How to prevent the interlocutor from deleting messages in WhatsApp?

How to prevent the interlocutor from deleting messages in WhatsApp - briefly?

To prevent an interlocutor from deleting messages in WhatsApp, you can disable message deletion for both parties by toggling off the "Delete for Everyone" feature within the app's settings. Additionally, enabling message backups to Google Drive or iCloud ensures that your conversation history is securely stored and cannot be tampered with.

How to prevent the interlocutor from deleting messages in WhatsApp - in detail?

Preventing an interlocutor from deleting messages in WhatsApp is a common concern for many users, whether it's to preserve evidence or maintain a record of conversations. While WhatsApp does not offer a direct setting to prevent message deletion by others, there are several strategies you can employ to safeguard your chats:

1. Enable Backup

Regularly backing up your WhatsApp data ensures that even if messages are deleted, you still have access to them. You can set up automatic backups to Google Drive or iCloud:

  • Android: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
  • iOS: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.

2. Use Third-Party Apps

There are third-party applications designed to archive WhatsApp messages. These apps can automatically save incoming and outgoing messages, providing an additional layer of security:

  • WhatsApp Chat Export: Allows you to export your chat history in various formats.
  • SMS Backup & Restore: While primarily for SMS, it also supports WhatsApp backups.

3. Disable Message Notifications

Preventing notifications from appearing can help deter the interlocutor from knowing that you've seen their messages, which might discourage them from deleting:

  • Android: Go to Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp.
  • iOS: Go to Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp.

4. Take Screenshots

For important conversations, taking screenshots can serve as a manual backup. While this method is time-consuming and not ideal for lengthy chats, it ensures that you have a record of critical messages:

  • Simply press the Power + Volume Down buttons simultaneously (Android) or Side + Volume Up buttons (iOS).

5. Use WhatsApp Web

Accessing your WhatsApp account via WhatsApp Web can provide an additional way to view and save messages:

  • Go to web.whatsapp.com on your computer.
  • Scan the QR code with your phone's WhatsApp app.

6. Contact Support

If you believe that someone is repeatedly deleting messages in a manner that violates WhatsApp’s terms of service, consider reaching out to WhatsApp support for guidance:

7. Educate Your Contacts

In some cases, simply informing your contacts about your intention to keep records of conversations can deter them from deleting messages. However, this approach may not always be effective or appropriate depending on the context.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing important WhatsApp messages and maintain a comprehensive record of your communications.