We've all seen it: "This message was deleted." Someone sent something, then deleted it for everyone before you got to read it — and now you're left wondering what it said. On its own, WhatsApp gives you no way to get it back. Here's how to actually see deleted messages on WhatsApp Web.
Can WhatsApp show deleted messages? Not on its own
Once a sender deletes a message for everyone, WhatsApp replaces it with the "This message was deleted" placeholder and keeps no copy you can view. There's no built-in setting that brings it back.
How WA Web Plus recovers deleted messages
WA Web Plus quietly keeps a local copy of messages as they arrive while WhatsApp Web is open. So if someone deletes a message afterwards, the extension can still show you the original text right where it was — instead of the "This message was deleted" mystery.
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Install WA Web Plus from the Chrome Web Store and keep web.whatsapp.com open.
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Turn on "View Deleted Messages" in the extension.
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When someone deletes a message they sent, the original text stays visible to you instead of the placeholder.
Tip: It works best when WhatsApp Web is open as messages come in — that's when the extension captures them. A message deleted before your session ever received it can't be recovered.
All of this happens locally in your browser. Nothing is sent anywhere, and the captured messages stay on your own device.
Install WA Web Plus free and never wonder what "This message was deleted" said again.