Where are deleted messages saved in WhatsApp - briefly?
Deleted messages in WhatsApp are not actually saved anywhere by the app itself; instead, they are removed from both the sender's and recipient's devices upon deletion. However, traces of these messages may still exist in local backups or device storage until overwritten by new data.
Where are deleted messages saved in WhatsApp - in detail?
Deleted messages in WhatsApp are not stored in the traditional sense but rather have a complex process involving both local storage and cloud backups. When a user deletes a message, it is removed from their device's local storage. However, this does not mean the message is permanently erased. The deleted message may still reside on WhatsApp servers for a period, depending on various factors such as the message's content and the server's policies.
For individual messages, once they are deleted from both the sender's and recipient's devices, they are no longer accessible through normal means within the app. However, WhatsApp may retain some metadata associated with these messages for a certain duration, though the actual message content is typically not recoverable. This metadata could include timestamps, sender information, and other relevant details that help maintain the functionality of the messaging service.
In group chats, when a user deletes a message, it is removed from their view and the views of all participants in the chat. However, other members may still see the message if they have not yet read or deleted it themselves. This asynchronous behavior ensures that everyone has the same experience within the chat but does not affect the storage of messages on WhatsApp servers.
It is also worth noting that WhatsApp offers a feature called "Delete for Everyone," which allows users to delete sent messages from both their own and recipients' devices. This feature provides an additional layer of control over message visibility but does not change the underlying storage mechanism on the server side.
In summary, deleted messages in WhatsApp are temporarily retained on servers as part of the app's operational infrastructure. While users may not have direct access to these messages after deletion, some metadata and contextual information might still be stored for internal purposes. This approach balances user privacy with the need for efficient message handling within the platform.