In today’s digital age, WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool for us. It allows us to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues through instant messaging, voice calls, and video chats. However, we’ve all been in situations where we accidentally delete important WhatsApp messages or receive a message that was deleted by the sender. But first thing is first! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how to recover deleted WhatsApp messages and even read those elusive deleted messages. So, let’s start and uncover the secrets!
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Table of Contents
Understanding the Importance of WhatsApp Messages
WhatsApp messages are more than just a conversation; they hold memories, important information, and sentimental value. Whether it’s an exchange with a loved one or critical work-related discussions, losing these messages can be disheartening and stressful. But worry not, as we’ve got you covered! In the following sections, we will explore various methods to recover deleted WhatsApp messages and even uncover those deleted messages that might have piqued your curiosity.
Common Scenarios for Deleted WhatsApp Messages
Before we jump into the recovery methods, let’s familiarize ourselves with the common scenarios that lead to deleted WhatsApp messages. By understanding these scenarios, we can better tackle the recovery process. So, let’s take a look!
Accidental Deletion
It happens to the best of us. You’re scrolling through your WhatsApp messages, trying to reply quickly, and before you know it, you accidentally tap on the wrong message and delete it. It’s a moment of panic, especially if the message held important information or sentimental value. But fear not, there are ways to recover those deleted messages.
Message Deletion by the Sender
Sometimes, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a deleted message. The sender might have sent a message and then thought better of it, deciding to delete it before you had a chance to read it. It can leave you curious about the contents of that message, but with the right techniques, you can uncover the mystery.
Device or App Malfunction
Technology is not infallible, and sometimes devices or apps malfunction. You might experience a sudden crash or a glitch that leads to the loss of WhatsApp messages. In such cases, it’s essential to explore recovery options to retrieve those important conversations.
Read also: How to Send WhatsApp Messages Without Saving Number
How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages
Now that we’ve explored the common scenarios, let’s dive into the methods you can use to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of these methods may vary depending on factors such as device type and backup settings.
Check the WhatsApp Chat Backup
WhatsApp provides an automatic backup feature that can be a lifesaver in recovering deleted messages. Here’s how you can check if a backup exists:
- Open WhatsApp on your device.
- Go to “Settings” or “Options.”
- Look for the “Chats” or “Chat Settings” option.
- Locate the “Chat Backup” or “Backup” option.
- Check the date and time of the most recent backup.
If a backup exists from before the deletion occurred, you can proceed with the restoration process.
Restore from Google Drive (Android Users)
For Android users, WhatsApp offers the option to back up chats on Google Drive. If you have an existing backup, follow these steps to restore your deleted messages:
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Verify your phone number during the installation process.
- When prompted, tap on the “Restore” option to recover your messages from the backup.
Note: Make sure you’re using the same Google account that was used for the backup.
Restore from iCloud (iOS Users)
iOS users can take advantage of iCloud backup to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. If you have a backup stored on iCloud, follow these steps:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
- Verify your phone number during the installation process.
- When prompted, tap on the “Restore Chat History” option to recover your messages from iCloud.
Note: Ensure that you’re using the same Apple ID that was used for the backup.
Using Third-Party Recovery Tools
If the above methods don’t yield the desired results, you can turn to third-party recovery tools. These tools are designed to scan your device and retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages. Here are a few popular options:
- Dr.Fone – WhatsApp Recovery
- iMobie PhoneRescue
- Tenorshare UltData
Before using any third-party tool, ensure that you research and choose reputable and trusted software.
How to Read Deleted Messages on WhatsApp
Now that we’ve covered the recovery methods, let’s shift our focus to read deleted messages on WhatsApp. While WhatsApp doesn’t provide a built-in feature to read deleted messages, there are a few workarounds you can try.
Disable Auto-Download
By default, WhatsApp automatically downloads media files, including photos and videos, when they are received. However, if the sender deletes the message before you open it, you must read this post. To increase your chances of reading deleted messages, you can disable the auto-download feature:
- Open WhatsApp and go to “Settings” or “Options.”
- Look for the “Storage” or “Data and Storage Usage” option.
- In the Media Auto-Download section, select “When using mobile data,” “When connected on Wi-Fi,” and “When roaming” options.
- Deselect all the media file types (photos, videos, etc.) under each option.
- Save the changes.
By disabling auto-download, you can prevent media files from being automatically downloaded and avoid missing out on deleted messages.
Use Notification History (Android Only)
Android users have an advantage when it comes to reading deleted messages through notification history. Here’s how you can access it:
- Long-press the home screen to open the widgets menu.
- Select the “Settings” widget and place it on the home screen.
- Scroll through the options and find the “Notification Log” widget.
- Tap on the widget to access the notification history.
- Look for the WhatsApp notifications and find the deleted message.
Please note that the availability of the notification history feature may vary depending on the Android version and device manufacturer.
Access Notification Log (Android Only)
Another method exclusive to Android devices is accessing the notification log. Here’s how you can do it:
- Long-press on an empty area of the home screen to open the widgets menu.
- Select the “Settings” widget and place it on the home screen.
- Scroll through the options and find the “Widgets” or “Shortcuts” option.
- Tap on “Settings shortcut” and select “Notification log.”
- A shortcut to the notification log will be created on the home screen.
- Tap on the shortcut to access the notification log and look for deleted WhatsApp messages.
Again, please note that the availability of this feature may vary depending on the Android version and device manufacturer.
Contact the Sender
If you’re desperate to read a deleted message, you can always reach out to the sender and kindly request them to resend the information. While this approach may not be foolproof, it can be worth a try, especially if the message holds significant importance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the loss of WhatsApp messages, whether through accidental deletion or message deletion by the sender, can be frustrating. However, with the right methods and tools, you can recover those deleted messages and even read the ones that were intended
Read also: How to Hide WhatsApp Chat: Tips and Tricks
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long are WhatsApp backups stored?
Answer: WhatsApp backups are typically stored for 30 days.
Q2. Can I recover deleted WhatsApp messages without a backup?
Answer: Unfortunately, if you don’t have a backup, it becomes challenging to recover deleted messages.
Q3. Are there any limitations to recovering deleted messages?
Answer: Yes, you can only recover messages that were backed up before they were deleted.
Q4. Can I recover messages from a blocked contact?
Answer: No, you won’t be able to recover messages from a blocked contact.
Q5. Is it possible to recover WhatsApp messages from a lost or stolen phone?
Answer: Yes, if you have a backup, you can recover messages on a new device using your phone number.
Q6. Will the other person know if I recover a deleted message?
Answer: No, the other person won’t receive any notification if you recover a deleted message.
