Where are deleted files stored in WhatsApp on phone - briefly?
When a user deletes a file from WhatsApp on their phone, it is initially moved to the device's "Trash" or "Recently Deleted" folder within the app. However, after a certain period of time, typically 30 days, these files are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
Where are deleted files stored in WhatsApp on phone - in detail?
When users delete files from WhatsApp on their phones, the process of storage and retrieval involves a combination of local device memory and cloud services. Here’s a detailed breakdown of where deleted files are stored:
Firstly, it's important to understand that when you delete a file from WhatsApp, it isn't immediately erased from your phone's memory. Instead, the file is moved to a hidden folder on your device's internal storage or SD card, depending on where WhatsApp is configured to save media. This folder is typically located at:
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Media/.Statuses/
or
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Media/.Sent/
The files in these folders are not visible through the standard file manager, but they can still be accessed and recovered using specialized software or by connecting your phone to a computer.
Secondly, if you have backups enabled for WhatsApp, deleted files may also be stored in the backup files created on cloud services such as Google Drive or iCloud. These backups include all media and messages sent and received through WhatsApp, regardless of whether they were manually deleted by the user. The backup process typically occurs automatically at specified intervals or can be initiated manually by the user.
It's worth noting that while these backup files provide a means to restore deleted content, accessing them requires reinstalling WhatsApp and restoring from the backup. This process will replace your current data with the backed-up information, including any deleted files.
In summary, deleted files in WhatsApp are primarily stored in hidden folders on your phone's internal storage or SD card. Additionally, if backups are enabled, these files may also be present in cloud backup services like Google Drive or iCloud. Understanding this process can help users manage their data more effectively and recover accidentally deleted content when needed.