WhatsApp is one of the most widely used instant messaging apps globally. In recent years, WhatsApp introduced the "disappearing messages" feature, which allows users to automatically delete sent messages after a certain period. This feature helps protect privacy, but it can also result in some messages becoming irretrievable. So, are WhatsApp disappearing messages permanently deleted? How to recover disappearing messages on WhatsApp? In this article, we will discuss related issues concerning WhatsApp disappearing messages and provide methods to recover them.
The "Disappearing Messages" feature on WhatsApp lets users send messages that automatically delete after a set period. The timer can be customized to 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days, after which the messages are automatically removed. This feature can be applied to both individual and group chats, aiming to enhance privacy protection.
Yes, it is possible to recover disappearing messages on WhatsApp. If you view a disappearing message before the timer runs out, it will remain in your chat even after the set duration passes. Additionally, photos and media from disappearing messages will be saved to your Photos if auto-download is enabled.
If your chats are regularly backed up, disappearing messages will also be included in the backup for recovery, as long as the timer hasn't expired.
Once it's confirmed that the messages can be recovered, we will introduce several effective methods for recovery.
If you have enabled chat backup on WhatsApp and regularly back up your chats, recovering disappearing messages becomes relatively simple. Whether it's backed up to iCloud (for iPhone users) or Google Drive (for Android users), you can restore deleted messages by recovering from the backup.
Here is how to recover disappearing messages on WhatsApp from WhatsApp chat backup:
Step 1. First, make sure you have a recent chat backup:
On Android: Open WhatsApp on your Android phone > Tap the "three dots" in the top-right corner to open the menu, then select "Settings" > In the Settings menu, tap "Chats" > Tap "Chat backup" > Choose the Google account you want to use for backup and the tap "BACK UP" button to start the backup process.
On iPhone: Open WhatsApp on your iPhone >Tap the "Settings" icon in the bottom-right corner > In the Settings menu, tap "Chats" > Tap "Chat Backup" > Ensure you're signed in to your Apple ID and that iCloud is enabled and tap "Auto Backup" > Tap "Back Up Now" to start the backup process.
Step 2. Delete the WhatsApp app from your device, then re-download and install it from the app store.
Step 3. Once the installation is complete, log in to WhatsApp using the same phone number. The system will prompt you to restore the backup; simply select the "Restore" option.
On Android:
On iPhone:
If you are an iPhone user and you have backed up your WhatsApp to iTunes, you can use Coolmuster iPhone WhatsApp Recovery to recover disappearing messages on WhatsApp. This tool allows you to easily preview and selectively restore WhatsApp data from your iTunes backup, without restoring the entire backup.
Key features of iPhone WhatsApp Recovery:
Here is how to get disappearing messages on WhatsApp using iPhone WhatsApp Recovery:
01Download and install the tool on your PC. Open the program and select "Recover from iTunes Backup File". Then, choose the desired backup file and click "Start Scan". If the backup file is not automatically detected, click "Select" to manually locate it.
02Choose "WhatsApp Attachments" and "WhatsApp" and then click "Start Scan" to begin scanning for WhatsApp data.
03Preview the WhatsApp files, select the ones you want to recover, and then click "Recover to Computer" to start restoring the data from the iTunes backup.
Video Tutorial:
Note: If you are an Android user, you can also use Coolmuster Android WhatsApp Recovery to recover your disappearing messages on WhatsApp.
Q1. Why would someone enable the "Disappearing Messages" feature?
The "Disappearing Messages" feature is typically enabled to enhance privacy protection, especially when sending sensitive information. This feature ensures that messages are automatically deleted after a certain period, preventing them from being improperly saved or forwarded. Additionally, it helps reduce storage space for chat history, making it very useful for users who prioritize privacy and security.
Q2. When you enable the disappearing messages feature on WhatsApp, can others see it?
Yes. When you enable the disappearing messages feature, the recipient will see a notification in the chat window informing them that the message will disappear after a set period. While the recipient is aware that the message will vanish, they are not notified of the exact time it will be deleted. As a result, they may take a screenshot or forward the message before it disappears.
Q3. Do "Disappearing Messages" on WhatsApp delete for everyone?
"Disappearing Messages" are deleted only from the sender's and recipient's devices, but this doesn't mean they are completely deleted for everyone. If the recipient has already forwarded the message or taken a screenshot, those copies will not be deleted.
Although WhatsApp's "Disappearing Messages" feature helps protect user privacy, it may also cause important messages to disappear unintentionally. You can recover these messages using WhatsApp chat backup. Additionally, if you have an iTunes backup, you can use professional data recovery tools like Coolmuster iPhone WhatsApp Recovery to retrieve deleted messages. To prevent losing important messages in the future, it is recommended that users regularly back up their chat history.
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