People delete messages on WhatsApp for all sorts of reasons.
Maybe they sent a text in the heat of the moment and regretted it instantly. Maybe they fired off a typo-ridden disaster that made them look unhinged. Or maybe, just maybe, they didn’t want certain words sitting around for prying eyes to see.
It happens. One second, you’re texting freely, and the next, you tap “Delete for Everyone”. Feel free after that? Surprise-surprise: just because a message is deleted doesn’t mean it’s gone forever.
You can recover deleted messages from WhatsApp. Let’s break down the best ways to do it.
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How to See Deleted Messages on WhatsApp: Safe vs. Risky Methods
The right answer: some legit ways exist. But if you’re tempted by random “free” apps promising to recover every deleted message, watch out. Many of these so-called solutions come with serious risks/problems/legal issues.
Here’s how to spot a dangerous free method:
- Asks for too many permissions. If an app demands access to your contacts, messages, and even files that have nothing to do with WhatsApp, it’s a red flag.
- Floods you with ads. If an app sends you millions of pop-ups, it’s probably making money off your data.
- Promotes shady downloads. A website forces you to install unknown software? You’re one step away from malware.
If you want to view deleted messages on WhatsApp safely, follow these well-tested techniques.
Top 5 Options You Can Use to See Deleted WhatsApp Texts
If you’re serious about seeing deleted WhatsApp messages, you need reliable methods. Not sketchy apps that could steal your data.
Option 1. mSpy Parental Control App
mSpy is an app that lets you see all the messages that are sent and received on a phone. Silently. This mens, it works in the background, without notifying a device owner. Even if someone deletes a text, mSpy keeps a copy, so you can read it anytime.
Why choose mSpy?
- Captures deleted WhatsApp messages before they disappear
- Shows timestamps, contacts, and even media files
- Works remotely
- Offers additional features
Unlike free methods that may or may not work, mSpy ensures you will see deleted WhatsApp messages on Android or iPhone.
Option 2. Check WhatsApp Backups
Any messenger automatically backs up chats daily (if enabled), which means you might check deleted messages on WhatsApp by restoring an older backup. Here’s how:
On Android:
- Uninstall WhatsApp and reinstall it.
- Log in and restore the latest backup when prompted.
- If the deleted message was in the last backup, it will reappear.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and check the last backup date.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Restore the backup to recover old messages.
Downside: You’ll lose any messages sent after the backup, and this method won’t work if the backup happened after the message was deleted.
Option 3. Use Notification History on Android
Android users have a secret tool—notification history. If you saw the message in your notifications before it was deleted, it might still be stored in your system. So, you know how to read deleted messages on WhatsApp with no additional apps.
How to check:
- Go to Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings (or search “Notification History”).
- Enable Notification History if it’s not already on.
- Check the log for deleted WhatsApp messages.
Limitations:
- Only works if the message triggered a notification.
Won’t show images or media files.
Option 4. Check WhatsApp Messages on an Apple Watch
If you’ve paired WhatsApp notifications with your Apple Watch, there’s a chance you can still see deleted WhatsApp messages on iPhone. Since the watch receives notifications independently from your phone, deleted messages might still be visible there.
Of course, it won’t show images or media files. But catchy texts are on your hands.
Option 5. Check Linked Devices (WhatsApp Web or Desktop App)
If the person uses WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, deleted messages might still be visible on a linked device if they weren’t refreshed immediately.
Just open WhatsApp Web or the desktop app on a connected computer, and scroll through recent messages before the app syncs and removes deleted texts. If lucky, you may see the WhatsApp recently deleted messages before they disappear.
You Only Need to Use One Method
Let’s be real. Backups don’t always work, notification history is hit-or-miss.
That’s why mSpy is the smartest choice. After installation, it simply records every WhatsApp message before it gets deleted. You don’t have to rely on luck or outdated backups.
It’s easy to get distracted by features like “tracking deleted messages”, but the real value of mSpy is that it lets you monitor everything without anyone noticing. It doesn’t just work with WhatsApp, it also keeps track of social media apps, emails, where they are, and what they’re doing online.
