WhatsApp: Read deleted messages

If you see in one of your WhatsApp chats the remark that a message has been deleted, it is often still possible to read it. What methods there are to read deleted messages and how to use them correctly, we show you step by step.

How to read deleted WhatsApp messages

On WhatsApp, users have had the option to delete messages that have already been sent for some time. This is especially useful if you mistyped or sent the message to the wrong person. However, the original recipient is shown in the chat history that a message has been deleted. This person has the possibility to read the deleted message anyway.

1. If you want to read a deleted message yourself, you can do this via the notifications. Have you enabled the display of pop-up notifications under "Settings" > "Notifications", deleted messages are often still displayed on the lock screen.
2. If this does not work on your smartphone, a special app such as "WhatsKit" or "Notification History" can help. If you have such an app installed, it has access to your WhatsApp account and can read deleted messages.

How to use the developer mode to read deleted messages

Another variant for reading deleted messages is to access the notification log. This can be found via your device's developer options, which you need to enable beforehand in the phone settings by tapping the build number seven times. Then, press and hold an empty space on the home screen and navigate to "Widgets" > "Settings shortcut" and search for "WhatsApp" in the "Notification log" submenu to read the source code of the deleted message.