Where are files deleted from WhatsApp - briefly?
When you delete a file from WhatsApp, it is removed from the app's local storage on your device. However, if the file was backed up to cloud storage such as Google Drive or iCloud, it will remain there until the backup is manually deleted.
Where are files deleted from WhatsApp - in detail?
When files are deleted from WhatsApp, their fate depends on several factors including the type of file, the user's settings, and the device being used. To understand this process in detail, it is essential to delve into how WhatsApp handles different types of media and data.
Firstly, let's consider the various types of files that can be deleted from WhatsApp. These include text messages, images, videos, documents, voice notes, and status updates. Each of these file types may have a unique pathway once they are deleted.
For text messages, once a user deletes a message or conversation, it is removed from the local storage on the device. However, WhatsApp does not immediately delete the data from its servers. Instead, the message is marked as deleted and remains in the backup for a certain period, which can be crucial for recovery purposes if needed.
Images and videos follow a similar trajectory. When a user deletes these media files from their device, they are removed from the local storage but may still reside on WhatsApp's servers for some time. The duration for which these files remain on the server can vary depending on various factors such as the company’s data retention policies and regional regulations.
Documents, voice notes, and status updates also face a similar fate upon deletion. They are removed from the local device storage but may linger in WhatsApp's backup systems for a specified period. This backup system allows users to restore their data if they switch devices or reinstall the application.
It is important to note that while WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for messages and media, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can view them, this does not mean the files are permanently erased from existence once deleted. The encrypted data may still be present on servers, subject to the aforementioned retention policies and regulations.
Additionally, users have some control over their data through WhatsApp's settings. For instance, they can choose whether or not to back up their chats and media to cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud. If backup is enabled, deleted files may still be present in these cloud storage systems until the user manually deletes them or the backup expires.
In summary, when files are deleted from WhatsApp, they are primarily removed from the local device storage but may persist on WhatsApp's servers and backup systems for a certain duration. The exact timeline and manner in which these files are ultimately purged depend on various factors including user settings, data retention policies, and regulatory requirements.