Deleted WhatsApp messages can still be read

Facebook-owned WhatsApp last month rolled out the much sought-after feature – ''delete for everyone,'' which allows users to recall messages in case they have sent those to a wrong contact or a group as it is known to happen with people. However, now it has emerged that the ''deleted messages'' can be uncovered thanks to a loophole.

Spanish website androidjefe reported yesterday that the deleted messages can still be accessed via an application called ''Notification History.'' Users need to try this out for themselves by first updating their WhatsApp app on their Android phone to the latest version. They can then Download Notification History app and give all permissions it requires.

It may be noted that the app will need access to their notifications in order to work.

Users should enable the Advanced History option within the app.

The Notification History app, as the name suggests is a dashboard for all notifications that are received on users' phone. While a ''deleted message'' gets actually removed from WhatsApp chat thread, the message (in the form of a notification) is still available on the Notification History.

According to BGR India, the app not only shows the preview but the entire message. According to the website, the Notification History application has a character-count limit, but it is possible to successfully access long text messages with more than 100 characters.

''What we found is that the messages are stored in the notification register of the Android system. So, it's just a matter of entering that record to see the messages that the other person deleted. The Notification History application is a shortcut to that record,'' androidjefe said in a blog post.

People using third-party launchers like Nova Laucher will find the process even easier. In such cases there is no need to download a third-party app to access deleted messages.

They need to just long press the home screen, and then click on Widgets. They can next tap on Activities and then Notifications log to view notification log of the system. For people who are running a stock version of stock Android, a Settings widget will give them access to notification log.