Where are deleted WhatsApp files located - briefly?
Deleted WhatsApp files are not stored in a separate location but remain on the device's storage until they are overwritten by new data. They can be recovered using third-party software or by creating a backup before deletion.
Where are deleted WhatsApp files located - in detail?
When a user deletes a file or message from WhatsApp, the process of data removal varies depending on several factors. The primary consideration is whether the deletion occurs on the sender's end or the receiver's end. Additionally, the type of device and the operating system in use can influence where the deleted files are ultimately stored.
For messages sent by the user, when a file is deleted from WhatsApp, it is not entirely removed from the device but rather hidden within the phone's storage system. On Android devices, deleted files often remain in the device's internal memory or SD card, typically located in a folder named "WhatsApp/Media/.Deleted" or similar. This folder contains the original files that were sent or received via WhatsApp before being marked for deletion. It is crucial to note that these files are not immediately removed from the storage but may be overwritten by new data as the device's memory fills up.
On iOS devices, deleted files follow a different path due to Apple's more restrictive file system. When a message or file is deleted from WhatsApp on an iPhone, it is moved to a hidden database within the app itself. This internal database serves as a temporary holding area for deleted data before it is permanently erased during the app's periodic maintenance routines. Users cannot directly access this hidden database without jailbreaking their device, which is not recommended due to security and stability concerns.
For files or messages received by other users, the deletion process is slightly different. When a user deletes a message or file from their WhatsApp chat, it does not actually remove the data from the recipient's device. Instead, the action only marks the file for deletion on the sender's end. The recipient will no longer see the deleted message or file in their chat history, but the actual data remains stored within their phone's memory or cloud storage, depending on their backup settings.
In summary, deleted WhatsApp files are not immediately erased from the device but rather hidden within specific folders or databases, dependent on the operating system and type of deletion. Understanding these nuances provides valuable insight into the data management practices of popular messaging applications like WhatsApp.