When considering whether to restore the chat history on another person's mobile phone, you need to treat it carefully from the three levels of **legal, ethical and technical**： --- ###1️️**Legal and privacy issues** -**Unauthorized recovery may be illegal**: In most countries and regions, viewing or restoring private communication records (even if the device is shared) without the express consent of the other party may violate privacy protection laws (such as China's "Personal Information Protection Law"). Even out of concern, it may constitute infringement. -**Exceptions**: If personal safety or criminal evidence (such as fraud, threats, etc.) is involved, it is recommended to be handled by professionals through legal means (such as calling the police). --- ###2️️**Technical feasibility** -**Some conditions can be restored, but the conditions are harsh**： -**Data that is not overwritten**: If no new data is generated after deletion, some professional tools may restore caches or residual files (such as SQLite databases that have not been completely erased). -**Backup file**: If the other party has turned on a mobile phone or application backup (such as iCloud or WeChat backup), the history may be extracted from the backup. -**Risks of third-party tools**: Software that claims to be able to recover data (such as Dr. Fone, etc.) May be invalid, expensive, or carry malicious programs, and require physical contact with the phone (the device may need to be unlocked). -**Realistic restrictions**： -Records deleted by end-to-end encryption applications (such as WhatsApp, Signal) are almost unrecoverable. - Mobile phone system or application updates may completely remove residual data. --- ###3️️**Suggested reasonable approach** -**Direct communication**: Express your concern honestly and avoid suspicion and escalation of relationship conflicts. For example: “Recently, I noticed that you often delete chat records. Are you in any trouble?" ” -**Respect boundaries**: Unless there is a security risk involved, forcibly probing the privacy of others will destroy trust. -**Professional assistance**: If you suspect that your roommate is in danger (such as fraud, depression), you can contact a school counselor or legal counsel instead of intervening by your own technical means. --- ### Summary There are not only legal risks in recovering other people's chat records by technical means, but they are also difficult in practice. **Communication to maintain trust is far more important than technical investigation. If serious problems are involved, they must be resolved through formal channels.