How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (2024)

Can WhatsApp messages be decrypted? Yes, you can! Although it sounds like a complex task, reading encrypted Whatsapp messages can be as easy as reading text messages if you use the right tool. In this post, we can offer you 3 easy and effective methods to bypass WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption and decrypt WhatsApp messages on your target phone.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (1) Joy Taylor Last Updated: Aug. 11, 2022

WhatsApp is currently the world’s largest messaging platform that has 2 billion daily users. Its useful functionsand safety features are the reasons why the app has gained worldwide popularity. All messages you send or receive through this app are encrypted, which means that only the sender and receiver can see their contents.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (2)

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages

In 2012, WhatsApp first introduced end-to-end encryption, as a response to the threat to compromise the privacy of WhatsApp’s users. Since then it has become incredibly difficult to decrypt WhatsApp messages, although not impossible.

So, in this article, we’re going to demonstrate3 proven methods ofdecrypting WhatsApp messages.

  • What is End-to-End Encryption in WhatsApp?
  • Can WhatsApp Messages be Decrypted?
  • Way 1. Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages on Google Drive
  • Way 2. Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages on Your Computer
  • Way 3. Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages on WhatsApp Web
  • Bonus Tip. How to Restore WhatsApp from Android to iPhone?

What is End-to-End Encryption in WhatsApp?

Over the past few years, socialcommunication apps start to introduce the End-to-End encryption system, whichonly allows the message senders and the receivers to view or modify WhatsAppdata. In other words, this system transforms WhatsApp messages into decrypted onesfrom the sender to the receiver.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (3)

WhatsApp End-to-End Encryption

WhatsApp utilizes crypt2, crypt5, crypt7, crypt8, and crypt12 forms to encrypt all data generated within a particular conversation. Consequently, modifying or reading WhatsApp messages without having access to someone’s phone is a challenging task even for experienced coders.

However, the system is not bulletproof and eavesdroppers employ different strategies that leave the contents of messages vulnerable. Hence, it’s not impossible to break through WhatsApp’s encryption and gain access to someone’s conversations on this platform.

Can WhatsApp Messages be Decrypted?

YES! Surely you candecrypt WhatsApp backup with the help of some special tools. Since WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted, you can not rely on WhatsApp itself to access encrypted messages. Nevertheless, you can see encrypted messages in WhatsApp and

However, doing so without access to the target phone is a complex task that involves using decryption tools or designing malware. Having access to the target phone at least for a short while makes this task much easier, as it enables you to retrieve the login data and use it to monitor the activities on that account.

Let’s take a look atseveral methods you can use to read encrypted WhatsApp messages on Android without key.

Way 1. Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages on Google Drive

Google Drive isfrequently usedinregular data backup for Android users. You can back up WhatsApp chat history at any time by turning on the automatic backup function. At the same time, you can also use Google Drive to bypassing WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption byrestoring previously backed-up data.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (4)

Recover and Access WhatsApp Messages from Google Drive

However, what if youmerely want toaccessdecrypted WhatsApp messages instead of restoring them after all, orhow to decrypt WhatsApp backup from Google Driveif you were an iPhone user?

Good news! No matter you are an Android user or an iPhone user, you can useAppTransto read encryptedWhatsAppmessages backed up on Google Drive. Normally, you can’t view the WhatsApp backup data due to the end-to-end encryption. However, using AppTrans, you can easily decrypt WhatsApp backup on Google Drive, preview it and evenrestore WhatsApp backup from Google Drive to iPhoneif you need. Now, take some minutes to follow the steps todecrypt WhatsApp backup on Google Drive.

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Step 1. Freely download AppTrans and launch it on your computer > Tap on App Restoreon the left panel > Choose theWhatsApp Backup mode.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (5)

Open AppTrans and Click WhatsApp Backup

Step 2. Log in to your Google account > Select one Google Drive backup to decrypt.

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Choose One WhatsApp Backup to Access

Step 3.On this page, you need to select the Messages to decrypt and access.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (7)

Choose the Types of File to Access

Step 4. Here comes the most important process. Tap on Decrypt Now and follow the on-screen steps to decrypt messages on WhatsApp.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (8)

Decrypt Your Android Phone

  1. Connect your Android device to the computer > Install “WhatsApp Custom Version” on your Android phone according to the instructions.
  2. Toggle on Storage to give WhatsApp Custom Version permission to access WhatsApp data.
  3. Sign in to the WhatsApp account on WhatsApp Custom Version, the account of which should be the same as the WhatsApp Google Drive backup account.
  4. Once you have decrypted WhatsApp data, you can go back to Step 3 and click on Messages again. Afterward, you canread encrypted messages on WhatsApp as below.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (9)

View and Select WhatsApp Message Backup

As you can see, this is the best way toread encrypted messages on WhatsAppfrom Google Drive backup.

Uponviewing or selecting WhatsApp messages, you can click on the Export button to export them to your computer or the Restore button to directly restore WhatsApp from Google Drive to iPhone or restore WhatsApp from Google Drive to Android.

Way 2. Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages on Your Computer

You will need unrestricted access to the Smartphone to which the WhatsApp account is connected, and you’ll have to make sure that the device is rooted before trying to decrypt the crypt12 form.

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Decrypt the Crypt12 Form from Your PC

  1. Go to the device’s storage menu, and locate WhatsApp. Then tap on the Databases folder and scroll down until you reach the folder labeled Files. Find the Key file, then connect your smartphone to a computer and copy that file as well as the msgstore.db.cryptX database to a folder on your computer.
  2. Open the WhatsApp Viewer, then click on the File menu and choose the Decrypt .crypt12 option. Proceed to load the database and key file you copied from your phone earlier into the software. Click OK and wait for the decryption process to be completed.
  3. The msgstore.decrypted.db file will be generated after the decryption and placed into the same folder where the key and original database are located. Go back to the WhatsApp Viewer’s File menu and choose the Open option to import the decrypted database into the software.
  4. You’ll be prompted to choose the phone number associated with the WhatsApp account you want todecryptand the software will display chats from all contacts. You can then decide if you want to export these chats as txt. or HTML files.

Way 3. Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages on WhatsApp Web

This method is only possible if you have the login data for the account you’d like to decrypt, as well as access to the device connected to that account. Using the WhatsApp Webwill enable you to sign in to WhatsApp as the user whose messages you’d like to read, and even go through the account’s entire chat history.

However, you’ll also need access to the target phone, since the WhatsApp Web demands a scan of the QR code with the mobile version of the app. So, besides Google Chrome, you’ll also need access to the phone that belongs to the WhatsApp user in order to put this method to action.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (11)

Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages on WhatsApp Web

Bonus Tip. How to Restore WhatsApp from Android to iPhone?

If you plan tobuy the new iPhone 14, what you need to do first is transfer your WhatsApp chat history from Android to iPhone. Here comes a professional WhatsApp messages transfer tool – AnyTrans – that can help youtransfer WhatsApp chat history including photos from an Android device to a newiPhone (iPhone 14) easily.What’s more, it enables you to back up and restore all WhatsApp data safely and quickly.

Now, just free download AnyTrans and follow the steps below to transfer WhatsApp messages from Android to iPhone:

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Step 1.OpenAnyTranson your computer> Connect both your Android device and iPhone to the computer via USB cables.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (12)

Run AnyTrans and Connect your Device

Step 2. Click on the Social Messages Manager mode > Click on WhatsApp to Device > Thentap on the Transfer Now option to go on.

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Choose WhatsApp to Device

Step 3.Select your Android to be the source phone and your new iPhone to be the target phone > Click on the Next button to transfer WhatsApp messages to your new iPhone.

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Confirm the Source Device and Target Device

Step 4. Then follow the pop-up instructions in AnyTrans to continue: Backup your WhatsApp on your Android > Install the enhanced version WhatsApp on your Android > Allow access to the Phone Storage in WhatsApp >Log in to your WhatsApp on your Android and Tap the Restore button (this will restore the backup you just made to the current enhanced version of WhatsApp) > Then click Next totransfer WhatsApp data to your iPhone.

Video Tutorial on How toTransfer WhatsApp Messages to New iPhone

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

The Bottom Line

The data you share through any messaging app including WhatsApp is not absolutely safe, even though the end-to-end encryption makes it nearly impossible to decrypt the messages sent or received through WhatsApp.

If you’re not tech-savvy and up to the task of designing malware on your own, you will need access to the device to which the WhatsApp account is connected and the user’s login data. If you already have both of these things, then you can either use AppTrans, WhatsApp Web, or the WhatsApp View application toread encrypted WhatsApp messages on a particular account.

Was this article helpful? Share your opinions with us in the comments.

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Joy TaylorHow to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (16)How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (17)

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages? [3 Ways] (2024)

FAQs

How do I read my encrypted WhatsApp messages? ›

To read WhatsApp encrypted messages, navigate to the WhatsApp Web and log in to your account. You can easily access all your encrypted messages and read them without interruption through WhatsApp Web. To use WhatsApp web, you must scan the QR code from your mobile to log into your account.

Where can I find the encryption key for WhatsApp? ›

Go to Settings. Tap Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-end encrypted backup > Change Password.

How do I read an encrypted text? ›

Reading a protected message with Gmail
  1. Select Click here to read your message.
  2. Select Sign in with Google.
  3. You'll be redirected to the Gmail sign-in page. Once you sign in, select Allow.
  4. Your protected message will display in a new browser tab. You won't be able to view the protected message in the Gmail window.

Can you read encrypted messages? ›

Encryption converts data into scrambled text. The unreadable text can only be decoded with a secret key. The secret key is a number that's: Created on your device and the device you message.

Can you decrypt WhatsApp messages without key? ›

You can use a decryption tool like WhatsApp viewer to read the Crypt14 file without a key. To decrypt encryption forms above Crypt6, you need WhatsApp-Key-DB-Extractor. After extracting it, the third-party app can read the file.

How do I access secret conversations? ›

You can easily access all your secret conversations by following the below steps:
  1. Open the Facebook Messenger app on your device.
  2. Tap Chats on the bottom if it is not on the Chats page. The chats with the lock icon are secret conversations.

How can I secretly read WhatsApp messages without opening them? ›

To view unread messages in a chat, tap and hold the chat for a moment. Step 3. A peeling window will appear, so you may peek in on the discussion without opening it.

Can you retrieve encrypted messages on WhatsApp? ›

WhatsApp has no ability to see the content of messages or listen to calls that are end-to-end encrypted. That's because the encryption and decryption of messages sent and received on WhatsApp occurs entirely on your device.

Where can I find the encryption key? ›

The default encryption key may be located on the bottom of your router or in the manual, depending on the router manufacturer. You can locate the encryption key when you log into the router setup page, if you have created your own encryption key.

How do you get an encryption key? ›

The encryption key is created and stored on the key management server. The key manager creates the encryption key through the use of a cryptographically secure random bit generator and stores the key, along with all it's attributes, into the key storage database.

How do I read a decrypt message? ›

Decrypt messages

Highlight the block of ciphertext. Open the PGP Tray. Select Current Window. Choose Decrypt & Verify.

How do you decrypt messages? ›

To decrypt / decipher an encoded message, it is necessary to know the encryption used (or the encoding method, or the implemented cryptographic principle). Without knowing the technique chosen by the sender of the message, it is impossible to decrypt it (or decode it).

How do I decode WhatsApp backup? ›

Go to the module Restore/Export WhatsApp Backup and then click on the option Import Google Drive Backups. Step 2. You will need to log into your Google account first, and choose the backup you want to decrypt when the list of WhatsApp backups appear.

Can a hacker read the contents of an encrypted message? ›

End-to-end encrypted emails are secured at every stage of delivery, and cannot be read even by email servers. This makes it very difficult for cyber criminals to compromise sensitive information or attachments. Put simply, end-to-end encryption uses public keys to secure email.

Who can see encrypted messages? ›

Message encryption ensures that the sender and the intended recipient are the only parties that can read a message's content.

Can WhatsApp encryption be broken? ›

A remote hacker cannot read your WhatsApp chat history because all communication on the platform is encrypted. However, someone with physical access to your smartphone could read your messages.

Can encryption be broken without key? ›

Moreover, in the event where the hacker does not possess the encryption key, highly advanced tools are needed for the encryption to be broken. Hackers can break encryption to access the data using a number of different methods. The most common method is stealing the encryption key itself.

How to convert WhatsApp database into text? ›

Note- Install "WhatsApp Viewer" on your system to check the messages which you retrieve from a backup.
  1. Step 1- Open Your File Explorer. ...
  2. Step 2- Transfer The File Which You Copy. ...
  3. Step 3- Download WhatsApp Viewer. ...
  4. Step 4- Export Chat to Text File.

How do I know if my partner has a secret conversation on Messenger? ›

It's worth noting that if you send someone a message through Secret Conversations, they will know it's a secret chat because the message bubble, which is usually blue, will be black. Next to their image it will read 'Encrypted from one device to the other' to let both parties know they're engaged in a "Secret" chat.

Can I open secret conversations on another device? ›

You can only access a secret conversation on the device the you created it on. You can send secret conversations from another device, but you won't be able to see any previous messages. When you sign in to Messenger on a new device, you won't see the messages from previous secret conversations.

Can someone see my messenger messages from another phone? ›

No. Private messages only appear in your inbox on Facebook or on the Messenger app.

Can I read my WhatsApp messages from another phone? ›

You need to pair the Android device with another mobile. Suppose your child has enabled Notification permission for WhatsApp; you can read the incoming WhatsApp messages from the dashboard. Screen Mirroring can even help you see the live screen of the original device.

How can someone read a message on WhatsApp without being online? ›

Turn on airplane mode after you have received a message on WhatsApp. So, this will turn off mobile data or Wi-Fi connection on your device. You can open WhatsApp and read messages.

Which messaging app has secret conversation? ›

Below are 10 popular messenger apps with hidden chat features.
  • WhatsApp.
  • Facebook Messenger.
  • Instagram.
  • Telegram.
  • Snapchat.
  • Viber.
  • Threema.
  • Line.
Apr 28, 2023

Which app has secret chat option? ›

Signal Private Messenger - Secret Chat Messenger

The server of this private messenger app never has access to any communication channels and never stores users' data. The private messaging app uses an advanced end-to-end encryption protocol that provides privacy for every message every time.

How do I read end-to-end encrypted messages on Messenger? ›

Open your Messenger app. From Chats, tap an end-to-end encrypted chat with someone to open it. Tap the person's name at the top of the chat.

What are the 3 types of encryption keys? ›

3 Types of Encryption to Protect Your Data
  • Symmetric. The symmetric encryption method uses a single key both to encrypt and decrypt the data. ...
  • Asymmetric. The second major encryption method is asymmetric encryption, also sometimes known as public key encryption. ...
  • Hashing.

What happens if I lose my encryption key? ›

If you lose the decryption key, you cannot decrypt the associated ciphertext. The data that is contained in the ciphertext is considered cryptographically erased. If the only copies of data are cryptographically erased ciphertext, access to that data is permanently lost.

What is encryption public key? ›

Public key cryptography is a method of encrypting or signing data with two different keys and making one of the keys, the public key, available for anyone to use. The other key is known as the private key. Data encrypted with the public key can only be decrypted with the private key.

What is WhatsApp backup password? ›

WhatsApp has been securing chats and conversations on its platform by offering end-to-end encrypted backups with a password or 64-digit encryption key. WhatsApp only lets the user access the encrypted chat or transfer it to a new device if the correct password is entered.

Is an encryption key just a password? ›

An encryption key is not the same as a password. The main difference between the two is that a password is created, read, and remembered by a human user, while a key is used by the software that implements the algorithm, meaning it does not have to be readable by a human.

Is the encryption key your password? ›

Computer systems use encryption keys to encrypt potentially sensitive data; passwords are used to authenticate system users and grant access to resources on a computer system. Encryption keys usually do not need to be human-readable; passwords usually do need to be human-readable.

What key is used to decrypt an encrypted message? ›

The two keys are called the “public key” and the “private key” of the user. The network also has a public key and a private key. The sender uses a public key to encrypt the message. The recipient uses its private key to decrypt the message.

Which key is used to decrypt a message? ›

Public key encryption

One key is nominated as the private key and is kept secret. The other key is distributed to anyone who wants it; this key is the public key. Anyone can encrypt a message by using your public key, but only you can read it. When you receive the message, you decrypt it by using your private key.

Is it possible to decrypt a message without a key? ›

The answer to how to decrypt encrypted files without key is you can't.

Is it possible to decrypt encryption? ›

To decrypt a particular piece of ciphertext, the key that was used to encrypt the data must be used. The goal of every encryption algorithm is to make it as difficult as possible to decrypt the generated ciphertext without using the key.

Is it possible to decrypt an encrypted file? ›

Decrypt Files From Properties

Right-click on the encrypted file and select Properties. In the General tab, select Advanced. Now, uncheck the Encrypt contents to secure data radio box and click on OK.

How do I decrypt encrypted data? ›

Decryption is performed using the best decryption software, unique keys, codes, or passwords. The original file can be in the form of text files, images, e-mail messages, user data, and directories. The original format is called plaintext while the unreadable format is referred to as ciphertext.

How do I find my encrypted backup password? ›

On your device, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device], then tap Reset. Tap Reset All Settings and enter your device passcode. Tap Reset All Settings.

Can someone see my WhatsApp messages from another phone? ›

Yes, of course. Hackers can access your WhatsApp data in a variety of ways, they will register your number on another device so that they can easily keep track of all your chats. They can see your WhatsApp messages also by using a spy app.

Is it possible to view encrypted data without the correct key or password? ›

While a secure HTTPS form encrypts data in transfer, an encrypted form encrypts the stored data on top of that. There is no way to decrypt the stored submission data without the correct private key (more on this later).

What is the password of end-to-end encrypted backup? ›

When you create an end-to-end encrypted backup, your messages and media are stored in the cloud and secured by a password or a 64-digit encryption key. Your password can be changed at any time as long as you have access to your previous password or key.

Can you restore an encrypted backup? ›

You cannot restore an encrypted backup without the certificate used to encrypt the backup.

How can I read WhatsApp backup online? ›

Here's how to do that:
  1. Go to the web version of Google Drive from your PC and login to your Google account.
  2. Then, click on the gear icon at the top-right corner and choose Settings.
  3. Next, you need to go to the “Managing Apps” section. ...
  4. Click on the Options icon to view the backup of your WhatsApp.
Apr 10, 2023

How do I extract WhatsApp messages from iCloud? ›

Verify that an iCloud backup exists in WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. If you can see when the last backup was performed, delete and reinstall WhatsApp. After verifying your phone number, follow the prompts to restore your chat history.

How to recover WhatsApp messages without backup and database? ›

How to Recover Deleted Whatsapp Messages on Android without Backup
  1. Download, install FoneDog Toolkit- Android Data Recovery and connect Android.
  2. Enable USB debugging.
  3. Choose WhatsApp Messages to scan.
  4. Recover Deleted WhatsApp messages without backup.
Mar 9, 2023

Why are some WhatsApp messages encrypted? ›

WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption is used when you chat with another person using WhatsApp Messenger. End-to-end encryption ensures only you and the person you're communicating with can read or listen to what is sent, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp.

What is encryption code in WhatsApp? ›

WhatsApp uses Signal Protocol developed by Open Whisper Systems. This type of encryption uses a lock and key at both ends, so only the two connected individuals can access the data.

How do I remove end-to-end encryption from messages? ›

To remove a device from your end-to-end encrypted chat:
  1. Open the Messenger app.
  2. Tap , then tap .
  3. In the menu, tap Privacy & safety.
  4. Tap End-to-end encrypted chats.
  5. Tap Security alerts.
  6. Tap View logins.
  7. Tap on the name of the device you want to remove.
  8. Tap Log out.

Can someone read my messages from another phone? ›

Spyware can be used by anyone, not just hackers

One popular app, mSpy, boasts the ability to monitor text messages, calls and social media interactions. The app can be installed remotely on an iPhone if you have the proper iCloud credentials. For Android phones, someone will need to install it on the phone directly.

How do I find linked devices on WhatsApp? ›

Open WhatsApp on your primary phone. Android: Tap More options > Linked devices > Link a device. iPhone: Go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device.

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