Find out how to retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages on both Android and iOS with easy-to-follow methods
Wondering how to read deleted WhatsApp messages? Check out this guide.
Photo Credit: Pixabay/ Thomas Ulrich
WhatsApp's "Delete for Everyone" feature allows users to remove sent messages within a certain timeframe, helping to correct mistakes or retract unwanted content. However, this often leaves recipients curious about what was deleted. Whether it's a personal message or something important, there are ways to retrieve these messages. This guide offers step-by-step methods for both Android and iOS users to view deleted WhatsApp messages using features like notification history, chat backups, and third-party apps.
There are many ways to delete messages on Android. The operating system provides both integrated options on WhatsApp as well as through third-party apps. Check below to see all the ways you can check the deleted messages on WhatsApp.
Android devices running version 11 and above include a Notification History feature. This tool keeps a log of all notifications received, making it a straightforward way to access deleted WhatsApp messages.
Steps to Enable Notification History:
This feature is free, built into your device, and doesn't require third-party apps. However, it has limitations; it only logs messages if the notification was received, meaning muted chats won't appear.
WhatsApp provides a Chat Backup feature, allowing you to restore deleted messages if a backup was created before deletion. Backups can be made manually or automatically on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule.
This method works well if the deleted messages are part of the last backup. However, new messages received after the backup and before deletion will not be restored.
Third-party apps like Notisave are designed to save notifications and can help access deleted WhatsApp messages. These apps monitor and store incoming notifications, including those that have been deleted.
Note: The steps and access permission may vary depending on the app you are using. You can follow the prompts/steps given in the app to navigate it easily.
These apps are easy to use but come with privacy concerns. Always read the app's privacy policy and download only from reputable sources. They cannot retrieve media files or messages that were not delivered as notifications.
For iPhone users, WhatsApp offers iCloud backup integration, making it possible to restore deleted messages.
This method is reliable for retrieving deleted messages if a backup exists. However, restoring from iCloud replaces current chats with the backup data.
If you back up your iPhone regularly using iTunes, you can restore deleted WhatsApp messages by rolling back to an earlier backup.
Steps to Use iTunes Backup:
While effective, this method restores all app data, meaning any new data after the backup will be lost.
On Android, use the Notification History feature or a third-party app like Notisave. These methods log notifications, allowing you to view deleted messages without needing a backup.
Yes, but only if the message was included in a previous backup. Restoring messages requires uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp, followed by restoring from a backup on iCloud, Google Drive, or iTunes.
While apps like Notisave are popular, they require access to sensitive data like notifications and storage. Use these apps cautiously, download them from reputable sources, and read their privacy policies before granting permissions.
No, notification history apps only log text notifications. To recover deleted media, rely on backups stored on Google Drive, iCloud, or local storage.
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