In today’s fast-paced digital world, WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool. With features like messaging, media sharing, voice notes, and video calls, it’s no surprise that over 2 billion people use WhatsApp worldwide. One of its more controversial features is the ability to delete messages. Whether it’s a typo, a change of mind, or a message sent to the wrong person, WhatsApp users can delete messages for everyone in a chat. But what if you’re on the receiving end and want to know what was deleted?
If you’ve ever been curious or even frustrated about a “This message was deleted” notification, you’re not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp, the tools and tricks that make it possible, and the risks you should be aware of.
Table of Contents
- What Does “Delete for Everyone” Mean on WhatsApp?
- Why People Want to See Deleted WhatsApp Messages
- Is It Legal to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages?
- Native Methods to View Deleted Messages (Without Third-Party Apps)
- Using Notification History (Android only)
- Best Third-Party Apps to See Deleted WhatsApp Messages
- Using WhatsApp Backup to Retrieve Deleted Messages
- Limitations and Considerations
- Privacy and Security Warnings
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Does “Delete for Everyone” Mean on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp introduced the “Delete for Everyone” feature in 2017. This allows users to delete a message they’ve sent — either in individual or group chats — within a time frame (currently about 2 days). Once deleted, the message is replaced by “This message was deleted.”
This feature helps people avoid embarrassing situations or correct mistakes, but it can leave others wondering what the message originally said.
2. Why People Want to See Deleted WhatsApp Messages
Here are a few common reasons why people want to recover deleted WhatsApp messages:
- Curiosity: People naturally want to know what was hidden.
- Miscommunication: A deleted message could lead to confusion or misunderstandings.
- Evidence: In some cases, the deleted message may be important in legal or relationship disputes.
- Parental Monitoring: Parents may want to monitor their children’s communications.
3. Is It Legal to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages?
Yes, as long as you’re not hacking into someone else’s account or violating privacy laws, it’s generally legal to recover deleted messages on your own device. However, always ensure you’re using ethical and legal methods. If you’re trying to spy on someone else’s private conversation, that could cross legal lines, depending on your local laws.
4. Native Methods to View Deleted Messages (Without Third-Party Apps)
For Android:
Some Android phones come with built-in notification history which can record incoming notifications, including WhatsApp messages. If someone sends you a message and deletes it after, the original content may still be stored in the notification log.
How to Enable Notification History (on Android 11 or newer):
- Go to Settings
- Tap on Notifications
- Scroll to and tap Advanced Settings
- Select Notification History
- Turn on Use Notification History
Once enabled, every new notification, including WhatsApp messages, will be stored even if the sender deletes them later.
⚠️ This only works for messages that actually trigger a notification. If WhatsApp is open and you’re actively chatting, the message might not create a separate notification, and thus won’t be recorded.
5. Using Notification History Apps (for Older Android Phones)
If your phone doesn’t support built-in notification logs, you can use third-party apps that log your notifications. Some popular apps include:
a. Notification History Log
- Tracks WhatsApp messages even after deletion.
- Stores notifications in an organized format.
- Free and paid versions available.
b. Notisave
- Automatically saves notifications.
- Allows you to search, sort, and view deleted messages.
- Clean and simple interface.
c. WAMR
- Specially designed to recover deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Also works for recovering deleted media files (images, videos, etc.).
- Requires notification access.
Steps to Use These Apps:
- Download the app from the Google Play Store.
- Grant access to notifications and storage.
- Let the app run in the background.
- When a message is deleted, open the app to see what it originally said.
🟡 Note: These apps only work after they’ve been installed. They can’t retrieve messages deleted before installation.
6. Best Third-Party Apps to See Deleted WhatsApp Messages
Here’s a deeper look at some top apps used for this purpose:
✅ WAMR – Recover Deleted Messages & Media
- Recover messages, images, audio, and videos.
- Download status updates (stories).
- Requires access to notifications and media storage.
✅ Notisave – Notification Saver
- Saves messages from various apps, including WhatsApp.
- Allows easy search and backup.
- Locks content with a fingerprint or PIN.
✅ WhatsRemoved+
- Monitors selected apps for deleted messages and media.
- Simple UI.
- Allows you to customize what data to save.
🔴 These apps do not work on iPhones due to iOS restrictions on accessing notification data.
7. Using WhatsApp Backup to Retrieve Deleted Messages
WhatsApp automatically backs up your messages daily (to Google Drive on Android or iCloud on iOS). You can try retrieving deleted messages using these backups — if the message was present during the last backup.
Steps to Restore from a Backup:
For Android:
- Uninstall WhatsApp.
- Reinstall WhatsApp and verify your number.
- Tap Restore when prompted to restore chats from Google Drive.
- Wait for the process to complete.
For iPhone:
- Uninstall WhatsApp.
- Reinstall from App Store.
- Verify your number.
- Choose to Restore Chat History from iCloud.
⚠️ This method only works if the message was deleted after the last backup and before the new backup. You may also lose recent messages not saved in the backup.
8. Limitations and Considerations
While these methods are effective, they come with limitations:
- Battery Usage: Notification-tracking apps run in the background and can drain battery life.
- Privacy: Granting access to notifications and storage may raise privacy concerns.
- No Support for iPhone: iOS doesn’t allow apps to access notifications or chat logs.
- Only Future Messages: Most methods don’t allow you to recover old deleted messages.
- Media Limitations: Some apps can’t recover deleted photos, videos, or voice messages unless they were downloaded before deletion.
9. Privacy and Security Warnings
While it’s tempting to see deleted messages, always be cautious:
- Data Sharing: Some third-party apps may collect and share your data.
- Malware Risks: Avoid downloading cracked APKs or unknown apps.
- Fake Apps: Be careful of apps that claim to recover WhatsApp messages but actually steal your data.
- Respect Privacy: Just because you can see deleted messages doesn’t mean you should. Use these tools responsibly.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I see deleted WhatsApp messages on iPhone?
Unfortunately, iPhones don’t allow apps to access notification history. Unless you restore from a previous backup, there’s no reliable way to see deleted messages on iOS.
Q2. Will the sender know I’ve seen the deleted message?
No. WhatsApp does not notify the sender if their deleted message is recovered or viewed using a third-party app.
Q3. Can I retrieve deleted photos and videos?
Some apps like WAMR and WhatsRemoved+ can retrieve media files if they were downloaded before deletion. Otherwise, it’s difficult to recover deleted media.
Q4. Is there any way to see deleted messages in WhatsApp Web?
No. WhatsApp Web mirrors your phone’s messages. If a message is deleted on the phone, it will also disappear from WhatsApp Web.
Q5. Do I need to root my Android phone to use these apps?
No. Most notification-tracking apps work without rooting your phone. Rooting is not recommended unless you’re an advanced user and aware of the risks.
Final Thoughts
While WhatsApp’s “Delete for Everyone” feature offers peace of mind for senders, it also sparks curiosity among receivers. Thankfully, with the help of notification history, third-party apps, and backups, you can often see deleted messages on WhatsApp — at least on Android devices.
However, always prioritize privacy, safety, and ethical use. Don’t misuse these tools for spying or manipulation. Respect digital boundaries and use your knowledge responsibly.
If you’re using these methods purely for personal or organizational safety, then you’re making a wise, informed decision. Just remember: with great power comes great responsibility.
Have you ever successfully recovered a deleted WhatsApp message? Share your experience in the comments!
Let us know if you want to explore more WhatsApp tricks and tips.
