There are a few potential reasons why you may only see the ‘Delete’ option instead of other options like ‘Reply’ on WhatsApp messages:
You have blocked the sender
If you have blocked a contact on WhatsApp, you will only see the ‘Delete’ option when viewing messages from that blocked contact. You won’t be able to reply or forward messages from blocked contacts.
To check if you’ve blocked someone, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked contacts. If the contact shows up here, tap on their name and select ‘Unblock’ to restore full messaging capabilities.
The sender has blocked you
Similarly, if the sender has blocked you, you will only see the ‘Delete’ option on messages from that person. They have taken action to block you, which limits your ability to interact with their messages.
Unfortunately there is no way to directly check if someone has blocked you on WhatsApp. Some signs include not seeing their online status, profile photo disappearing, inability to make calls, and one-way tick marks on messages.
It’s a very old message
WhatsApp limits how long you can reply to an old message. The timeframe varies, but messages older than a few months will typically display the ‘Delete’ option only.
This is intended to keep conversations current and relevant. If you need to respond to an old message, consider starting a new message thread instead.
Group privacy settings
In WhatsApp groups, the admin can restrict who is allowed to post messages. If your permission has been limited, you may only see ‘Delete’ on group messages from others.
Have the group admin check the group settings to ensure you have permission to post. They can update the group privacy settings as needed.
You don’t have message history enabled
WhatsApp gives you the option to save your message history, or you can choose to automatically delete old messages. If you have disabled message history, older messages outside the retention period will only give you the ‘Delete’ option.
To check your settings, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat History. Make sure ‘Save to Google Drive’ is enabled or set a retention period to store messages.
It’s a deleted message
If the sender deletes a message they sent you, it will appear as just ‘Delete’ on your side. The original message content will be gone and all you can do is delete it from your phone as well.
This helps users rectify mistakes in their messaging. To avoid confusion, let the sender know if you see they’ve deleted messages to you.
Your phone storage is full
If your phone is running low on storage space, WhatsApp may automatically delete older message history and media. In this case you will likely see ‘Delete’ on many conversations.
Free up storage space on your phone and then within WhatsApp go to Settings > Chats > Chat History and tap ‘Recover Deleted Messages’ to restore conversations.
App malfunction
In rare cases, a glitch in the app may be preventing message options from loading correctly. Try force closing the WhatsApp app, clearing the cache, or reinstalling the app to resolve software issues.
If the problems persists across messaging threads, this points to an app malfunction rather than a specific blocked contact.
Account restriction
If your WhatsApp account has been temporarily banned or restricted due to violations of terms of service, you may lose certain messaging capabilities. You’ll only see ‘Delete’ on conversations.
Appeal the restriction by contacting WhatsApp support. Once your account access has been restored, all message options will return.
Conclusion
Seeing only the ‘Delete’ option on WhatsApp is usually easily explained by a blocked contact, deleted message, group settings, or the age of the message. Check that message history is enabled, storage space is sufficient, and there are no app issues.
If the problem persists, carefully review your account status, security settings, contacts list and group memberships to determine where the limitation is coming from. Contact WhatsApp support if needed to remove unwarranted messaging restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I only seeing the delete option on WhatsApp?
The most common reasons you only see the delete option are:
- You blocked the contact
- The contact blocked you
- The message is too old
- Group privacy settings limit who can reply
- Message history is not enabled
- The sender deleted their message
- Your phone storage is full
- A bug or glitch in the app
- Your account was temporarily restricted
How do I know if someone blocked me on WhatsApp?
Signs someone may have blocked you on WhatsApp include:
- You can’t see their profile photo
- You don’t see their “last seen” status
- Your messages only show one tick mark
- You can’t make voice or video calls to them
Can I recover deleted WhatsApp messages?
If you have chat history enabled, you can recover deleted WhatsApp messages by going to Settings > Chats > Chat History and tapping “Recover Deleted Messages.” The messages need to be within your retention period to be recovered.
Why can’t I reply in a WhatsApp group?
If the group admin limited who can send messages, you may be restricted. Ask the admin to update the group settings to allow you to participate fully.
How do I free up space for WhatsApp messages?
To free up space used by WhatsApp:
- Delete large files and media
- Enable auto-deletion of older messages
- Turn off media auto-download
- Export chat history to free up local storage
- Delete unused apps and files
WhatsApp Message Options Troubleshooting Guide
Follow this step-by-step guide to identify and resolve issues if you are only seeing the ‘Delete’ option on WhatsApp messages:
Step 1: Check if you blocked the contact
Go to your blocked contacts list in WhatsApp and unblock the contact if needed.
Step 2: See if the contact blocked you
Look for signs like missing profile photo, one tick mark on messages, and inability to call.
Step 3: Review message date
Open the info pane for the message – very old messages will only show ‘Delete’.
Step 4: Try sending a new message
See if you can start a new message thread with the contact.
Step 5: Verify your group permissions
Ask the admin to check the group settings and your permission to post.
Step 6: Check your chat history settings
Go to Settings > Chats > Chat History and enable message retention.
Step 7: Look for deleted messages
A missing message likely means the sender deleted their message after sending.
Step 8: Free up storage space
WhatsApp may delete old messages if your phone is full. Free up space.
Step 9: Troubleshoot app issues
Force close, clear cache, reinstall WhatsApp to fix bugs.
Step 10: Review account status
Check for any active restrictions or bans limiting your messaging.
Step 11: Contact WhatsApp support
If still unclear, reach out to WhatsApp for help removing limitations.
WhatsApp Message Options Comparative Table
| Situation | Options Visible | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| You blocked contact | Delete only | Unblock contact |
| Contact blocked you | Delete only | Ask contact to unblock |
| Very old message | Delete only | Start new message |
| Limited by group admin | Delete only | Request permissions |
| No message history | Delete only | Enable message retention |
| Sender deleted message | Delete only | None |
| Phone storage full | Delete only | Free up space |
| App glitch | Delete only | Reinstall app |
| Account restricted | Delete only | Appeal restriction |
Summary
Not seeing options beyond ‘Delete’ on WhatsApp is usually easily resolvable. Check your settings, storage, contacts, groups, and account status. Troubleshoot app glitches. If needed, reach out to WhatsApp support to remove limitations.
With the right troubleshooting steps, you can restore full messaging capabilities and resume replying, forwarding, and deleting WhatsApp messages as desired.