WhatsApp allows users to delete messages for everyone within a specific time frame. When you delete a message, it will show a note saying, “This message was deleted.” However, these messages are not permanently erased from the app’s database right away. Instead, they become hidden and can be retrieved using certain methods.

Recovering Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android

Method 1: Utilizing WhatsApp’s Backup Feature

WhatsApp offers an in-built backup feature that can help you recover deleted messages. To use this method, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the deleted message was located.
2. Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
3. Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store and verify your phone number.
4. During the verification process, WhatsApp will prompt you to restore your chat history. Tap “Restore,” and your deleted messages should reappear.

Method 2: Using Google Drive Backup

If you have enabled Google Drive backup for WhatsApp, you can recover deleted messages using this method:

1. Make sure you are using the same Google account used for the WhatsApp backup.
2. Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
3. Reinstall WhatsApp and sign in with the same phone number and Google account.
4. WhatsApp will detect the backup on Google Drive and ask if you want to restore your chat history. Tap “Restore,” and your deleted messages will be retrieved.

Method 3: Utilizing Third-Party Data Recovery Apps

Several third-party data recovery apps are available for Android devices. These apps can scan your phone’s storage for deleted WhatsApp messages and attempt to recover them. Some popular options include DiskDigger, Dr.Fone, and EaseUS MobiSaver.

Recovering Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iOS

Method 1: Using iCloud Backup

For iOS users, WhatsApp chat history can be backed up to iCloud. To recover deleted messages using this method, follow these steps:

1. Ensure that you have enabled iCloud backup for WhatsApp on your iPhone.
2. Delete WhatsApp from your device.
3. Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store and verify your phone number.
4. During the setup process, WhatsApp will ask if you want to restore your chat history from iCloud. Tap “Restore Chat History,” and your deleted messages will be recovered.

Method 2: Utilizing Third-Party iOS Data Recovery Tools

If you don’t have an iCloud backup or the above method didn’t work, third-party iOS data recovery tools can be useful:

1. Download and install a reputable iOS data recovery tool like Tenorshare UltData, iMyFone D-Back, or Dr.Fone.
2. Connect your iPhone to the computer and run the data recovery software.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
4. Once the scan is complete, preview the recoverable messages and select the ones you wish to retrieve.

The Limitations of Message Recovery

While the methods mentioned above are effective in most cases, they do have certain limitations. Messages that were deleted a long time ago or were never backed up may not be recoverable. Additionally, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption ensures that messages are securely deleted, making it harder to retrieve older messages.

Preventing Accidental Deletion of WhatsApp Messages

To avoid the stress of message loss, consider implementing the following preventive measures:

1. Regular Backups: Enable automatic backups to either Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS) to have a recent copy of your chat history.
2. Archive Chats: Instead of deleting important chats, archive them. Archived chats can be easily restored later if needed.
3. Double-check Before Deleting: Take a moment to review the message before hitting the delete button to prevent accidental deletions.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I recover messages deleted by the sender?

No, you can only recover messages that you have deleted from your end.

Can I recover messages that were deleted a month ago?

It’s unlikely as WhatsApp only retains deleted messages for a limited time in its database.

Will the recovered messages be stored in the same location as before?

Yes, once the messages are recovered, they will appear in the same chat where they were originally deleted.

Are third-party data recovery apps safe to use?

Most reputable data recovery apps are safe, but exercise caution while granting access to your device’s storage.

Can I recover media files as well through these methods?

Yes, the methods mentioned above can also recover deleted media files such as photos, videos, and audio messages.