
WhatsApp’s “Everyone Delete” feature allows users to delete sent messages within a specific time frame, helping to correct errors or retract unwanted content. However, this often makes the recipient curious about what is being deleted. Whether it is personal information or important information, there are ways to retrieve these messages. This guide provides Android and iOS users with a step-by-step method to view deleted WhatsApp messages using features like notification history, chat backups, and third-party apps.
How to view deleted WhatsApp messages on Android
There are many ways to delete messages on Android. The operating system can provide integration options on both WhatsApp and third-party applications. See below to see all the ways you can view deleted messages on WhatsApp.
Read deleted WhatsApp messages through notification history
Android devices running versions 11 and later include notification history feature. The tool keeps the log of all notifications received, which is a direct way to access deleted WhatsApp messages.
Steps to enable notification history:
- Open settings on your Android phone.
- Go to Notifications and select Advanced Settings (this may vary by device).
- Click on the notification history and switch it.
- When enabled, your phone will record incoming WhatsApp messages even if it is deleted.
- To view them: Go back to Settings > Notifications > Notification History and browse recorded messages.
This feature is free, built into your device, and does not require third-party apps. However, it has limitations; it only records messages when notifications are received, which means there is no confusing chat.
Read deleted WhatsApp messages via WhatsApp chat backup
WhatsApp provides a chat backup feature, and if a backup is created before deletion, you can restore deleted messages. Backups can be done manually or automatically based on daily, weekly or monthly schedules.
- Open whatsapp and go to Settings > Chat > Chat Backup.
- Make sure to set the backup frequency to daily or appropriate intervals.
- Go to your device’s settings, find WhatsApp and uninstall it.
- Download and install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Open WhatsApp, verify your phone number, and click Restore when prompted to retrieve the chat from the backup.
This works well if the deleted message is part of the last backup. However, new messages received after backup and before deletion will not be restored.
Read deleted WhatsApp messages through third-party apps
Third-party apps like Notisave are designed to save notifications and can help access deleted WhatsApp messages. These applications monitor and store incoming notifications, including deleted notifications.
- Download and install third-party apps from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the application and grant it permission to access notifications and storage.
- Turn on Notisave whenever you want to view deleted messages in WhatsApp.
Note: Steps and access permissions may vary depending on the application you are using. You can easily navigate by following the tips/steps given in the application.
These apps are easy to use, but can cause privacy issues. Always read the app’s privacy policy and download it only from reputable sources. They cannot retrieve media files or messages that are not delivered as notifications.
How to view deleted WhatsApp messages on iOS
Read deleted WhatsApp messages via WhatsApp iCloud backup
For iPhone users, WhatsApp provides iCloud backup integration, allowing deleted messages to be restored.
- Open whatsapp and go to Settings > Chat > Chat Backup.
- Check the date and time of the last backup to make sure it contains deleted messages.
- Press and hold the WhatsApp application icon and click DELETE APP.
- Download WhatsApp from the App Store.
- Open WhatsApp, verify your phone number, and follow the prompts to restore chat from iCloud.
If a backup exists, this method is reliable for retrieving deleted messages. However, recovery from iCloud uses backup data instead of the current chat.
Read deleted WhatsApp messages via iTunes backup
If you use iTunes to back up your iPhone regularly, you can restore deleted WhatsApp messages by returning to an earlier backup.
Steps to Backup with iTunes:
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC.
- Open iTunes or Finder on Macos Catalina
- Select your device from the sidebar.
- Click Restore Backup and select the backup file that contains the deleted message.
- Wait for the process to complete.
While valid, this method restores all application data, which means any new data after the backup is lost.
FAQs (FAQs)
How to check WhatsApp delete message without backup?
On Android, use notification history features like Notisave or third-party apps. These methods log notifications, allowing you to view deleted messages without backup.
Can I restore deleted messages on WhatsApp?
Yes, but only that message is included in the previous backup. Restore messages requires uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp and then recovering from backups on iCloud, Google Drive, or iTunes.
Is it safe to use a third-party app to read deleted messages on WhatsApp?
Although applications like Notisave are popular, they require access to sensitive data such as notifications and storage. Use these apps with caution, download them from reputable sources, and read their privacy policy before granting permissions.
Can I use the notification history app to retrieve media files as well as deleted WhatsApp messages?
No, the Notification History app records text notifications only. To recover deleted media, rely on backups stored in Google Drive, iCloud, or local storage.