If someone has deleted a message on WhatsApp and you want to read it, there are several methods you can try. This comprehensive guide covers various approaches to recover and view deleted WhatsApp messages.
Method 1: Using Third-Party Notification Logger Apps
The most reliable method to read deleted WhatsApp messages is by using specialized apps that log all notifications before they can be deleted.
WhatsRemoved+ App
WhatsRemoved+ is one of the most popular apps for this purpose. Here's how to set it up:
- Download and install WhatsRemoved+ from the Google Play Store
- Open the app and grant necessary permissions (notification access)
- Select WhatsApp from the list of monitored apps
- The app will now automatically save all incoming messages
- When someone deletes a message, you'll still be able to view it in WhatsRemoved+
Method 2: Using WhatsApp Web with Browser Extensions
For desktop users, browser extensions can help capture deleted messages on WhatsApp Web.
Popular Browser Extensions:
- WA Web Plus (Chrome)
- WhatsApp Web Deleted Messages (Firefox)
- WAMR (multiple browsers)
Method 3: Local Backup Method
WhatsApp creates automatic backups that might contain deleted messages if you act quickly.
Steps to Restore from Local Backup:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your phone
- Reinstall WhatsApp from Play Store
- During setup, restore from local backup when prompted
- Choose a backup that was created before the message was deleted
Android Backup Path:
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/msgstore.db.crypt12
iOS Backup Path:
Through iCloud or iTunes backup restorationMethod 4: Notification History on Android
Some Android versions have built-in notification history that can capture deleted messages.
Enable Notification History:
- Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Notifications
- Tap on Notification history
- Toggle on "Use notification history"
- Deleted messages may appear here if they generated a notification
Important Considerations
Privacy and Legal Aspects
Always respect others' privacy and ensure you're not violating any laws or terms of service when attempting to read deleted messages.
Limitations
- These methods work best when set up before messages are deleted
- End-to-end encryption still protects message content
- Methods may not work on all devices or WhatsApp versions
Best Practices
- Set up notification logging apps before you need them
- Regularly check that permissions are still granted
- Keep backups of important conversations
- Use official methods when possible for security
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read deleted messages without any third-party app?
On some Android devices with notification history enabled, you might be able to see deleted messages in the notification log. Otherwise, third-party apps are generally required.
Do these methods work on iPhone?
iOS has stricter security restrictions, making it much more difficult to read deleted WhatsApp messages. Most reliable methods are available only on Android devices.
Is it legal to read deleted WhatsApp messages?
This depends on your local laws and the context. Reading messages intended for you is generally acceptable, but accessing others' private conversations without consent may violate privacy laws.
Can WhatsApp detect if I'm using these methods?
WhatsApp doesn't actively monitor for these tools, but using third-party apps may violate their terms of service. Use at your own discretion.
How reliable are these methods?
Notification logger apps are quite reliable if set up correctly and given proper permissions. Other methods have varying success rates depending on timing and device configuration.
