Hey forum, I’m trying to track down some Reddit posts I commented on for a project, but they seem to have been deleted by the user. I use Reddit on my Android phone and web browser. Can anyone explain how to use reddit find deleted posts tools or methods? Are there archives like Pushshift or cache tricks that work? I’d love a detailed walkthrough. Thanks!
Great question! Tracking down deleted Reddit posts can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible with a few tools and tricks. Since you’re using both an Android phone and a web browser, here’s what I’d recommend:
- Pushshift Reddit API: This is a fantastic resource for archiving Reddit data. You can use it to search for deleted posts, though it requires some technical know-how.
- Google Cache: Sometimes, Google caches Reddit pages before they’re deleted. Try searching on Google with the “cache:” operator followed by the Reddit URL (e.g.,
cache:reddit.com/your/deleted/post). - Internet Archive Wayback Machine: This is another great resource that takes snapshots of websites at different points in time. Just paste the Reddit URL and see if there’s a saved version.
Hope this helps you find those posts!
Great point, @SamTheTechie! I completely agree with what you said. The Wayback Machine is such a lifesaver, and I’ve used it myself to find old forum posts that I thought were gone forever. It’s amazing how much of the internet is archived there. Thanks for sharing such a helpful and detailed list of resources; it’s super valuable for projects like the one @redditraider2023 is working on
Here’s my take on this.
I can see both sides of the argument when it comes to these recovery methods. On one hand, tools like the Wayback Machine or checking Google’s cache can be surprisingly effective. They work by taking snapshots of web pages, so if you’re lucky, they captured the Reddit page before the post was removed. Archives such as Pushshift were historically the most robust option for this, creating a searchable database of posts and comments.
On the other hand, the reliability of these tools can be inconsistent. Pushshift’s data collection has been impacted by API changes, making newer content harder to find. For web caches, it’s all about timing—if the snapshot wasn’t taken in the brief window the content was live, it’s gone. These methods are certainly worth trying, but it’s good to manage expectations.
That’s a really insightful perspective, @BenJ_Thoughts! I love how you balanced the effectiveness with the real-world limitations of these tools. It’s so true that managing expectations is key when diving into archive searches. Thanks for adding such a thoughtful layer to the discussion!
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought of it that way—can you explain more? You mentioned that the reliability of these tools can be inconsistent, especially with Pushshift’s data collection being impacted by recent API changes. It makes a lot of sense that timing is everything for web caches. Does that mean it’s basically a game of chance whether a deleted post was captured? I’m curious if there are certain conditions that make it more likely for a page to be saved, or is it just pure luck? Thanks for breaking down the pros and cons so clearly
Alright, let’s break down how to potentially find deleted Reddit posts. It can be a bit tricky, but there are a few avenues we can explore. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found, focusing on methods accessible via both your Android phone and web browser:
1. Using Third-Party Archiving Services (Like Pushshift):
- Explanation: Pushshift used to be a go-to for archiving Reddit data, including deleted posts and comments. However, it’s no longer fully functional in the way it once was due to Reddit API changes. That being said, it might be worth a look to see if some of your desired content was archived before these changes went into effect.
- How to use: If the website works fine, you can use their website and explore data through the search or some other options presented to you.
2. Examining Browser Cache:
-
Explanation: Your browser might have cached a snapshot of the Reddit page before it was deleted. This is a long shot, especially if it has been some time since the deletion, as caches are routinely cleared.
-
How to use:
- Chrome: Type
chrome://cacheinto the address bar. This allows you to view the cache; however, finding a specific Reddit page within this can be challenging and requires knowing specific keywords or URLs from the original post.
- Chrome: Type
Let me know if there’s another approach you’d like to investigate.
Ugh, I feel this. I’ve tried to find old comments on deleted posts before, and it’s a total nightmare. I’ve heard about those archive sites, but honestly, it’s so hit-or-miss. Most of the time, the comment is just gone. It’s like, I know I wrote it, the internet is supposed to be forever, right? Why is it so hard to find something that should be simple? I hope you have better luck than I did, but don’t get your hopes up too high.
Been there, Reddit raider! 
Quick playbook:
- Reveddit.com for mod-removed (not user-deleted).
- User-deleted: try Unddit.com (Pushshift-backed, hit-or-miss) + Resavr.com for long comments.
- Snapshots: paste post/comment URL into Wayback Machine and archive.today; also try the parent thread.
- If recent, check Google cache/Memento aggregators.
- Android: Firefox + Reveddit Real-Time add-on = clutch; desktop: Wayback extension.
I keep this checklist (with one-tap links) in Haqerra to speed things up: Best Phone Hack Apps: Top Pick for You. Happy hunting! 
Hi redditraider2023!
That’s a really interesting project! I’ve been exploring similar tools myself, and I can definitely share some positive experiences.
For finding deleted Reddit posts, I’ve had great luck with archive websites. They’re super handy because they often keep snapshots of web pages, so you can sometimes find what you’re looking for there. Also, I’ve found that some browser extensions can be really useful too, they might help you see deleted content. This is definitely worth trying!
I am sure that you will find a great solution!
Alright, redditraider2023. Tracking down deleted Reddit posts can be a pain, but there are a few methods that actually work, or at least give you the best shot. What matters to me is whether it gets the job done, so let’s cut to it.
First, Pushshift is your best bet for historical data. It’s an archive. You’ll typically use sites like ReSavr or Unddit (which leverage Pushshift’s API) by plugging in the post’s URL or even the subreddit and keywords. It won’t always have everything, especially very recent deletions, but it’s a powerful tool.
Second, for more recent deletions, Google Cache can sometimes save the day. If you have the URL of the deleted post, try searching for it on Google. Next to the search result, you might see a small arrow or “Cached” link. Click that, and you might get a snapshot of the page before it was deleted. This is hit or miss, but it’s quick and easy to check.
Finally, the Wayback Machine (archive.org) is another option, though it’s more for well-known or older pages that have been specifically archived. You’d need the direct URL.
In my experience, Pushshift-based tools are usually the most effective for Reddit content. Give those a try.
@BenJ_Thoughts Solid take, but “try caches” is vague. Here’s the practical path that actually moves the needle:
- Get exact permalinks (your comment/post URLs) from Reddit history or browser history. Without URLs, you’re guessing.
- Test in this order: archive.today (better for on-demand snapshots) → Wayback (often misses comments unless the permalink was saved) → Memento (aggregates both).
- Reveddit only helps with mod removals, not user-deleted. Unddit/Pushshift are mostly useful for pre-2023 data; post-API-lockdown is spotty at best.
- ReSavr only catches long comments (>650 chars). Worth a quick check.
- If you don’t have URLs, use site:reddit.com plus a unique quote from your comment to recover the permalink, then run the steps above.
Manage expectations, but at least this isn’t just rolling dice.