How can I read deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android for free?

How can I read deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android for free - briefly?

To read deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android for free, you can use third-party apps like "WhatsRemoved" or "Notification History Log." These apps save a log of all notifications received on your device, including those from WhatsApp, allowing you to retrieve deleted messages.

How can I read deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android for free - in detail?

Reading deleted messages in WhatsApp on an Android device is a common concern among users who have accidentally or intentionally deleted important conversations. While WhatsApp does not provide a built-in feature to recover deleted messages, there are several methods you can employ to potentially retrieve them for free. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Backup and Restore Method

1. Check for Recent Backups: WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats daily at 2 AM local time. To restore from a backup:
   • Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
   • Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
   • Open WhatsApp and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account.
   • When prompted, you will see an option to restore chats from a backup. Tap 'Restore' to retrieve your deleted messages.

Local Backup Method

1. Locate the Backup Folder: WhatsApp backups are stored in a hidden folder on your device's internal storage. The path is typically: /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.

   • To access this folder, you may need to enable 'Show Hidden Files' in your file manager settings.

2. Rename the Backup File:

   • Find the backup files named msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 (where YYYY-MM-DD represents the date).
   • Rename this file to msgstore.db.crypt12. This will replace the current database with an older version, potentially restoring your deleted messages.

Third-Party Apps Method

1. Use a File Manager: Some third-party file managers allow you to access and view WhatsApp backup files directly. Examples include:

   • ES File Explorer
   • X-plore File Manager

2. View the Backup Files:

   • Open the file manager and navigate to the Databases folder within your WhatsApp directory.
   • Locate the backup file you want to view.
   • Tap on it to open with a text/HTML viewer, which may allow you to read the contents of the deleted messages.

Limitations and Cautions

• Data Loss: Restoring from an old backup will overwrite your current WhatsApp data, resulting in loss of any messages sent or received after that backup was created.
• Security: Be cautious when using third-party apps to access sensitive data. Ensure you download apps from trusted sources to avoid malware.
• No Guarantee: Successfully retrieving deleted messages is not guaranteed. The effectiveness of these methods depends on the timing and availability of backups.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of reading deleted WhatsApp messages on an Android device without incurring any costs. Always remember to regularly backup your chats to avoid losing important conversations in the future.