How to Read Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android and iOS

WhatsApp’s “Delete for Everyone” feature allows users to retract messages within a certain timeframe, often leaving recipients curious about the content of those deleted messages. Whether it’s due to curiosity or the need to recover important information, there are workarounds to read deleted WhatsApp messages on both Android and iOS devices.

Why Do People Want to Read Deleted WhatsApp Messages?

WhatsApp’s deletion feature is a double-edged sword. While it is useful for correcting mistakes or retracting unintended messages, it can also lead to curiosity or frustration when a message disappears. Whether it’s a personal chat or important information, the urge to recover deleted messages stems from a natural desire to know what was left unsaid. Below, we will outline reliable methods for both Android and iOS users to retrieve these messages, along with their limitations and risks.

Methods to Read Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android

Android users have multiple options to retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages, thanks to the platform’s notification history feature and third-party apps. Here are the most effective methods:

Using Notification History (Android 11 and Later)

Android devices running version 11 or above have a built-in Notification History feature that logs all notifications, including WhatsApp messages, even if they’re deleted. This method is free, doesn’t require third-party apps, and works for text messages received within the last 24 hours.

Steps to Enable Notification History:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Apps & Notifications (or Notifications, depending on your device).
3. Tap Notification History.
4. Toggle on Use Notification History if it’s not already enabled.
5. Scroll through the list to find WhatsApp notifications, which will include deleted messages.

Limitations:

• Only works if notifications were received before the message was deleted.
• Limited to text messages; media files (photos, videos) cannot be recovered.
• Notifications are cleared after 24 hours or upon device restart.

Restoring from Google Drive Backup

If you have enabled WhatsApp backups to Google Drive, you can restore deleted messages from a backup created before the message was deleted. This method requires uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp.

Steps to Restore from Google Drive:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to confirm a recent backup exists.
2. Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
3. Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
4. Verify your phone number during setup.
5. When prompted, tap Restore to recover chats from the Google Drive backup.
6. Wait for the restoration to complete, then check the relevant chat for the deleted message.

Limitations:

• Only recovers messages backed up before deletion.
• Requires a stable internet connection and sufficient Google Drive storage.
• Restores all chats, not individual messages.

Using Third-Party Notification Apps

Third-party apps like Notisave, WAMR, or WhatsRemoved+ can log WhatsApp notifications, allowing you to view deleted messages. These apps require notification access to function.

Steps to Use:

1. Download the app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and grant permissions to access notifications, photos, media, and files.
3. Enable Auto-Start in the app settings.
4. Select WhatsApp from the list of apps to monitor.
5. When a message is deleted, check the app for the logged notification.

Limitations:

• Must be installed before the message is deleted.
• Privacy risks: These apps access sensitive data, so choose reputable apps with positive reviews.
• May not recover media files; text-only recovery is more reliable.
• They have ads, and buying premium version is not FREE.

Also read: New WhatsApp features make Status updates more personal and interactive

Methods to Read Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iOS

iOS users have fewer options due to the platform’s restrictions on notification logs and third-party apps. However, backups and specialized recovery tools can help.

Restoring from iCloud Backup

If WhatsApp is synced with iCloud, you can restore deleted messages from a backup. Ensure you have sufficient iCloud storage (at least twice the backup size).

Steps to Restore from iCloud:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to verify a recent backup.
2. Uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.
3. Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
4. Verify your phone number during setup.
5. Tap Restore Chat History when prompted to recover from iCloud.
6. Wait for the restoration process to complete.

Limitations:

• Only recovers messages included in the last backup.
• Requires sufficient iCloud storage (e.g., 2GB free for a 1GB backup).
• Restores all chats, not specific messages.

Restoring from iTunes Backup

If you’ve backed up your iPhone to iTunes, you can restore WhatsApp messages using a computer.

Steps to Restore from iTunes:

1. Connect your iPhone to a computer with the latest version of iTunes installed.
2. Open iTunes and select your device.
3. Click Restore Backup and choose the most recent backup containing WhatsApp data.
4. Wait for the restore process to complete, then open WhatsApp to check for recovered messages.

Limitations:

• Restores all iPhone data, not just WhatsApp messages.
• Requires a computer with iTunes and a recent backup.
• May overwrite current data on the device.

Using Third-Party Recovery Tools

Tools like UltData WhatsApp Recovery, PhoneRescue for iOS, or ChatsBack for WhatsApp can recover deleted messages without a backup by scanning the device’s storage.

Steps to Use UltData WhatsApp Recovery:

1. Download and install UltData WhatsApp Recovery on your computer.
2. Connect your iPhone via USB and launch the app.
3. Select Recover deleted WhatsApp data from device.
4. Scan your iPhone and preview recoverable messages.
5. Select the desired messages and recover them to your device or computer.

Limitations:

• Success depends on whether data has been overwritten.
• Privacy risks with third-party tools; use reputable software.
• Some tools require a paid license for full functionality.

Checking Notification Center (Limited Use)

If you received a notification for a WhatsApp message before it was deleted, you might view it in the iOS Notification Center.

Steps to Check Notification Center:

1. Swipe down from the top of your iPhone screen to open the Notification Center.
2. Look for WhatsApp notifications.
3. Long-press the notification to expand and view the message content.

Limitations:

• Only works if the notification is still in the Notification Center.
• Notifications are cleared upon opening the chat or after a short period.
• Not reliable for older messages.

Verdict

Reading deleted WhatsApp messages is possible through various methods, but the options vary significantly between Android and iOS devices. Android users can take advantage of the Notification History feature and a wider selection of third-party apps. iOS users primarily depend on iCloud, iTunes backups, and recovery tools. Each method has its limitations, and using third-party apps may pose privacy risks, so it’s important to proceed with caution and choose reputable tools.

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