Have you ever received a message on WhatsApp, only to find it was deleted before you could read it? You’re not alone. WhatsApp’s “Delete for Everyone” feature, while helpful for correcting mistakes, can also stir up curiosity and frustration. Luckily, there are ways to see deleted messages.
In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to view deleted WhatsApp messages and recommend the safest and most effective tools to do so.
What Does “This Message Was Deleted” Mean?
When you see “This message was deleted” in a WhatsApp chat, it means the sender has used the “Delete for Everyone” option. This can be done within a short window after sending a message — typically under 2 minutes for personal chats and a bit longer for groups.
The downside? If someone deletes a message before you open it, you’ll never know what they sent — unless you use the tricks we’re about to reveal.
Method 1: Use Notification Log Apps (Android Only)
Notification log apps keep a record of all incoming notifications, including WhatsApp messages. Even if the message is deleted later, the original text may still be stored.
Steps:
- Download a notification logger like “Notification History Log” or “Notisave” from the Google Play Store.
- Grant the necessary permissions (notification access).
- Once set up, the app will record all WhatsApp messages received via notifications.
- If a message gets deleted, open the logger app and find the original content under WhatsApp.
Pros:
- Free and simple.
- Doesn’t modify your WhatsApp.
Cons:
- Doesn’t work if the message was deleted before notification was received.
- Only works on Android.
- May not capture media like deleted photos or voice notes.
Method 2: Use WhatsApp Chat Backup (Limited)
If the deleted message was sent before your last backup, you may be able to recover it by restoring a previous version of your WhatsApp.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and check the last backup time.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- During reinstallation, choose Restore from Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS).
- After restoration, chats — including some deleted messages — may reappear.
Note:
- This method only helps if the message existed during your last backup.
- You’ll lose recent chats unless backed up.
Method 3: Try GB WhatsApp’s Anti-Delete Feature
For users who want a permanent solution, GB WhatsApp offers a built-in Anti-Delete feature. Once enabled, you can read all messages and see deleted media, even if the sender tries to erase them.
If you’re tired of seeing “This message was deleted,” GB WhatsApp lets you bypass that — the Anti-Delete feature keeps all chats visible, no matter what the sender does.
How to Enable Anti-Delete:
- Download GBWhatsApp from a trusted source.
- Open the app and go to GB Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Enable Anti-Delete Messages and Anti-Delete Status.
- You’re done! All messages and statuses will remain visible even if the sender deletes them.
Additional Benefits of GB WhatsApp:
- Hide blue ticks, second ticks, typing status.
- Custom themes and fonts.
- Schedule messages or auto-reply.
- App lock and media hiding options.
Disclaimer: GB WhatsApp is a third-party modified version of WhatsApp and is not available on the Google Play Store or iOS App Store. Use it responsibly, and preferably with a secondary number.
Can You See Deleted Messages on iPhone?
Due to Apple’s strict privacy policies, iOS does not allow notification log access, which means methods like Notisave don’t work. However, jailbreaking your device (not recommended) or using WhatsApp backup restore are possible but limited solutions.
Alternatively, you can mirror your Android phone running GB WhatsApp to a PC or iOS device using tools like AirDroid or Scrcpy if you want to read deleted messages remotely.
Final Thoughts
While WhatsApp doesn’t officially allow you to retrieve deleted messages, Android users have a few workarounds — especially when using GB WhatsApp’s Anti-Delete feature. For those who value privacy but still want to uncover the mystery behind deleted texts, GB WhatsApp offers a simple and effective solution.
Still, remember to respect others’ privacy, and only use these methods for personal insight or record-keeping — not for invasive monitoring.
