How To Read Encrypted Whatsapp Messages?

Asenqua Tech is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

“I exclusively use WhatsApp for instant messaging, not only because it offers essential features but also due to its robust security features. WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption for messages, calls, photos, videos, documents, and audio, prioritizing privacy in the online world. However, despite this strong encryption, some tech-savvy individuals have managed to find ways to access even encrypted WhatsApp messages.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, end-to-end encryption ensures that any content you send via WhatsApp is encrypted with a unique code, making it accessible only to the sender and the recipient. Even WhatsApp itself cannot decrypt these messages, as the entire process is safeguarded by a complex algorithm. According to this algorithm, only the intended sender and receiver can decipher the message in its original form, preventing even government agencies and cybersecurity firms from accessing the original message.

While I’ve heard a lot about the formidable privacy protection of WhatsApp and how challenging it is to decrypt end-to-end encrypted messages, I decided to investigate the validity of these claims firsthand. In this article, I’ll share my findings on how to read encrypted WhatsApp messages.”

Is It Possible To Decrypt WhatsApp Messages?

Yes, it’s challenging, but not entirely impossible to decrypt WhatsApp messages and calls. WhatsApp’s security measures prevent any built-in, hidden settings that would allow eavesdropping on encrypted messages and calls. Nonetheless, there are tools available that can help you circumvent WhatsApp’s encryption security.

One straightforward method for decrypting WhatsApp data involves having access to the encryption key. So, to decrypt the data, you either need the encryption key or specific decryption tools.

Now, you might be wondering where this WhatsApp encryption key is stored on your mobile device. This is an important piece of information to discover. To locate your WhatsApp encryption key, navigate to the ‘Files’ section on your Android device and then access the ‘Data’ folder within. Within that folder, you might find a directory labeled “com. WhatsApp,” where you may discover the WhatsApp encryption key.

For a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to read encrypted WhatsApp messages, please continue reading this article.

How To Read Encrypted Whatsapp Messages On PC [Using WhatsApp Viewer]?

You can utilize your PC or laptop to access encrypted WhatsApp messages, but this method requires rooting your Android phone. It’s important to note that rooting your Android device simply grants access to developer settings and doesn’t compromise your device’s security or data. If you’re interested in rooting your phone, you can refer to this article.

Assuming your phone is rooted, follow these steps:

• On your Android device, open the “File Manager” and navigate to the “WhatsApp” folder located in the internal memory. Within this folder, you’ll find three subfolders: ‘Backups,’ ‘Media,’ and ‘Databases.’ Access the ‘Databases’ folder and identify the backup file named “mgstore.db.cryt14.”
• On your rooted phone, you’ll be able to access the ‘Key’ file required to decrypt WhatsApp messages. These key files are typically located at “data/data/com.whatsapp/files/key.” You can only access this location when your device is rooted. Once you locate the file, connect your phone to your PC. Copy and paste the backup file “mgstore.db.cryt14” from step 1 along with the key file.
• Download a WhatsApp viewer application from the web on your PC and open it. In the top-left corner of the application window, select ‘File’ from the menu. Then, choose “Decrypt.crypt14” from the drop-down list.
• After selecting the decryption option, a small pop-up window will appear on your screen. Here, you need to upload the backup file and the key file. To upload, click on the “Three-dot” icon and select the files. Then, click the ‘Decrypt’ button to initiate the decryption process.
• Once the decryption process is complete, a message will appear on your PC screen stating “Database decrypted to file mgstore.decrypted.db.” This file will be stored in the same folder where you placed the database and key file.
• Open the WhatsApp Viewer Application again, go to the ‘File’ menu, and select “Open.” You will need to upload the “mgstore.decrypted.db” file. After importing it, click ‘Ok.’
• Another pop-up window will display all the decrypted WhatsApp messages, media, and calls. Phone numbers are listed on the left, and their corresponding chats are on the right. Click on a number to view the chat in its decrypted form. These files can be downloaded in text or HTML format on your device.

It’s essential to clarify that this method is specific to Android phones. The WhatsApp viewer application is compatible only with Android devices that have been rooted.

How To Read Encrypted Whatsapp Messages on iPhone?[Using Google Drive]?

If you’re seeking a method to access encrypted WhatsApp messages on your iPhone, you’ll discover that there are limited third-party options due to the stringent iPhone developer settings. However, I’ve managed to find a solution that works: AppTrans.

To read encrypted WhatsApp messages on your iPhone, you’ll require the chat backup file, as well as the AppTrans application. I’ve personally tested this method, and it functions seamlessly.

WhatsApp data backed up on Google Drive is stored in encrypted form, but AppTrans can help you decrypt it. The best part is that you can save the decrypted data from Google Drive to your iPhone by following these steps:

• Download and install AppTrans on your PC and launch the application.
• On the left side of the AppTrans screen, click on ‘App Restore’ and select the 3rd option, which is ‘WhatsApp Backup.’
• Log in to your Google Account and select the Google Drive backup containing the data you want to decrypt.
• On the next page, choose whether you want to decrypt Calls, media, messages, or any combination of these.
• Click the ‘Decrypt Now’ button to initiate the process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions, and connect your iPhone to your computer.
• Install the “WhatsApp Custom Version” as prompted.
• Grant Storage permission to the WhatsApp Custom Version app.
• Sign in with the same Google account used to back up WhatsApp data on Google Drive.
• Once these steps are completed, you’ll be able to read all the encrypted WhatsApp messages on your PC.

Please note that this method is specific to iPhones and uses the AppTrans application for decryption.

How To Encrypt Whatsapp Messages?

Securing your messages through encryption is a vital step for enhancing safety. Here’s a guide on how to encrypt WhatsApp messages:

• Open the WhatsApp app and navigate to the settings.
• Select ‘Chats.’
• Click on ‘Chat Backup.’
• Then, tap ‘End-to-end Encrypted Backup.’
• Activate it by tapping ‘Turn on.’
• You’ll need to create a password, so tap ‘Create a Password.’

WhatsApp will proceed to back up your encrypted data. It’s recommended to keep your device connected to a power source while enabling these settings. It’s crucial to note that there is no option to reset your password. If, unfortunately, you forget your password or key, you won’t be able to recover the encrypted backup, and it will be permanently lost.

In conclusion, I’m impressed by WhatsApp’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of users’ privacy. Thanks to these measures, every WhatsApp user can send messages and media files without concerns about privacy and safety. Nevertheless, if, for any reason, you need to decrypt WhatsApp data, this article provides trustworthy guidance. It explains how to access encrypted WhatsApp messages using reliable third-party tools on various devices. Give it a try, and you’ll become adept at decrypting any WhatsApp text or media you require.