Where are messages deleted from WhatsApp on Android - briefly?
When you delete a message from WhatsApp on an Android device, it is removed from the app's database but not permanently erased from your phone's storage. The deleted messages can still be recovered using specialized software or by accessing the phone's file system.
Where are messages deleted from WhatsApp on Android - in detail?
When you delete a message from WhatsApp on an Android device, the process involves several stages and locations where data is stored or removed. Here's a detailed breakdown of what happens:
Firstly, it's important to understand that when you delete a message, it doesn't immediately disappear from your device. Instead, it becomes hidden and marked for deletion. The message remains on your device in the SQLite database files used by WhatsApp until it is overwritten by new data. This means that with the right tools and knowledge, deleted messages can sometimes be recovered.
The primary locations where deleted messages are stored or referenced on an Android device include:
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SQLite Database Files: WhatsApp uses SQLite databases to store message data. When you delete a message, it is not immediately removed from these databases but rather marked as deleted. The actual removal happens over time as new data is written and the space is reused. These database files are located in the WhatsApp folder within your device's internal storage or SD card (if available).
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Media Storage: If the message contains media such as images, videos, or audio files, these are stored separately in the media folders within the WhatsApp directory. Deleting a message does not automatically delete the associated media files from these folders. You would need to manually remove them if you want to ensure they are deleted.
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Backup Files: If you have enabled automatic backups for WhatsApp, your messages (including deleted ones) may be stored in Google Drive or another backup service. These backups can be restored at any time, which means that even if a message is deleted from your device, it might still exist in the cloud backup until the next backup overwrites it.
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Notification Log: Deleted messages may also leave traces in the notification log of your Android device. This log keeps records of notifications received by various apps, including WhatsApp. While this information is generally not accessible to users without rooting their devices, it's another place where remnants of deleted messages might be found.
In summary, when you delete a message from WhatsApp on an Android device, the data isn't permanently removed immediately but rather hidden and marked for deletion. It remains in various locations such as SQLite database files, media storage folders, backup files, and notification logs until it is overwritten by new data or manually removed. Understanding these locations can help you better manage your data and potentially recover deleted messages if necessary.