How to Check WhatsApp Messages Someone Has Deleted
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Android users may not be aware of a “hidden” feature on their phones. Called Notification History, it allows users to read messages again after they have been deleted by the sender.
WhatsApp’s unsend feature can leave recipients curious, as a message may disappear immediately, even if they open the chat as soon as it arrives.
Notification History can help track such messages. This built-in Android feature records and displays notification histories from various apps, including text messages, email and instant messaging services.
The notification logs can be accessed through the Settings menu. They are stored and available to view for only the previous 24 hours.
After that 24-hour period, the system automatically deletes the logs. Users therefore cannot see notifications received on earlier days.
It is also worth noting that Notification History can track only messages that trigger a notification. If a message comes from a muted contact or group, a deleted message will not be recorded, because the system did not display a notification in the first place.
Other uses for Notification History
As well as checking deleted messages, the feature can help users find important notifications that were buried or dismissed accidentally. Users can browse the log to locate them.
Notification History can also help users assess how often they receive alerts. They can see which apps send the most notifications but are often ignored, and consider turning off those alerts to avoid disruption.
How to enable Notification History
According to a report by BGR, these are the steps to enable Notification History on some Android phone brands:
For Google Pixel and Motorola phones:
Open Settings.
Select Notifications.
Tap Notification History.
Toggle the switch to turn on the feature.
For Samsung phones:
Open the Settings app.
Tap Notifications.
Go to Advanced settings.
Select Notification History.
Turn on the switch beside the Off option.