How to See Deleted WhatsApp Messages
WhatsApp itself does not give back a deleted message. WhatsApp says there is no way to get a deleted message back unless it was included in a backup. Only two things set up beforehand can help — Android Notification History and restoring an old backup.
What you'll learn in this guide
- Why a deleted message cannot be recovered
- Turning on Notification History beforehand
- Restoring chats from an old backup
1Prepare beforehand: Turn on Notification History
This setting must be on before the message is deleted.
- Open Settings > Notifications > Notification history beforehand.
- Turn Use notification history ON — it must be on before the message is deleted.
- When a message is deleted, check the WhatsApp entry in Notification history at once.
2Restore from an old backup
Restore only if the backup is from before the message was deleted.
- To check a backup, open WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- See the time and size of the last backup, and do not create a new backup.
- Restore only if the backup is from before the message was deleted.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Verify the same number and tap Restore when prompted.
💡 Pro Tip
Turn Notification History on today, because turning it on after a deletion does not bring back an old message.
Frequently asked questions
Can a deleted WhatsApp message be read directly in WhatsApp?
No, WhatsApp says there is no way to get it back unless it was included in a backup.
How long can you Delete for Everyone?
Within two days of sending the message.
Can Delete for Me be undone?
Yes, only by pressing Undo within 5 seconds; after that WhatsApp cannot recover the message.
How long does Notification History keep notifications?
Per Google's Pixel page, dismissed notifications from the last 24 hours.
Will a backup restore bring back a deleted message?
Only if that message was in the backup; messages after the backup cannot be restored, and each new backup replaces the old one.