How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone, Android, and PC

If you wish to know how to read encrypted Whatsapp messages on an Android, iPhone, or PC without a key, then you can use the methods and solutions provided in this guide. 

Whatsapp introduced the end-to-end encryption system in 2012. Encryption has been amongst the utmost improvements ever made to the chatting platform. Since then, the usage of WhatsApp has seen tremendous growth. Additionally, because of the encryption, there have been far fewer chat leaks and outsider attacks on the platform. 

The encryption system uses unique private keys, only accessible to the message receiver and sender. Hence, breaching becomes impossible. However, as Whatsapp decided to make the service operational on multiple devices or platforms, the encryption has become a little weak. This allowance to use WhatsApp on multiple devices at once has worked like a loophole, allowing some users to decrypt or access the end-to-end encrypted messages. 

So, as far as the question of — “how to read encrypted Whatsapp messages?” goes, the answer is the usage of the app on multiple platforms. 

In this article, we will list some methods that will help you read encrypted Whatsapp messages on iPhone, Android, or PC with ease. Multiple solutions are provided below, so, first, take a couple of minutes to have a look at all the solutions and then use the one that works best for you. 

Most Effective Methods to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages

In the coming sections of this guide, you will see multiple solutions that will help you read encrypted messages. The application and success of these methods directly depend on your access to the required device on which Whatsapp has been installed. So, go through the solutions and choose the most suitable one. 

Method 1: Login to WhatsApp Web (Android and Windows)

If you have access to the required Whatsapp account, then the best way to get access to the messages is to log in to the account on Whatsapp web. Doing this will help you access all the past messages on the Web version of the tool. To use WhatsApp and to log in, follow the below steps:   

1. Run Whatsapp on the Android or iOS device and launch Whatsapp web on a browser.
2. A QR code will appear on the WhatsApp web screen. Tap on the Menu button (three dots) visible at the top corner of your mobile device and go to linked devices.

3. Tap on Link a Device then scan a QR code and wait for the device to log in,

Now one can easily read encrypted Whatsapp messages. However, if you are unable to use the Whatsapp Web or wish to know how to read encrypted Whatsapp messages on Android without a key, use the next solution. 

Also know: What is a BAK File and How do I Open it on Windows?

Method 2: Use a Third-Party App (Android and iPhone)

There is a plethora of parental control apps and software that can help you read WhatsApp messages on Android and iPhone. Although such apps are present for parents and family members to protect their children and other members, the same can also be used in extraordinary situations to read messages. 

You need to install a parental app on your main device on which you need to get all the messages. Once that is done, set up the app and install the same app on the other device as well. Pair the two devices using the on-screen instructions that appear. You may need to specify the kind of access you wish to the other device’s apps, messages, and otherwise. 

This is a complicated but reliable solution for how to read encrypted Whatsapp messages on an iPhone and Android. There is one other solution that can help you read WhatsApp messages. Let’s have a look at the same below. 

Method 3: Read Messages Using WhatsApp Databases (Windows)

Here is a technical solution to how to read encrypted Whatsapp messages. To proceed with this procedure, you need a device that’s either rooted (Android) or jailbroken (iPhone). If your device has the same, then you can download and install the Whatsapp Viewer on your computer and proceed with the below steps to read encrypted messages: 

1. Run your File Manager on the device and open the Databases folder within the Whatsapp folder.
2. Connect your device to the PC using a cable and open the Files folder in the Databases folder.
3. You will see a Key named file that you need to copy on your computer. Do the same for the file named msgstore.db.cryptX on the same location as used before.
4. Run the Whatsapp Viewer tool as installed previously. Open its File menu & select Decrypt.crypt12 from the dropdown.
5. Now, select the two files that you copied earlier to proceed and click on Ok.
6. In the folder with the pasted files, you will see a file named msgstore.decrypted.db. Import this file on the Whatsapp Viewer.

Once the entire process is complete, you will see all the chats on your screen’s left side with respective contacts on the right. 

Also know:  Security Tips to Prevent Malware Attacks

How to Read Encrypted WhatsApp Messages on a PC: Summing Up

So, that’s all we had to share with you. There may be some unique circumstances when you may need to read encrypted WhatsApp messages on Android, iPhone, and Windows PC. Although we have provided the methods to do this above, you must not exploit these solutions to harm some individual’s image. WhatsApp has added end-to-end encryption for the protection of user’s data and the same must be respected at all times. If you need further help, you can connect with us using the comments section below.