JUST because you deleted the message - doesn't mean it won't come back to haunt you.
The message not only gets saved and stored by WhatsApp, but the recipient will see that you sent a message that has since been deleted.
This shouldn't deter you from deleting risky messages, however.
Messages can be removed from both individual and group chats on iPhone and Android.
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To back up or restore your chat history, you’ll need to use your phone.
WhatsApp
But recipients will be alerted with a note that says "this message was deleted".
What's more, the message is stored on your phone, and can be uncovered using WhatsApp's backup feature.
WhatsApp automatically backs up your data every day - or week, or month - so that risky message you culled still exists somewhere.
It's a great way to make sure your conversations, shared voice notes and images are protected in case you drop your phone in a puddle or it gets stolen.
But it's just another way a deleted message can come back to bite you.
Fortunately, only you can see those messages - and not the original recipient.
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It's important to note that even if you use WhatsApp on your PC or laptop, you need your phone to back-up old messages.
According to WhatsApp, "It's not possible to create a backup or restore your chat history from WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop because they are just extensions of WhatsApp on your phone.
"To back up or restore your chat history, you’ll need to use your phone."
How to read deleted WhatsApp messages on an iPhone
It's very easy to retrieve deleted messages - but you only have a limited amount of time to do it.
1. Uninstall WhatsApp and then install it again from the App Store.
2. Log back into your account.
3. An option to restore chats from backup should appear.
4. Select the restore option and your chats will be restored, including deleted messages, which are shown as if they were never removed.
How to read deleted WhatsApp messages on an Android phone
The process to restore messages via an Android phone are pretty much the same.
1. Uninstall WhatsApp and then install it again from the Google Play Store.
2. Log back into your account.
3. An option to restore chats from backup should appear.
4. Select the restore option and your chats will be restored, including deleted messages, which are shown as if they were never removed.
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