete or remove any messages from the other person’s phone.
To delete messages from someone else’s phone, you would need to delete specific messages or clear the entire chat history before removing the contact.
If I delete a group chat, will it be deleted for everyone?
No, if you delete or leave a group chat, it will only be deleted from your phone. The group chat will still exist for all other participants.
Can someone still message me if I delete them from my contacts?
Yes, deleting a contact only removes them from your contacts list. It does not block them or prevent them from messaging you on WhatsApp if they still have your number saved in their phone.
Will my number be deleted from their phone if I delete them as a contact?
No, deleting a contact does not delete or remove your number from their phone. Your number will remain saved in their contacts unless they specifically delete it.
Can I block someone after deleting them as a contact?
Yes, you can block someone after removing them as a contact. Here are the steps:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy
- Tap Blocked Contacts
- Tap Add New
- Enter the phone number you want to block and tap Block
This will block them from calling or messaging you, even if they still have your number saved.
If I delete a contact, can I add them back later?
Yes, when you delete a contact you are only removing them from your contacts list. You can add them back later by:
- Tapping the New Chat icon
- Entering their phone number
- Tapping Add Contact when prompted
As long as you still have their number, you can delete and re-add a contact as many times as needed.
Conclusion
Deleting a contact in WhatsApp only removes them from your contacts list – it does not delete the chat history. To permanently delete a contact and all associated messages:
- Clear the chat history
- Delete the contact
This will erase the messages from both yours and their phone. Other key points to remember:
- Deleting a contact does not remove your number from their phone
- You can still message and be messaged by deleted contacts
- Deleted group chats remain for other participants
- You can block deleted contacts to prevent further messaging
With these tips, you can feel confident permanently removing a contact’s messages and number from WhatsApp when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a contact on WhatsApp delete the chat history?
No, deleting a contact on WhatsApp does not automatically delete the chat history. To delete the chat history you will need to manually clear the chat before deleting the contact.
If I delete a contact will my messages be deleted from their phone?
No, your messages will not be deleted from their phone when you delete the contact. You need to clear the chat history on both phones before deleting the contact to remove messages.
Can someone on WhatsApp still message me if I delete them as a contact?
Yes, deleting a contact only removes them from your contacts list. If they still have your number saved, they can still message and call you on WhatsApp.
What happens when I delete a WhatsApp group chat?
Deleting or leaving a WhatsApp group chat will only remove you from the group. The group will still exist for all other participants.
Will my number be deleted from someone’s phone if I delete them as a contact?
No, deleting a WhatsApp contact does not delete or remove your number from their phone contacts. You would remain saved in their phone.
Can I recover a deleted chat history after deleting a contact?
Unfortunately no, once you clear a chat in WhatsApp and delete the contact, that chat history is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
How do I delete a contact’s number from WhatsApp?
To delete a contact’s number from WhatsApp:
- Open the chat and tap on their name
- Scroll down and tap Clear Chat
- Confirm clearing the chat
- Go back to your contacts and delete the contact
Can I delete a contact and add them back later in WhatsApp?
Yes, you can delete a contact and add them back later as long as you still have their phone number saved. Just tap New Chat and re-enter their number to re-add them.
Will blocking a contact after deleting them prevent further messages?
Yes, you can block a previously deleted contact on WhatsApp to prevent them from messaging or calling you, even if they still have your number saved.
Detailed Steps to Permanently Delete a Contact on WhatsApp
Here is a detailed walkthrough of how to permanently delete a contact and all associated chat history from WhatsApp:
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Open WhatsApp and go to your Chats tab
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Locate and open the chat with the contact you want to delete
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Tap on the contact name at the top of the chat window
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Scroll down on their profile screen and tap Clear Chat
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Confirm that you want to clear the chat by tapping Clear
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This will permanently delete the entire chat history with this contact
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Go back to your Chats tab and tap on the Calls tab at the top
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Swipe left on the contact you want to delete
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Tap More > Delete contact
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Confirm deleting the contact by tapping Delete
This contact is now removed from your WhatsApp contacts list and all associated chat history has been deleted. Repeat these steps for any other contacts you want to permanently delete.
Important Notes
- Make sure to clear the chat before deleting the contact. This erases the messages from both devices.
- The chat will still appear in your Chats tab after deleting. But it cannot be opened without the contact.
- Frequently messaged contacts may appear under Frequently contacted even after deleting.
- Deleted group chats remain intact for all other group participants.
How to Delete Chat History in WhatsApp
To delete a conversation’s chat history in WhatsApp:
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Open the individual or group chat
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Tap on the contact or group name at the top
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Scroll down and tap Clear Chat
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Confirm clearing the messages by tapping Clear
This will permanently erase the entire chat history from both the sender and recipient devices. Use this method before deleting a contact to remove all traces of communication.
Differences Between Deleting Chats and Contacts
Action | Delete Chat History | Delete Contact |
---|---|---|
Removes messages | Yes | No |
Removes from contacts | No | Yes |
Prevents further messaging | No | No |
How to Block a Contact on WhatsApp
To block a contact on WhatsApp so they cannot message or call you:
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Go to WhatsApp Settings
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Tap Account > Privacy
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Tap Blocked Contacts
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Tap Add New
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Search for and select the contact to block
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Tap Block to confirm
This will prevent the blocked contact from contacting you on WhatsApp. They will not be notified that you blocked them.
Unblocking a Contact
To unblock a contact:
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Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked Contacts
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Tap the red Unblock button next to the blocked contact
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Confirm unblocking the contact
This will remove the contact from your blocked list and allow them to message you again if they still have your number saved.
How to Delete WhatsApp Account Permanently
To permanently delete your WhatsApp account and all associated data:
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Open WhatsApp Settings > Account
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Scroll down and tap Delete My Account
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Select a reason for deleting your account
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Tap Delete My Account at the bottom
Your account will be scheduled for deletion and all your messages, groups, and other data will be erased after 30 days. There is no way to recover your account after this.
Important Points
- Back up your chat history before deleting your account if you want to retain it
- Notify your contacts you are deleting your account so they don’t message you
- You cannot temporarily deactivate WhatsApp – only fully delete it
- Deleting your account also deletes your WhatsApp Business account if you have one
How to Back Up and Restore WhatsApp Chats
To preserve your WhatsApp data before deleting an account or contact, you can back up chats to external storage.
Backing Up Chats
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Open WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup
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Tap Back Up to back up chats to Google Drive or iCloud
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Select a backup frequency and tap Back Up
This will periodically back up your WhatsApp data including messages, images, videos, and other media.
Restoring from Backup
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Reinstall WhatsApp on your device
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Verify your phone number when prompted
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On the Restore Chat History page, tap Restore
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Select the backup source and date to restore
Your chats, contacts, settings will be restored from the selected backup.
Conclusion
Deleting contacts and chats on WhatsApp only requires a few taps, but the data is permanently erased. To remove a contact fully:
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Clear the chat history first
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Then delete the contact
This will delete all messages from both devices. Contacts can be re-added as long as you have their number. You can also back up chats before deleting to retain data.
With this guide, you now have all the key steps to permanently removing a contact’s number and messages from WhatsApp when needed.