Where are deleted WhatsApp messages stored on Android after deletion - briefly?
When you delete a message from WhatsApp on an Android device, the data is not permanently erased but rather hidden from view. The deleted messages are stored in a hidden database called msgstore.db within the WhatsApp directory on your device's internal storage.
Where are deleted WhatsApp messages stored on Android after deletion - in detail?
When a user deletes a message from WhatsApp on an Android device, the process of where and how these messages are stored can be intricate. Upon deletion, the messages do not disappear entirely but rather change their status within the device's storage system.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that WhatsApp messages are initially stored in a local database on the Android device. This database contains all the message data, including text, media files, and timestamps. When a user decides to delete a message or conversation, WhatsApp marks this data as deleted within its internal database but does not actually remove it from the storage immediately.
The primary reason for this behavior is to allow users to restore accidentally deleted messages or conversations if they change their mind within a specific timeframe. This feature is known as "Message Recovery," and it typically allows users to recover deleted messages within 30 days after deletion. However, once the recovery period has passed, the deleted messages are permanently removed from the local database.
Additionally, even after the messages are marked as deleted in the WhatsApp database, they may still reside in the device's internal storage or SD card until the space is needed for new data. Over time, these remnants can be overwritten by new data, effectively erasing any trace of the deleted messages.
It is also worth noting that even after deletion, some metadata related to the messages may still exist within WhatsApp's backup files if automatic backups are enabled. These backup files are stored on Google Drive and contain all message data, including those marked as deleted in the local database. However, accessing these backups requires a separate process of restoring the entire chat history, which includes both retained and deleted messages.
In summary, after deletion, WhatsApp messages on Android devices are initially stored within the app's internal database, marked for recovery but not immediately removed. Over time, these messages can be overwritten by new data or permanently erased if the recovery period has passed. Metadata related to deleted messages may also exist in backup files stored on Google Drive.