Ever wondered how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there. You get a notification from WhatsApp, you glance at it, and then bam it’s gone. “This message was deleted.” Ugh, the mystery. What did they say? Was it important? Was it about you? The suspense is real. But the good news is, yes, you can uncover what was deleted. If you’re itching to learn how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp, stick around.
This guide is going to walk you through every sneaky method, from using backup tricks to clever apps, all while keeping it super simple. And yes, this isn’t some hacker-level stuff. These are tips anyone can use even your grandma if she’s determined enough. Let’s dig in and solve this mystery once and for all.
1. Through WhatsApp Notification History
One of the easiest ways how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp is through notification history. Yes, your phone might already be saving the clues. Most Android devices (especially those running Android 11 and up) have a Notification Log feature. If enabled, this log captures everything that pops up including WhatsApp messages before they’re deleted. Here’s a quick real-life example: Let’s say your friend Tom sent you a message saying, “I have something to tell you…” and then deleted it. If you had notification history turned on, you can still find it hiding in the log.
How to use notification history:
- Go to Settings on your Android phone
- Tap Notifications
- Tap Advanced Settings
- Tap Notification History
- Enable the toggle if it’s off
Once this is on, you’ll be able to see notifications, including WhatsApp messages even the ones that were deleted later. But heads up this only works after you’ve enabled the feature. So if you’re trying to retrieve something from before you turned it on, this trick won’t help. Also, this only works on Android, not iPhone. iOS doesn’t give access to notification logs, so Apple users might need to check out the next options. Still, if you’re using Android and wondering how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp, this should be your first stop.
2. By Restoring WhatsApp Chats Backup
Let’s talk about backup because this is another major player when you’re figuring out how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp. WhatsApp automatically backs up your chats every day, either to your phone’s internal storage or to the cloud. So, if someone deleted a message and you restore your backup from before it was deleted, voilà you can see it again. Think of this like time travel for your chats. Here’s how it works: Let’s say your buddy Sarah sent you something juicy at 9 PM and deleted it by 9:01. If your WhatsApp backed up at 2 AM the night before, and you restore that backup, the deleted message will come back. Sounds wild, right?
Steps to restore WhatsApp chat backup:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your phone
- Reinstall it from the Play Store or App Store
- Open it and verify your number
- When prompted, tap “Restore” to get your chats from the backup
Boom. That deleted message could be sitting right there. But this method only works if your backup was created before the message was deleted. If WhatsApp has already created a new backup without that message, you’re out of luck. So timing is key. It’s kind of like rewinding your DVR to catch a scene you missed. If you’re serious about learning how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp, you’ve got to get familiar with backups.
3. By Recovering WhatsApp Messages from Google Drive
Now let’s get into cloud territory. If you’re using an Android device, chances are your WhatsApp chats are backed up to Google Drive.
This makes it even easier if you want to know how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp. The idea is similar to the local backup method, but instead of pulling from your phone, you’re pulling from the cloud. This is a great option if your local storage is limited or if you switched phones.
How to recover from Google Drive:
- Uninstall WhatsApp
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the Play Store
- Sign in with the same Google account and phone number you used for backup
- When prompted, tap Restore from Google Drive
Just like that, you can travel back to a time before that message disappeared. Here’s a quick tip: You can check your Google Drive settings to see when your last backup occurred. Go to drive.google.com, click the gear icon, select Settings, and go to Manage Apps. Find WhatsApp, and it’ll show the last backup date. Knowing this can help you decide whether it’s worth restoring. The only catch? Like the other backup method, it depends on timing. You’ll only recover deleted messages if the backup happened before they vanished. Still, for Android users looking for how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp, Google Drive is gold.
Also read: How To Secure Your TikTok Account
4. Recovering WhatsApp Messages by Using App
Now, if you don’t want to mess with backups or logs, there’s another option. Third-party apps. Yep, there are actually apps designed specifically for folks trying to figure out how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp. These apps work by monitoring your WhatsApp notifications and saving any incoming messages even if they get deleted seconds later.
Popular apps to try:
- Notisave
- WAMR
- Notification History Log
Let’s say you install WAMR. Once it’s set up, it’ll capture any WhatsApp message that comes your way, including voice notes, images, and even deleted texts. So the next time your cousin deletes a cryptic message like, “Don’t tell anyone but…” you’ll still have the receipt. But here’s the thing most of these apps require notification access, and they won’t work if the message was sent while your phone was off or if notifications were disabled. Also, these apps don’t always play nice with privacy, so be cautious. Always download from trusted sources like the Google Play Store, and read the reviews. Still, if you’re the type who needs to know what got deleted, using an app might just be your secret weapon. And yes, these mostly work on Android. Apple’s iOS is a lot more locked down, so similar apps are rare or non-existent in the App Store. So if you’re on iPhone and asking how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp, you may need to rely on backup or notification tricks.
Final Words
So there you have it. Whether it’s through notification history, chat backups, Google Drive, or clever apps, there are multiple ways to uncover the truth behind those deleted messages. Learning how to see deleted messages on WhatsApp isn’t about spying it’s about satisfying your curiosity. Let’s be honest, we all get curious when we see “This message was deleted.” Sometimes it’s nothing. Other times? Drama, secrets, plans. If you’ve got the tools, you can decide for yourself. Remember timing is everything. Turn on notification history now. Set your backups to daily. And if you really want to stay ahead, install one of those third-party apps. Next time someone tries to leave you hanging with a deleted message you’ll be ready.
FAQs
How to see deleted messages on WhatsApp without any app?
You can use your phone’s built-in notification history feature (Android only) or restore your WhatsApp chat from an earlier backup. No third-party app needed.
Can I see deleted WhatsApp messages on iPhone?
It’s a bit trickier. iPhones don’t support notification history, and there aren’t many reliable apps. Your best bet is restoring from an iCloud backup if available.
Do WhatsApp backups save deleted messages?
Yes, but only if the backup was made before the message was deleted. Messages deleted after the backup won’t be in it.
Is it safe to use apps to see deleted messages on WhatsApp?
It can be, as long as you use reputable apps from the Play Store. Always check reviews, ratings, and privacy permissions. Avoid shady APKs or unknown sources.
How do I turn on notification history for WhatsApp?
Go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Notification History on your Android phone. Turn it on. It’ll log incoming WhatsApp messages, even deleted ones.