WhatsApp’s disappearing messages feature has become increasingly popular among users who want added privacy and security. With disappearing messages enabled, new messages sent in an individual or group chat will automatically disappear after 7 days. But some users have questioned whether these “disappearing” messages are really deleted forever, or if WhatsApp keeps a copy.
How does WhatsApp’s disappearing messages feature work?
When enabling disappearing messages, any new messages sent in that chat will disappear after 7 days. This means the messages will be deleted from the sender and receiver’s devices, and WhatsApp’s servers. Older messages sent or received prior to enabling the feature will not be affected and remain visible.
Disappearing messages work by encrypting the message and adding a time to live (TTL) parameter. Once the 7 day period expires, the encryption keys for that message are deleted so it can no longer be accessed. This process happens automatically without the sender having to do anything.
Exceptions where messages may remain visible
There are some exceptions where disappearing messages may continue to be visible past 7 days:
- Quoted messages – If a disappearing message is quoted in a reply, it may remain visible for longer than 7 days.
- Backups – Messages may persist in backups stored locally on a user’s device or iCloud.
- Previews – Message previews may remain visible in notifications until opening WhatsApp.
- Forwarded messages – A disappearing message forwarded to another chat will not disappear in that chat.
Does WhatsApp keep a copy of disappearing messages?
According to WhatsApp, they do not retain copies of messages after they disappear. Here is what we know about what happens to disappearing messages on WhatsApp’s end:
- They claim messages are deleted from their servers after 7 days.
- Messages are not included in WhatsApp’s regular backups.
- They cannot access the messages because the encryption keys are deleted.
- There is no way to retrieve messages after they disappear.
WhatsApp states in their FAQ: “Disappearing messages are deleted from our servers after the messages disappear from your chat. There is no way to retrieve disappearing messages after they’ve disappeared.”
Reasons some doubt whether WhatsApp retains copies
Some skeptics doubt WhatsApp’s claims for the following reasons:
- They want user data for advertising and business purposes.
- Regulatory requirements may require them to store data.
- They may retain data for improving app functionality.
- It’s impossible to verify since their systems are proprietary.
However, these are speculations and there is no evidence WhatsApp retains copies after 7 days. They insist all data is deleted when messages disappear.
Can disappearing messages be recovered after 7 days?
Once a disappearing message reaches its 7 day expiration, there is no way to recover or retrieve it through WhatsApp. This includes both the sender and recipient. However, traces of the message may continue to exist in the following locations:
Locally on a user’s device
- Backups – Devices may retain backups that have copies of the messages.
- Previews – Message notifications may show previews until opening the app.
- Third-party apps – Some apps take screenshots or access notifications.
- Forensic recovery – Experts may be able to recover deleted files.
In cloud backups
- iCloud backup – Messages may persist for up to 40 days in iCloud.
- Google Drive backup – Android backups may retain copies.
If message was forwarded
- Forwarded chats – The message will remain visible if forwarded to another chat.
- Quoted replies – Quotes may still be visible after 7 days in replies.
On WhatsApp’s servers
- Unlikely – WhatsApp claims they are fully deleted from their servers.
- No way to verify – Their systems are proprietary and closed source.
| Where | Persistence | Ability to Recover |
|---|---|---|
| Local Device | Up to device backup schedule | Via backups or forensic tools |
| iCloud/Google Drive Backup | Up to 40 days | Restore backup |
| Forwarded Chats | Until manually deleted | Recoverable |
| WhatsApp Servers | Company claims 7 days | Unlikely |
Tips for making messages really disappear
If you want messages to truly disappear and minimize traces, here are some tips:
- Delete backups – Remove local & cloud backups to erase copies of messages.
- Turn off notifications – So message previews do not linger.
- Don’t forward – Forwarding leaves copies in other chats.
- Delete quoted replies – Manually remove quoted messages that persist.
- Avoid screenshots – Don’t let third-party apps or friends screenshot.
- Use apps that auto-delete – Some apps like Signal have auto-delete built-in.
Other methods
Some other techniques that may help increase disappearing message privacy:
- Encrypt local storage on device.
- Use a privacy-focused OS like GrapheneOS on Android.
- Don’t root or jailbreak phone as it weakens security.
- Enable screen lock and encrypt device to protect backups.
Conclusion
Based on WhatsApp’s explanation of how disappearing messages work, it seems they do fully delete them after 7 days. However, traces may persist indirectly via quoted replies, backups, and forwarded chats. Your best bet is deleting local and cloud backups, avoiding forwarding messages, and using additional privacy measures for true peace of mind.