WhatsApp groups are useful for communication, but sometimes a group becomes inactive, unnecessary, or irrelevant. In such cases, deleting the group permanently is the best option.

Only a group admin has the authority to delete a WhatsApp group permanently. This guide explains the complete step-by-step process to delete a WhatsApp group on Android and iPhone.

Who Can Delete a WhatsApp Group?

Only group admins can delete a WhatsApp group permanently
The group cannot be deleted if members are still present
All participants must be removed before deletion

Once deleted, the group cannot be restored.

Step-by-Step Guide to Delete WhatsApp Group Permanently

Step 1: Open the WhatsApp Group

Open WhatsApp and select the group you want to delete.

Step 2: Open Group Info

Tap on the group name at the top of the chat screen to open Group Info.

Step 3: Remove All Group Members

As an admin, you must remove all participants one by one:

Tap on a member’s name
Select Remove from group
Confirm the action

Repeat this step until you are the only member left in the group.

Note: WhatsApp does not provide an option to remove all members at once.

Step 4: Exit the Group

After removing all members:

Scroll down in Group Info
Tap Exit Group

Step 5: Delete the Group Permanently

Once you exit the group:

Tap Delete Group
Confirm to delete chats and media

The WhatsApp group will now be deleted permanently for everyone.

Important Things to Remember

Deleted WhatsApp groups cannot be recovered
Group chat history will be removed from your WhatsApp
Media files already downloaded by members may still remain on their devices
WhatsApp does not send a separate notification before deletion

Can a WhatsApp Group Be Deleted Without Removing Members?

No.
WhatsApp does not allow admins to delete a group directly without removing members first. Removing all participants is mandatory.

How to Delete a WhatsApp Group Permanently by Admin