How to read a message that was deleted in WhatsApp?

How to read a message that was deleted in WhatsApp - briefly?

To retrieve a deleted message on WhatsApp, users can restore it from their backups if they have enabled this feature. Additionally, recipients who receive the message before deletion can still view it in their chat history, as the message will remain visible to them even after being deleted by the sender.

How to read a message that was deleted in WhatsApp - in detail?

To read a deleted message in WhatsApp, you can employ several methods. However, it's important to note that these techniques often involve third-party applications or workarounds, as WhatsApp does not provide a built-in feature for recovering deleted messages. Here are the detailed steps:

Using Third-Party Applications

1. WhatsRemoved: This is one of the most popular apps for recovering deleted WhatsApp messages.

   • Install and open WhatsRemoved on your device.
   • Follow the setup instructions to grant necessary permissions.
   • Once set up, the app will automatically save any new messages you receive. If a message is deleted before you see it, WhatsRemoved will notify you.

2. Notification History (Android Only): Android devices have a built-in feature called Notification History that can sometimes recover deleted messages.

   • Go to your device settings and find "Apps & notifications."
   • Tap on "Notifications" and then "Notification history."
   • Enable the toggle for "Use notification history."
   • Deleted WhatsApp messages may appear here, though this method is not guaranteed.

Using Backup Files

1. WhatsApp Backups: If you regularly back up your WhatsApp data, you can restore a previous backup to retrieve deleted messages.
   • Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp on your device.
   • During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore from a backup. Choose the most recent backup before the message was deleted.
   • Note that this method will only work if you have a backup that predates the deletion of the message.

Using File Manager (Android Only)

1. File Explorer: Deleted messages are sometimes still stored in your device's file system.
   • Install a file manager app like ES File Explorer.
   • Navigate to WhatsApp > Databases.
   • Here you will find files named msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12. These are backups of your WhatsApp messages.
   • Rename the file to remove the .crypt12 extension (e.g., msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db).
   • Use a database viewer app or software on your computer to open and read the contents of this file.

Using Screenshots

While not a direct method for reading deleted messages, taking screenshots of important conversations can serve as a preventive measure.

• Whenever you receive an important message, take a screenshot immediately. This ensures that even if the message is deleted later, you will still have a record of it.

Conclusion

Reading a deleted WhatsApp message requires either proactive use of third-party applications or backup files. While there are no foolproof methods guaranteed to recover every deleted message, employing these strategies can significantly enhance your chances of retrieving lost communication. Always remember to respect privacy and legal boundaries when attempting to recover any type of digital information.