WhatsApp, a prevalent messaging platform, often leaves users curious when they receive a “This message was deleted” notification. What did the sender write? Why did they retract it? If you’ve ever been left wondering, this guide will shed light on how to see WhatsApp deleted messages by the sender.
Delete for Everyone Feature
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand the ‘Delete for everyone feature on WhatsApp:
- Purpose: Introduced as a way to allow users to correct mistakes, retract hastily sent messages, or remove anything sent in error.
- Time Frame: A message can be deleted within 1 hour, 8 minutes, and 16 seconds after it has been sent. Post this window, and the sender can only delete it for themselves.
How to See Deleted Messages: An Overview
- Notification Logs: An Android-specific method.
- Third-Party Apps: Some apps claim to recover deleted messages.
- WhatsApp Chat Backup: Use the backup feature to restore chats.
Notification Logs Method
For Android Users Only
Every incoming message generates a notification. These notifications are stored in the notification register of the device.
Steps to follow:
- Long-press on your home screen.
- Tap on Widgets.
- Scroll and find the Settings widget (gear icon).
- Drag and drop it on the home screen.
- A list will appear. Select the notification log from it.
- Tap on the device to show you the history of all recent notifications.
Note: This method only works if you have received a notification for the message, and it doesn’t show deleted messages before you see them.
Third-Party Apps
There are several apps available on the Play Store that promise to recover deleted messages. A popular choice is “WhatsRemoved+”.
Steps to use:
- Download the app from the Play Store.
- Grant the necessary permissions.
- The app will start monitoring notifications and alerting you to deleted messages.
Caution: Relying on third-party apps can be risky. Always read reviews, ensure the app’s legitimacy, and be wary of granting excessive permissions.
WhatsApp Chat Backup
If you’ve scheduled regular backups of your WhatsApp chats, there’s a chance you can restore a backup that contains the deleted message.
Steps to follow:
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Set it up and click Restore when prompted.
- If the deleted message was in the backup, it will now be restored in your chat history.
Note: This method will restore your chats to their state at the last backup, which means you may lose recent conversations after the backup.
FAQs
- Can iPhone users retrieve deleted messages?
iPhone users don’t have a notification log feature like Android. For them, the best bet is the backup restoration method. - Are third-party apps safe?
Not all of them. Always ensure the app is from a reputable developer and doesn’t ask for unnecessary permissions. - Can the sender know I’m trying to retrieve their deleted message?
No, these methods are on the receiver’s end, and the sender cannot know.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp’s “Delete for Everyone” feature gives senders a second chance to reconsider their messages, recipients’ curiosity remains.
With the above methods, you may have some luck unveiling those once-vanished texts. Always remember to approach third-party solutions with caution and prioritize your digital safety.
Your curiosity and the proper knowledge and precautions can lead to discovering those elusive deleted messages. Stay informed and tech-savvy!