How long are messages stored in WhatsApp after deletion - briefly?
Messages on WhatsApp are not permanently deleted when a user chooses to delete them. Instead, they remain stored in the app's database for up to 30 days before being completely removed.
How long are messages stored in WhatsApp after deletion - in detail?
When a message is deleted from WhatsApp, the timeline of its storage and eventual removal involves several stages. Initially, when a user deletes a message, it is not immediately erased from WhatsApp's servers. Instead, the message enters a state where it is marked as "deleted" but remains in the database. This allows for features such as message recovery within a certain timeframe if the user changes their mind.
For individual users, deleted messages can often be recovered within seven days of deletion. WhatsApp provides this window to accommodate any accidental deletions or changes of heart regarding the removal of messages. During this period, the message is not visible in the chat interface but is still stored on WhatsApp's servers.
After the seven-day recovery window closes, the message transitions into a different state. At this point, it is no longer marked for immediate deletion and instead enters a queue to be permanently removed from WhatsApp’s databases. This process may take some time due to the large volume of data that WhatsApp handles daily.
It is important to note that even after permanent removal from WhatsApp's servers, traces of deleted messages might still exist in backup files if users have enabled this feature. WhatsApp backups can be set to auto-save at regular intervals (daily, weekly, or monthly), and these backups include all messages, including those that were later deleted. If a user restores their chat history from a backup, deleted messages will reappear in the conversation.
In summary, while WhatsApp offers a recovery window for deleted messages lasting up to seven days, the actual permanent deletion of messages from its servers may take longer due to the queuing process involved. However, even after this deletion, traces of messages can persist in user-created backups, highlighting the importance of managing backup settings carefully.