WhatsApp’s “Delete for Everyone” feature is useful when you need to retract a sent message. However, it often leaves the recipient wondering what was deleted. If you’ve been curious about retrieving deleted WhatsApp messages, there are a few methods you can try. Whether you’re using Android or iOS, we’ve got you covered with simple and effective ways to check deleted messages.
How to See Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android
If you use an Android phone, you can retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages using several techniques. Below are the methods:
1. Use Notification History
If your Android phone is running version 11 or above, you can take advantage of the Notification History feature. This keeps track of all notifications, including WhatsApp messages.
- Open Settings and search for Notification History.
- Find the WhatsApp message you want to check.
This method works well for text messages that were part of the notifications. However, muted chats won’t appear in this history.
2. Check WhatsApp Chat Backup
WhatsApp allows you to back up your chats to Google Drive, which can help you retrieve deleted messages if a backup exists. Here’s how to do it:
- Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Make sure the backup frequency is set to daily or according to your preference.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- During setup, tap Restore to recover messages from your backup.
Keep in mind that only the messages in the last backup will be restored. Any messages received after the backup won’t be included.
3. Use Third-Party Apps
You can use apps like Notisave to retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages. These apps track notifications, including those for WhatsApp. Here’s how:
- Install a third-party app like Notisave from the Google Play Store.
- Grant the necessary permissions for the app to access notifications.
- Open the app to see deleted WhatsApp messages.
While these apps are handy, they can raise privacy concerns. Be sure to download them from trusted sources and check their privacy policies.
How to See Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iOS
iPhone users can also retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages, but the methods are different from Android. Here are the options for iOS users:
1. Restore via iCloud Backup
If you use iCloud to back up your WhatsApp chats, you can restore deleted messages from a backup. Follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Check the date of the last backup to make sure it contains the deleted messages.
- Delete WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store and verify your phone number.
- During the setup process, tap Restore to recover your chats.
Remember, restoring from iCloud will replace your current messages with the backup data.
2. Restore via iTunes Backup
If you back up your iPhone to iTunes, you can roll back to a previous backup to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. Here’s how:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes or Finder.
- Select your device and click Restore Backup.
- Choose the backup containing the deleted messages and wait for the restoration to finish.
This method can be useful, but be aware that it restores all app data, so new data after the backup will be lost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I view deleted WhatsApp messages without a backup?
On Android, you can use the Notification History feature or third-party apps like Notisave to retrieve deleted messages.
2. Can I restore deleted WhatsApp messages?
Yes, but only if they were included in a previous backup. After uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp, you can restore messages from a backup on Google Drive, iCloud, or iTunes.
3. Are third-party apps safe for reading deleted WhatsApp messages?
Third-party apps like Notisave can be useful but come with privacy risks. Always download apps from trusted sources and read their privacy policies before granting access.
4. Can I recover deleted media along with messages using notification apps?
No, notification apps only log text-based messages. For media recovery, use chat backups stored on Google Drive, iCloud, or local storage.