How to delete a message in WhatsApp if you have already deleted it for yourself?

How to delete a message in WhatsApp if you have already deleted it for yourself - briefly?

Unfortunately, once you've deleted a message on your end in WhatsApp, there is no way to retrieve or undelete it. The message will remain visible to other participants in the chat unless they also delete it from their devices.

How to delete a message in WhatsApp if you have already deleted it for yourself - in detail?

Deleting a message in WhatsApp that you've already deleted from your own device can be a challenging task, but there are methods available to accomplish this. It is important to note that the effectiveness of these methods depends on several factors, including the type of device and operating system you use.

For Android Devices:

  1. Using WhatsApp Backup:

    • If you have enabled automatic backups in WhatsApp, your messages are regularly backed up to Google Drive. You can restore a previous backup to retrieve deleted messages.
      • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
      • Check the date of the last backup; if it includes the message you want to recover, you can delete WhatsApp, reinstall it, and restore from the backup.
    • Important: This will replace your current chats with the backed-up data, so use this method cautiously.
  2. Using File Manager:

    • WhatsApp messages are stored in a database on your device's internal storage. You can try to recover deleted messages using a file manager app that supports SQLite databases.
      • Download and install an SQLite viewer app from the Google Play Store.
      • Open the app and navigate to the WhatsApp database folder, usually located at /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.
      • Open the msgstore.db file and search for your deleted message. If found, you can export it back to your device.

For iOS Devices:

  1. Using iCloud Backup:

    • Similar to Android, if you have enabled iCloud backup for WhatsApp, you can restore a previous backup from iCloud.
      • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > WhatsApp.
      • Check the backup size and date; if it includes your deleted message, delete and reinstall WhatsApp, then restore from the iCloud backup.
    • Important: This will also replace your current chats with the backed-up data.
  2. Using Third-Party Recovery Tools:

    • There are third-party recovery tools available for iOS devices that can scan your device and potentially recover deleted messages.
      • Download and install a reputable recovery tool, such as Dr.Fone or iMobie PhoneRescue, from the App Store.
      • Connect your iPhone to your computer and run the recovery tool. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan for and recover deleted WhatsApp messages.

General Tips:

  • Regular Backups: Ensure that you have regular backups enabled in WhatsApp settings to minimize data loss.
  • Third-Party Tools: Be cautious when using third-party tools, as they may require root access (for Android) or jailbreaking (for iOS), which can compromise your device's security and stability.
  • Privacy Considerations: Recovering deleted messages may involve restoring old backups that contain personal data from other users. Be mindful of privacy and legal implications when handling such data.

By following these detailed steps, you can increase the chances of recovering a message in WhatsApp even if it has been deleted from your device. However, it's crucial to understand the limitations and potential risks associated with each method before proceeding.