Where are deleted WhatsApp messages located on Android - briefly?
Deleted WhatsApp messages on Android are stored in the device's local storage within a hidden folder called "WhatsApp/Media/.Statuses". These messages can be accessed using file explorer apps or specific data recovery tools.
Where are deleted WhatsApp messages located on Android - in detail?
When a user deletes a message from WhatsApp on an Android device, the message is not permanently erased but instead marked for deletion and hidden from view within the app's local database. To understand where these deleted messages are located, it is essential to delve into the intricacies of how WhatsApp stores data on Android devices.
WhatsApp uses a SQLite database named msgstore.db or msgstore-2023-10-05.db-crypt12, depending on the version and encryption status, to store messages. This database is located in the internal storage of the Android device under the WhatsApp directory, typically found at /data/data/com.whatsapp/databases. Within this database, messages are organized into tables such as messages and message_attachments.
When a message is deleted, it is not immediately removed from these tables but rather marked with a flag or status change indicating deletion. For example, the messages table might have a column named is_deleted, which is set to 1 when a message is deleted. This flag ensures that the message remains in the database for potential recovery purposes but is not displayed within the WhatsApp interface.
Additionally, WhatsApp creates backup files for messages and media at regular intervals or upon user request. These backups are stored in the device's external storage, usually under the directory /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. The backup files have names like msgstore-2023-10-05.crypt12 and contain all messages, including those that were deleted but not permanently removed from the database.
In summary, deleted WhatsApp messages on Android are located within the SQLite database used by WhatsApp to store message data. The messages themselves are not permanently erased but rather marked for deletion. Backup files also retain a record of these deleted messages, providing potential avenues for recovery or retrieval.