How WhatsApp message retention works in Normal

Normal stores supported messages observed after a WhatsApp Connection becomes active. The default Message Retention Policy is 30 days. A User can choose a shorter period or explicitly retain messages until deletion.

The Message History Window

The Message History Window begins no earlier than Connection Setup and is bounded by the Message Retention Policy. It never implies that earlier WhatsApp history did not exist.

Ingestion Gaps

When evidence shows that one or more provider deliveries may be missing, Normal records an Ingestion Gap. Reads disclose known gaps that intersect the requested history. The absence of a known gap does not prove complete delivery.

What deletion changes

Connection Deletion stops access and key use immediately. Active data is purged within 24 hours, and encrypted backup remnants expire within 30 days. Deletion is permanent and distinct from disconnecting a WhatsApp Connection.