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A lot of us have probably noticed the “This message was deleted” note on WhatsApp and wondered what’s behind it. WhatsApp’s “Delete for Everyone” feature is great for recalling a message you didn’t mean to send, like a typo or a message to the wrong person. But if you’re on the receiving end and see that note before reading it, your curiosity can kick in. As a result, you might wonder how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp.
People often try to find out what was removed, whether it was something important or just a random thought they were interested in. But remember, trying to recover deleted messages, especially from someone else, can tread a thin line between curiosity and respecting privacy. This guide will go over some effective ways to see deleted WhatsApp messages and discuss what’s okay to do, what’s safe, and how to stay within the lines to avoid any regret later.
Part 1. Can You See Deleted WhatsApp Messages?
When someone deletes a message on WhatsApp then you will get a notification “This message was deleted”. It makes you curious to know about the deleted message. WhatsApp allows you to delete messages in two ways: one is “Delete for Me,” while the second is “Delete for Everyone,” which wipes it from both sender and receiver chats. Remember that you have to do it within about two days. Unfortunately, the official WhatsApp app doesn’t provide any way to recover or view deleted messages once they’re removed for everyone. That’s why many users turn to alternative methods or tools to try to see what was deleted, and while some of these work, they come with their risks and limitations.
Part 2. Methods to View Deleted Messages on WhatsApp
Now that you have confirmed the possibility, it is time to discuss different methods on how can we see deleted messages on WhatsApp.
A. Using Notification Log (Android)
One of the simplest ways to see deleted WhatsApp messages on Android is through the notification log. Android keeps a temporary record of all notifications, including message previews from apps like WhatsApp. If someone deletes a message after it has been sent, then it might still show up in your device’s notification history. To check it out, follow the steps given below; the steps might be a bit different depending on your device or Android version.
Step 1: Start by going to the Settings, where you need to search for Notification in the search box. From the options that appear, choose Notification History to move forward with the procedure.
Step 2: As the new screen appears, toggle the ON button, which will enable the notification history. After that, you will be able to see all the notifications from this history, including the deleted messages.
B. Using Third-Party Apps (Android)
If the built-in notification log isn’t enough, there are third-party apps designed to help you recover deleted messages on WhatsApp. Popular options include Notisave, WAMR, and Notification History Log. These apps monitor and store all your incoming notifications, even if the message is later deleted in WhatsApp.
The setup of the app is very simple just install the app grant it the necessary permissions and allow it to run in the background. Then it keeps a history of messages including deleted ones. But, beaware that these apps require broad access to your device which may raise privacy concerns. Always download from trusted sources like the Google Play Store.
C. WhatsApp Chat Backups
Another effective way to get deleted WhatsApp messages is through chat backups. WhatsApp offers automatic backups to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone). When someone deletes a message after the last backup you can restore it by your old chat history.
To do this, you have to uninstall WhatsApp, then reinstall it and follow the procedure to restore the chat history from your most recent backup. Be aware, however, that any messages received after that backup—and before the restore will be lost. So, this method works best when you catch the deletion quickly or when frequent backups are enabled. It’s a solid, official method without third-party risks; below are its instructions.
Instructions. Open the messaging app on your Android mobile and go to the settings page. Here, you need to choose the Chats option to proceed. At the end, select the Chat Backup option to conclude the backup process. Every message deleted after this will still be visible in this backup when you wish to use it.
D. Using WhatsApp Web Extensions (Advanced/Browser Method)
WhatsApp Web extensions like WA Web Plus offer some extra features, such as viewing deleted messages. These tools work as add-ons for WhatsApp Web on browsers like Chrome and allow users to unlock advanced settings.
WhatsApp does not officially support these extensions. However, they often require sensitive permissions, so it is important to use them with care. If you are comfortable with browser tools and looking for the best experience, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Initiate by going to the Google engine and searching for “wa plus extension” in the search bar. As the right tool appears with the link to Google Web Store, click on it to proceed.
Step 2. In this step, you need to tap on the Add to Chrome box next to the name of the extension to download it on your computer.
Step 3. You can install it via the Google Web Store or its official website, waplus.com. On the main page, click on the Install Now button to add this functionality to your browser, where you have linked your WhatsApp account.
Part 3. How to View Deleted Messages on iPhone
iPhones do not allow direct access to notification logs which limits the ability to recover deleted messages. This means that once a message is deleted on WhatsApp then it is not stored anywhere in the system where it can be easily seen. However, iPhone users can rely on iCloud backups to recover almost lost chats. WhatsApp allows automatic backups to iCloud, and if your message was deleted after the last backup, then you can restore your chat history. To do this, uninstall WhatsApp and reinstall it, then follow the on-screen instructions to restore from the iCloud backup. You should keep in mind that restoring a backup means you will lose messages received after that backup date.
The users who need advanced options many third-party tools like iMyFone or Dr.Fone claim to help recover deleted WhatsApp messages. These tools often require connecting your phone to a computer recovery software to extract deleted data. However, these tools come with important disclaimers that these tools may not always be 100% effective and they can require access to sensitive data. Always research the tool thoroughly and ensure you are using trusted software.
Part 4. Important Tips and Warnings
While checking how to check deleted messages of WhatsApp, it is also important to keep the following things in mind:
1. Privacy and security concerns with third-party apps
Apps like WAMR can help you recover deleted messages, but come with high privacy and security risks. These apps often require extensive permissions, such as access to your storage. Because these apps are not officially launched by WhatsApp, using them means trusting a third-party service. Always review app permissions carefully and download only from trusted sources like the Google Play Store.
2. Avoiding scams and shady software
Countless apps and websites promise to recover deleted WhatsApp messages, but many are scams. Some apps ask you to pay for premium features. Be wary of anything that seems too good to be true. Always use well-reviewed apps from reputable developers and avoid any software that asks for too many unwanted permissions.
3. WhatsApp’s evolving policies on message recovery
WhatsApp continuously updates its policies, particularly about privacy and data protection. It has introduced new features like end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp may make it harder to recover deleted messages in future updates to prioritise user privacy. Always stay updated with WhatsApp’s official announcements, and be prepared for changes that may affect how you interact with messages on the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1- Can you see deleted WhatsApp messages without an app?
Yes, on Android, you can use the built-in notification history if it’s enabled.
Q2- Can I view erased WhatsApp messages after being deleted for everyone?
Only if the message appeared in your notifications or was backed up before deletion.
Q3- Is it legal to retrieve someone else’s deleted WhatsApp messages?
Generally, no, because it may violate privacy laws depending on your location.
Q4- Does WhatsApp notify the sender if I view their deleted message?
No, WhatsApp does not notify the sender if you view a deleted message.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are several ways to view deleted WhatsApp messages, such as using the notification history and exploring third-party apps, it is important to choose the safest and most effective methods. Always prioritise privacy and security when using these techniques, and be aware of the potential risks associated with third-party tools. While curiosity is natural, it’s essential to balance it with respect for others’ privacy. Use the information responsibly and stay informed about WhatsApp’s evolving policies to ensure you’re navigating message recovery ethically and legally.