How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages: 4 Methods

You probably must have come across WhatsApp users deleting messages after sending or you must have surely also used this function. WhatsApp introduced the “Delete For Everyone” feature in late 2017. Due to this addition, users can remove messages within two days of sending them. Anyone can access this function by holding the message and hitting the Bin icon. Additionally, choosing ‘Delete for me’ erases the message for you alone, and ‘Delete for everyone’ removes it for both parties.

Editor's Choice

mSpy

mSpy app lets you read deleted WhatsApp messages without the target phone. This WhatsApp spy tool allows you to track the target phone wherever it goes. It lets you read WhatsApp messages without a blue tick on the target phone.

Try mSpy for Free

The feature is handy until you find yourself on the receiving end. It can cause frustration when someone deletes a message sent to you, and you may mistakenly remove the message yourself. I have shared a few tricks to see deleted messages on WhatsApp that I have used firsthand. Read the article to find the best solutions.

Method 1: How to Restore Deleted WhatsApp Messages Conversations (Android)

WhatsApp on Android allows you to recover WhatsApp’s deleted messages using app and system settings. I tested it and discovered that these methods show recent messages and resurrect the chats you deleted long ago.

Check out my top picks to see WhatsApp deleted messages by the sender without any app on Android:

1) Android Notification History

Android phones with version 11 or above log every WhatsApp message. I explored this feature and noticed that it is possible due to Android’s notification feature. Checking the notification log is the easiest way to read deleted WhatsApp messages without an app.

By following the steps below, I could view the messages even if the other person had deleted them:

Step 1) Long press at the empty spot of your smartphone’s home screen and select Widgets.

Step 2) Find the Settings shortcut and tap on it.

Step 3) Choose Notification Log from the list of options and tap on the newly created Notification log shortcut.

Note: In the notifications list, you can read deleted messages that now read, “This message was deleted.”

If you do not find the Notification log option, follow the steps:

Step 1) Open system Settings and go to Notifications.

Step 2) Tap on Advanced Settings.

Step 3) Look for Notification history and tap on it.

Step 4) Hit the toggle to enable the feature.

From now on, all your notifications will log into your phone. You can access it by following the instructions given above.

2) Recover Deleted Messages on WhatsApp from Google Drive

WhatsApp has a backup with the Google Drive option in its chat settings. I reviewed this feature and found out that when you set up your account, you are prompted to enable cloud uploads. You can enable it right away while setting it up, or if you have not, you can enable it later, just like I did. Using this feature, you can back up texts, images, and videos using cellular data or Wi-Fi.

Google Drive backup allows you to shift your WhatsApp account from one mobile to another without losing data.

Here are the steps that I used to restore deleted messages in WhatsApp:

Step 1) Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or download it on a new device.

Step 2) Enter your Phone Number for the verification.

Step 3) Hit Continue to restore your old messages and media.

Step 4) Tap on Next after the restoration process is complete.

3) View Deleted Messages on WhatsApp from the Database

Recover deleted WhatsApp messages without Google Drive backup using the local database. WhatsApp’s Android application creates a phone database, including chat records. You can access this data from your phone’s File Manager. This method can be helpful for WhatsApp message recovery without backup.

Here are the steps I followed to retrieve WhatsApp deleted messages from local storage:

Step 1) Access the File Manager app on your Android mobile. Now, Go to SD card> WhatsApp > Databases or look for the Databases folder in internal storage.

Step 2) Change the backup file name you wish to restore. For example, “msgstore-2023-11-17.1.db.crypt14” to “msgstore.db.crypt14”.

Step 3) Make sure you have this file in the Internal Storage folder.

Step 4) Delete WhatsApp and install it again. Now, restore the chats and media from the local backup when prompted.

Top Pick

Spokeo

Spokeo is one of the best whatsapp spy app with the ability to track conversations in real time. Spokeo helps you to track all the chats, group conversations, media files shared and received, voice notes, and even calls made through WhatsApp.

Visit Spokeo

Method 2: Read Deleted WhatsApp Messages Without a Third-Party App on an iPhone

iPhone users can also recover deleted WhatsApp messages. All I had to do was ensure that I had the backup with iCloud or iTunes. iCloud replaces Google Drive on iOS, and iTunes requires you to create a backup using its desktop program.

1) Restore Deleted WhatsApp messages Via iCloud

WhatsApp mobile App allows you to restore chats with iCloud without another app. I reviewed this feature and found that you can retrieve old chats with a tap. According to my review, it works only when you reinstall the app, so check the settings first to ensure backup is enabled.

Here are the steps I used to recover the lost messages with iCloud:

Step 1) Remove and reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.

Step 2) Open the app and begin the setup procedure.

Step 3) On Restore from the iCloud window, Tap the Restore Chat History link.

Step 4) Hit Next to see the messages.

Your chats will be restored to the WhatsApp home page. Alternatively, you can rely on iTunes.

2) Find Deleted Messages on WhatsApp with iTunes

Another option that I came across for iOS users to find deleted WhatsApp chats is restoring the data from iTunes. Apple gives different backup options to the owners of its devices, and iTunes is one of them. To use its backup feature, you need to download the desktop app on your computer.

Here are the steps I took to restore data from an iTunes backup:

Step 1) Download the software from the Apple website and run it on your Windows or Mac PC.

Step 2) Hook up the iPhone to your computer.

Step 3) Select the device on the iTunes program and hit Restore Backup.

Step 4) You can choose between mobile or computer to save the data.

Let recovering deleted WhatsApp messages via iTunes process complete. Once the process is done, you can access the messages on your device.

Top Pick

uMobix

uMobix is a WhatsApp spy app for Android and iOS devices. It lets you view all incoming and outgoing messages. It could access text messages, contact lists, and call logs. It also allowed me to restrict calls and turn off messages.

Try uMobix for Free

Method 3: How to See Archived Chats on WhatsApp

WhatsApp allows you to archive chats to clean your inbox. I tested this feature and discovered that some people confuse Archive with Delete. According to my review, it is a helpful feature. This feature is available on Android and iOS.

Both OS have different ways to access the depository. Check out the instructions to read archived chats on your mobile.

1) Find Archived Chats on Android

Archiving the messages is a great way to sort out your inbox. Unlike deleting, you can still receive and access the chats in the archive folder. Moreover, it lets you unarchive the messages whenever you want.

Here are the steps I used to find archived WhatsApp chats on Android:

Step 1) Launch the WhatsApp program on your smartphone. Pull up for Archived folder at the top of the chat list and tap on it.

Step 2) Tap on the conversation to see the messages or hold it to unarchive.

Step 3) Hit the Unarchive icon at the top.

2) See WhatsApp Archived Chats on the iPhone

You can open or unarchive WhatsApp on your iPhone using the instructions I have shown below:

Step 1) Open the WhatsApp app and navigate to the Chats tab.

Step 2) Scroll down until you see the Archived tab. Open it to see the conversations.

Step 3) Tap Edit and select the chats you want to restore, then hit Unarchive.

Method 4: How to Read Deleted Messages on WhatsApp Using ThirdParty Apps

Acquire WhatsApp Hacking Apps to see deleted messages. Several programs are available that claim to help you in this quest, but finding the right option could be difficult. Here. I have mentioned a couple of reliable tools that you may consider to recover WhatsApp chats.

1) mSpy

See WhatsApp Deleted Messages

mSpy app lets you read deleted WhatsApp messages without accessing the target phone. I reviewed it and found out that it is used to monitor people’s phone activity. According to my research, you must install it on the target device. Then, you can see their activities through your mSpy dashboard.  models. 

Parents can use mSpy to view their children’s location and observe social media interactions. Though it might be seen as peeking into their privacy without consent, keeping an eye on children is vital for their safety. mSpy also comes in handy when you need to control mobile usage.

Features:

• Social Media Monitoring: It is best for monitoring Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and other social media apps running on the target phone. I could view all the chats on these platforms.
• Message History: You can check deleted messages on WhatsApp through the message history option. It also has a screenshot feature, which helped me take a screenshot of the individual’s monitored screen during the chat. 
• Compatibility: I received access to mSpy’s mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. It works perfectly on the iPhone without jailbreaking.
• Location Tracking: This WhatsApp spy tool allows you to track the target phone wherever it goes. You can also view the location history of the device with date and time.
• Call Recording: It showed me call logs and allowed me to listen to whom and what my kid was talking about on the call.
• Camera Access: I could remotely access my kids’ mobile cameras and watch their surroundings. It allowed me to keep an eye on them for their safety.
• See Files: Look into the photos, videos, and other files saved on the subject device.
• Control Internet Activity: mSpy enables you to block certain websites, apps, and keywords.

Pricing:

Here are the pricing plans of mSpy:

Visit mSpy >>

14-Days Money-Back Guarantee

2) xMobi

Supports iOS & Android

xMobi is a specialized tool designed to recover deleted WhatsApp messages and media from both Android and iOS devices. You can run xMobi’s recovery process on your desktop computer (Windows or MacOS), offering a smooth and accessible experience for all users. This tool stands out by focusing on WhatsApp data recovery with no need for rooting your device, making it a safer choice for users who want hassle-free message retrieval.

xMobi helps you restore deleted WhatsApp chats, images, videos, audio, and documents, providing an efficient solution to get back lost conversations quickly. I tested the tool and found its preview feature especially useful, as it allows selective restoration of WhatsApp messages and media without recovering unnecessary data.

Features:

• OS Support: xMobi supports a wide range of Android and iOS versions, ensuring compatibility with both older and latest devices. This broad OS support makes WhatsApp data recovery easy and reliable regardless of device age.
• Selective Recovery: The tool sorts recovered WhatsApp data into categories, so you can preview and selectively restore messages or attachments, saving time and storage space.
• Preview Messages: You can view deleted WhatsApp messages and media files. This way, you decide exactly what you want to restore without cluttering your device with unnecessary files.
• No Root Required: xMobi does not require rooting your Android device, reducing risk and making it accessible for all users.
• Safe Recovery Process: The recovery is non-destructive, so your existing device data remains untouched and secure throughout the process.
• User Friendly: xMobi features an intuitive and simple interface, which makes the recovery process straightforward even for users without technical experience.
• Cross-Platform Recovery: It supports recovery from both Android and iOS, making it versatile for users with different smartphone ecosystems.

Pricing:

Here are the pricing plans of xMobi:

Visit xMobi >>

14-Days Money-Back Guarantee

Key Considerations Before Restoring Deleted WhatsApp Message

Here are a few things I consider before getting started with restoring deleted messages on WhatsApp:

• Enable Backup: You can avoid data loss by enabling the backup feature on your phone. Restoration becomes easy with a Google Drive, iCloud, or iTunes backup.
• Have Storage Space: Backing up your WhatsApp chat is only possible if you have enough space on the cloud. Create room by deleting the unimportant files or upgrading your plan.
• Backup Frequency: I suggest turning on automatic backup from the settings or manually uploading the data.
• Use the Same ID: Use the same email ID and phone number for both the backup and WhatsApp accounts.
• Learn Recovery Method: You should take assistance from the article to learn the procedure thoroughly.
• Stable Connection: A stable and fast internet connection is essential for smooth recovery. An unstable connection can cause data loss.
• Battery Backup: Ensure your mobile has enough battery percentage to prevent interruptions.

Pro Tip: How Do You Backup WhatsApp Messages Before Deleting Them?

I protect my WhatsApp data by enabling the in-app backup feature. Below, you will find the instructions I followed to create a backup on Android and iPhone.

Backup with Google Drive on Android:

Step 1) Open WhatsApp on your Android mobile phone. Go to Settings and then hit on the Chat option.

Step 2) Scroll and Navigate to the Chat Backup.

Step 3) Tap on Back up to Google Drive.

Step 4) Set the frequency and select ID in the Google Account section.

Step 5) Check the Include videos option to upload video files on the cloud.

Step 6) Hit Back up to start uploading the data.

Backup with iCloud on IOS Devices:

Step 1) Connect your iCloud ID to your iOS device and ensure your cloud storage is not full. Then go to Settings and Chats in your WhatsApp app.

Step 2) Tap on the Chat Backup tab.

Step 3) Hit Back Up Now to manually upload files or choose Auto.

Step 4) Here, you can choose the frequency.

Does deleting a WhatsApp chat remove it permanently?

Removing chat on WhatsApp does not necessarily mean they are deleted permanently. Depending on the preferences set on your mobile and WhatsApp app, you can retrieve deleted text messages. Moreover, if you want to remove the messages permanently, I recommend deleting the backup from the app and mobile settings. However, if you later need to retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages without backup, certain recovery methods may still work.

How do you read deleted messages in WhatsApp Business?

After accidentally deleting messages on WhatsApp business, restoring the backup is your go-to option. However, you must reinstall the app to retrieve the data. First, check the app settings to ensure the chat backup is enabled. Delete and reinstall WhatsApp business from the store. Initiate the setup process using the same account and choose Restore Backup.

How do you retrieve deleted messages on WhatsApp sent by someone?

When someone sends a message to you, they can delete it within two days. However, using the reply feature, you can read someone’s text messages even after they delete them. Tap and hold the message you want to save and hit the Reply icon. You will see the deleted text in the quoted message bubble.

Conclusion

After exploring the topic, I found that viewing deleted WhatsApp messages is achievable through various methods. Android users can check notification history, Google Drive backups, or the local database. If you need to recover WhatsApp conversations without backup, several alternative methods can help.

Editor's Choice

mSpy

mSpy app lets you read deleted WhatsApp messages without the target phone. This WhatsApp spy tool allows you to track the target phone wherever it goes. It lets you read WhatsApp messages without a blue tick on the target phone.

Try mSpy for Free