WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform, has recently unveiled an exciting new feature that grants users the ability to edit their messages within a 15-minute window after they have been sent. The feature is set to roll out globally over the next few weeks, empowering senders with greater control over their conversations.

In a blog post published on Monday, WhatsApp announced the introduction of this highly anticipated tool, explaining that users can access it by performing a long press on the message they wish to modify and selecting the “edit” option from the drop-down menu. This feature aims to address those moments when a mistake is made or when a sender simply changes their mind, providing them with the opportunity to rectify their messages.

“We are excited to bring you more control over your chats, from correcting minor spelling errors to adding important context to your messages,” the blog post reads, emphasizing the enhanced control that users will now have. By following a simple process of long-pressing on a sent message and choosing the “Edit” option from the menu within a fifteen-minute timeframe, users can make the necessary changes.

To ensure transparency, edited messages will be marked with the label “edited,” informing the recipient that a modification has been made without displaying the specific edit history. As with all personal messages, media, and calls on WhatsApp, these edits and messages are protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy and security.

The new editing feature is gradually rolling out to WhatsApp users worldwide and is expected to become available to everyone in the coming weeks. Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, announced the change on his Facebook page, further highlighting the significance of this update.

It’s worth noting that competing social media platforms like Telegram and Signal have already implemented similar message editing capabilities, recognizing the value it brings to their users’ messaging experiences.

This latest feature is just one in a series of recent updates from WhatsApp. In April, the platform introduced a feature enabling users to automatically share their status on Facebook Stories, providing seamless integration between the two platforms. Additionally, WhatsApp introduced automatic security codes, empowering users to safeguard their accounts against potential hacking attempts.

With this new message editing feature, WhatsApp continues to enhance its user experience, offering greater flexibility and control over conversations. As the feature rolls out globally, users can look forward to more seamless and efficient messaging on the platform.