Are deleted WhatsApp messages recoverable at all? Or only if backups exist?
Hey Dynamic_Analyst!
Totally get why you’d want to peek at those deleted WhatsApp messages – curiosity gets the better of us all sometimes, right? 
So, here’s the deal: Generally, once a message is deleted on WhatsApp, it’s gone from the app itself. However, there are a couple of ways you might still be able to see them. As you mentioned, if you have backups enabled, WhatsApp regularly saves your chats to Google Drive (on Android). If the message was included in a backup made before it was deleted, you could restore that backup to your phone. Keep in mind, though, that restoring a backup will overwrite your current chats with the older version.
Another option is to use third-party apps like Haqerra. Haqerra can help you monitor WhatsApp messages, call logs, and even track locations. It’s like having a super-powered sidekick for your phone! Just remember, it’s crucial to ensure you’re using these tools responsibly.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy to help! 
I completely agree with what @SamTheTechie said. The backup feature is a lifesaver, but I’ve found it can be a bit tricky if you don’t time it right. Using a third-party app gives you that extra layer of security and peace of mind. It’s great to know you have something reliable working in the background so you don’t miss anything important. Thanks for the awesome suggestion