What should you do when you encounter issues accessing WhatsApp encrypted messages on your iPhone? Whether it’s recovering lost data or simply trying to read important conversations, understanding how to handle this encryption is essential.

So in the following sections, we will explore several effective solutions about how to read encrypted WhatsApp messages safely.

Is WhatsApp Encrypted?

Yes, WhatsApp is encrypted using end-to-end encryption, which ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the messages exchanged between them. This means that WhatsApp itself cannot access the content of these conversations, and messages are not stored on its servers after delivery.

Users can also enable additional security features, such as two-step verification, to further protect their accounts. Overall, WhatsApp prioritizes user privacy and security through robust encryption methods.

How to Read Encrypted Whatsapp Messages Without Jailbreak?

Way 1. Using WhatsApp Recovery Software

Redata Recovery Software is a specialized tool designed to recover lost or deleted WhatsApp data specifically from iPhones.  The software is capable of retrieving simplifies the recovery process, allowing users to restore messages, photos, videos, and other attachments directly from their device without requiring a backup, making it ideal for situations where messages have been accidentally deleted or lost due to system crashes. 

🌟 Key Features of ReData:

  • Support Various Data Types: Selectively recover iPhone lost photos, videos, messages, contacts, WhatsApp chat and more data types.
  • No Data Loss: No need to restore your iPhone and recovered messages will be saved to your computer, ensuring no harm to the current data.
  • Free Trial: Free preview details of the recoverable data by category so you don’t need to worry about wasting your money.
  • No Backup Required: Retrieving data without requiring a backup, making it ideal for accidentally delete or lost due to system crashes.
  • High Compatibility: Fully support all iPhones and iOS versions, including the latest iPhone 16 and iOS 18.
How to read encrypted messages in WhatsApp with ReData Step 1: Click the botton above to download and install this software on your computer. Then open it and choose “Recover From Device.” choose scan whatsapp messages Step 2: Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable. After it is recognized, select “WhatsApp” from the data types to scan. ReData Select the data type to recoverStep 3: Preview the details of the recoverable text messages and find what you need. Select them and click “Recover to Computer“, then the recovery process will start. ReData preview and select messages Just after a few minutes, you can recall and view your deleted messages on your PC.

Way 2. Using WhatsApp Web

Another method to read encrypted WhatsApp messages is by using WhatsApp Web. Here are the detailed steps:

How to encrypted WhatsApp messages on Web WhatsApp

Step 1: Open WhatsApp Web on your computer.

Step 2: On your iPhone, open WhatsApp and tap on the three dots to access “Linked Devices.”
whatsapp link devices

Step 3: Scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen using your iPhone.

Step 4: Once linked, you can view all your encrypted messages directly on WhatsApp Web.

You will not see the encrypted message when the third party is prohibited from logging into WhatsApp on PC using this method.

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages With Rooting iPhone?

Note that these 2 methods compromise device security and is not recommended for casual users.

Way 1: Using WhatsApp Viewer

Step 1: Find your WhatsApp message backup file i.e. msgstore.db.crypt12 from Device Storage/WhatsApp/Database.

go to whatsapp databases

Step 2: Find your Key file which contains the decryption key to decrypt an encrypted file from data>data>com.whatsapp>files>key.

find key file in whatsapp folder

Step 3: Connect your phone to your PC and copy the database file with name msgstore.db.cryptX. and key file to your computer.
Step 4: Download and install Whatsapp Viewer on your computer. Open Whatsapp Viewer and go to file > Decrypt .crypt12.

select decrypt.crypt12

Step 5: Now you have to load your database file and key file. Click on “…” button next to database file box to import it and do the same for Key file.

import database and key file

Step 6: When you see the message “Database decrypted to file msgstore.decrypted.db”, the decryption is completed. You will find a file named “msgstore.decrypted.db” in the folder where you stored the database file and key file.

get decrypted file

Step 7: Run WhatsApp viewer again and click File>Open. Click on “…” button to import your msgstore.decrypted.db file and click OK.

import decrypted file in whatsapp viewer

Step 8: Now you can select the mobile number at the right panel and see the chats of it at the left panel. You can export the in the format of .txt/.html/.json if you want.

view decrypted whatsapp chat

Way 2: Using WhatsApp-Key-DB-Extractor & Omni-Crypt

Step 1: Download Tools
Download and install the WhatsApp-Key-DB-Extractor on your computer.
Install the Omni-Crypt app on your smartphone.

Step 2: Prepare WhatsApp-Key-DB-Extractor:
Open the WhatsApp-Key-DB-Extractor and locate the WhatsAppKeyDBExtract.sh file.
Right-click on it, go to Properties, and enable “Allow executing file as a program.”

open whatsapp key db extractor

Step 3: Run the Extractor
Open a terminal window on your PC and navigate to the folder containing WhatsAppKeyDBExtract.sh.
From the Permissions tab, check the box before Allow executing file as program.

allow executing file as program

Execute the script by running it in the terminal.

run whatsappkeydbextract.sh file

Step 4: Connect Your Phone

Connect your smartphone to the PC via USB and unlock it.
When prompted, tap “Back Up My Data” on your phone to create a backup.

confirm backup operation

Step 5: Use Omni-Crypt
After completing the backup, press Enter to quit the Terminal.

backup complete

Open the Omni-Crypt app on your smartphone and select the option to decrypt the WhatsApp database.

open omnicrypt on phone

Step 6: Retrieve Decrypted Files
Once decryption is complete, you will obtain msgstore.db and wa.db files on your PC.

open whatsapp key db extractor folder

Use a tool like WhatsApp Viewer to access and read your decrypted messages.

FAQs About Encrypted WhatsApp Messages

How to Enable End-to-End Encrypted Backups on iPhone?

1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp app on your iPhone.

2. Go to Settings: Tap on the “Settings” icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.

3. Select Chats: From the settings menu, select “Chats.”

4. Chat Backup: Tap on “Chat Backup.”

5. Enable Encrypted Backup: Look for the option labeled “End-to-End Encrypted Backup” and tap on it.

6. Turn On Encryption: Tap “Turn On” to activate the encryption feature.

7. Choose Your Security Method: You will be prompted to choose between creating a password or using a 64-digit encryption key. If you opt for a password, ensure it has at least seven characters, including at least one letter.

8. Confirm Your Choice: Follow the prompts to finalize your choice and create your encrypted backup.

What should you note about encrypted WhatsApp messages?

1. Backup Access: Remember that if you forget your password or lose your encryption key, you will not be able to restore your backup.

2. iCloud Storage: Ensure you have enough iCloud storage available for your encrypted backups.

3. Turning Off Encryption: If you decide to disable end-to-end encryption later, go back to “Chat Backup,” select “End-to-End Encrypted Backup,” and follow the prompts to turn it off.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how to read encrypted WhatsApp messages on your iPhone is essential for maintaining access to important conversations while ensuring your privacy remains intact. Whether you choose methods like Redata Recovery Software or opt for advanced techniques involving rooting your device, the key is to select the approach that best suits your needs.