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WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world with over 2 billion active users. While it provides a convenient way to stay in touch with friends and family, it also stores a significant amount of chat history on your device. This chat history may include sensitive or personal information that you may want to delete permanently. In this blog post, we will discuss the different methods to permanently delete WhatsApp chat history on your device.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To delete WhatsApp chat history permanently, you will need:
- WhatsApp installed on your device
- An active internet connection
- A smartphone or a computer
What Requires Your Focus?
Before you proceed with the methods, it is important to note that permanently deleting WhatsApp chat history will erase all your chats and media from your device. This cannot be undone, so make sure you have backed up any important chats or media before proceeding.
Different Methods to Permanently Delete WhatsApp Chat History
There are different methods to permanently delete WhatsApp chat history on your device. In this section, we will discuss three of the most popular methods.
Method 1: Delete WhatsApp Chat History via Settings
To delete WhatsApp chat history via settings, follow the steps below:
1. Open WhatsApp on your device
2. Tap on ‘Settings’ in the bottom right corner of the screen
3. Tap on ‘Chats’ and then ‘Chat History’
4. Tap on ‘Delete all chats’ or ‘Clear all chats’
5. Confirm the action by tapping on ‘Delete’ or ‘Clear’
Pros:
- Easy to perform
- Does not require any third-party apps
- Deletes all chats and media at once
Cons:
- Cannot select specific chats to delete
- Cannot preview the chats before deleting
- Cannot undo the action once completed
Method 2: Delete WhatsApp Chat History via WhatsApp Manager
To delete WhatsApp chat history via a WhatsApp Manager, such as Tenorshare iCareFone, follow the steps below:
1. Download and install the WhatsApp Manager on your computer
2. Launch the program and connect your device to your computer
3. Select ‘WhatsApp’ from the list of tools on the left-hand side of the screen
4. Click on ‘Erase Private Fragments’
5. Click on ‘Scan’
6. Preview and select the chats you want to delete permanently
7. Click on ‘Erase Now’
Pros:
- Enables you to preview and select the chats you want to delete
- Deletes all related data permanently
- Supports multiple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Android
Cons:
- Requires a third-party app
- Not a free tool, you have to buy the full version
- You need to connect your device to your computer
Method 3: Delete WhatsApp Chat History via File Manager
To delete WhatsApp chat history via a File Manager, follow the steps below:
1. Open the File Manager on your device
2. Go to ‘WhatsApp’ and then ‘Databases’
3. Find the ‘msgstore.db.crypt12’ file and delete it
4. Confirm the action by tapping on ‘Delete’
Pros:
- Does not require any third-party apps
- Gives you direct access to the WhatsApp database
- Enables you to delete specific chats easily
Cons:
- Deletion may not be permanent
- May not always work
- Cannot preview chats before deleting
Why Can’t I Permanently Delete WhatsApp Chat History?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to permanently delete WhatsApp chat history. Some of the most common reasons include:
1. Backup and restore: If you have backed up your chats on WhatsApp, deleting them may not be permanent. WhatsApp may restore the deleted chats when you restore the backup.
2. Third-party apps: Some third-party apps may store WhatsApp chat history on your device. Deleting the chats from WhatsApp may not delete them from the third-party app.
3. Device recovery: If you have used a data recovery tool to recover deleted data on your device, the deleted WhatsApp chat history may also be recovered.
To permanently delete WhatsApp chat history, you can consider using the methods discussed above or follow the fixes for the reasons mentioned.
Implications and Recommendations
Permanently deleting WhatsApp chat history may have certain implications. For instance, you may lose important chat history that cannot be recovered. However, it can also ensure your privacy and prevent your chats from being accessed by others.
We recommend that you back up your important chats and media before permanently deleting them. Additionally, always use trusted tools and methods to ensure the safety and privacy of your data.
5 FAQs about How to Permanently Delete WhatsApp Chat History
Q1. Can I recover permanently deleted WhatsApp chat history?
A1. No, permanently deleted WhatsApp chat history cannot be recovered.
Q2. Why should I permanently delete WhatsApp chat history?
A2. Permanently deleting WhatsApp chat history ensures your privacy and prevents your chats from being accessed by others.
Q3. Will deleting my WhatsApp account delete my chat history?
A3. No, deleting your WhatsApp account will delete your profile information, but it will not delete your chat history. You need to delete the chat history separately.
Q4. Can I select specific chats to delete in WhatsApp?
A4. Yes, you can select specific chats to delete in WhatsApp via third-party tools, such as WhatsApp Manager.
Q5. Is it safe to use third-party tools to delete WhatsApp chat history?
A5. Yes, it is safe to use trusted and verified third-party tools to delete WhatsApp chat history permanently.
In Conclusion
Deleting WhatsApp chat history permanently may be required for privacy reasons, but it also comes with certain implications. As such, it is important to use trusted and verified methods to ensure the safety and privacy of your data. We hope that the methods discussed in this blog post will help you delete WhatsApp chat history permanently.