How to Catch a Cheater That Deletes Everything: 12 Proven Ways
No one wants to believe their partner is being unfaithful, but sometimes, the signs are just too hard to ignore.
Catching a cheater is already difficult, but what if they're careful enough to delete every trace of evidence?
Fortunately, there are still ways to uncover the truth.
In this guide, we’ll reveal 12 expert-approved methods to catch a cheater who deletes everything, including digital forensics, data recovery, and investigative techniques.
How Can You Catch a Cheater That Deletes Everything?
Catching a cheater who deletes everything can be challenging, but there are still ways to uncover the truth.
Here are a selected few out of the 12 proven methods to gather evidence:
- Look for Behavioral Changes – Increased secrecy with their phone, avoiding calls, or becoming defensive about their whereabouts can be red flags.
- Check Shared & Social Media Accounts – Sudden logout, password changes, or hidden friend lists may indicate cheating.
- Recover Deleted Data – Cloud backups (Google Drive/iCloud), trash folders, and browser history can reveal deleted messages or photos.
- Identify Hidden Apps & Burners – Apps like Keepsafe, Vault, or disguised tools can hide conversations. Also, look for a second phone or SIM card.
- Track Location & Activity Logs – Google Timeline or iPhone’s Significant Locations might expose unusual routes. Battery and phone usage reports can show secret app activity.
- Hire a Private Investigator – If DIY methods fail, a PI provides legal surveillance and solid proof.
👉 Keep reading for step-by-step details on these expert techniques!
1. Watch for Unusual Behavioral Changes
Cheaters often exhibit small but noticeable behavior changes.
They may become overly secretive with their phone, avoid answering calls in front of you, or suddenly take longer to respond to texts.
If they start working “late hours” more frequently or acting defensive about their whereabouts, consider it a red flag.
Their sudden disinterest in intimacy or unusual mood shifts could also indicate they’re hiding something.
2. Monitor Their Use of Shared Accounts
Most couples share at least one digital account—be it Netflix, email, or cloud storage.
If your partner suddenly logs out of these accounts, changes passwords, or clears shared activity history, they may be covering their tracks.
It's worth checking past login histories (if available) or looking for changes in recommended content, which could suggest secret communication with someone else.
3. Analyze Their Social Media Activity
Social media is a goldmine when it comes to catching cheaters—if you know where to look.
Has your partner been suddenly deleting old posts, untagging themselves from photos, or hiding their friends list?
Check for suspicious privacy setting changes, new friends or followers they never mention, or an increase in late-night online activity.
If they’ve created burner accounts or started using platforms they previously ignored, it’s worth digging deeper.
👉 Want to learn more? Here’s how to catch a cheater on social media.
4. Use Cloud Backup to Retrieve Deleted Files
Even if your partner deletes messages, photos, or emails, many devices automatically sync data to the cloud.
Try checking Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, or OneDrive for remnants of deleted content.
Some apps store backup versions of conversations, browsing history, or even GPS tracking data that could be revealing.
5. Recover Deleted Browser History
Most people forget that simply deleting browser history doesn’t erase all traces of what they viewed.
Use the alphabet typing trick—typing each letter (a-z) in a browser’s address bar—to reveal auto-suggested websites they may have visited.
Additionally, check the browser cache, cookies, and downloaded files for any suspicious activity.
6. Investigate Hidden Messaging Apps
Many cheaters use secret apps disguised as calculators or note-taking tools to hide messages, photos, or videos.
Apps like Keepsafe, Vault, and Hide It Pro allow users to store private content behind a passcode.
If you spot these apps on their phone, it’s worth questioning their purpose.
👉 Looking for deeper insights? Discover the best spy apps to catch a cheater for uncovering hidden messages.
7. Check Their Secondary Devices or SIM Cards
A classic cheating tactic is using a second phone (“burner phone”) or an extra SIM card to communicate with someone secretly.
Look for an extra charging cable, an unfamiliar phone laying around, or changes in their phone bills—especially if they suddenly stop using their primary phone as much as they used to.
8. Examine Activity in Trash or Recently Deleted Folders
Another sneaky trick people overlook is that deleted files often linger in trash/recycle bins for days or even weeks before being permanently erased.
If your partner frequently empties their email trash, phone’s recently deleted albums, or even their text message archives, chances are they’re hiding something. Although, sometimes, it might be to free-up some space.
9. Track Their GPS and Location History
Smartphones automatically store location history.
If you suspect infidelity, check Google Timeline (Android) or Significant Locations (iPhone) to see their past whereabouts.
Be mindful that if this data is wiped or location sharing is suddenly turned off, it could be a big red flag.
👉 Need more investigative techniques? Learn how to use a GPS tracker to catch a cheating spouse effectively.
10. Check Their Phone's Battery Usage & App Logs
Even if you can’t access their messages directly, phone activity logs can still expose suspicious behavior.
Look up battery usage reports to see which apps they spend the most time on.
If messaging apps like Snapchat, WhatsApp, or Telegram are at the top of the list but aren’t in their visible app drawer, it may indicate secret communications.
👉 Learn expert methods to catch a cheater on WhatsApp, even if they delete messages.
11. Use a Voice Recorder for Suspicious Conversations
If you have reason to believe phone calls or in-person conversations contain important information, consider using a voice recorder device to capture evidence.
Some advanced recorders can activate whenever voices are detected, allowing you to gather proof without constantly being present.
👉 Check out the best voice recorder to catch a cheater for discreet audio recording.
12. Seek Professional Private Investigators
If DIY methods aren’t enough, a licensed private investigator can help you legally gather solid proof.
They have access to advanced forensic tools, GPS trackers, and database searches that can uncover hidden affairs while staying within legal boundaries.
Remember, hiring a PI may be costly, but it provides undeniable evidence that can be useful in legal proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- Signs of Cheating – Watch for secrecy with devices, changed passwords, frequent message deletions, mood swings, or reduced intimacy.
- Recovering Deleted Messages – Cloud backups (Google Drive/iCloud) may store old messages; check notification previews and phone logs.
- Hidden Messaging Apps – Apps like Keepsafe, Vault, or disguised calculator apps may conceal conversations.
- Secret Phone or SIM – Look for extra charging cables, a hidden second phone, or unusual phone bill charges.
- Hiring a Private Investigator – If you need proof, a PI can offer legal surveillance, but it can be costly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How can I tell if my partner is cheating if they delete everything?
A: Look for unusual behavior like secrecy with their phone, changing passwords, or deleting messages often.
Suspicious work schedules, mood shifts, or avoiding intimacy may also be red flags.
Q2: Can I recover deleted messages from my partner’s phone?
A: Sometimes!
Check cloud backups like Google Drive or iCloud.
Deleted messages might also still be visible in notification previews or through phone logs.
Q3: Are there apps cheaters use to hide messages?
A: Yes!
Some common ones are Keepsafe, Vault, and disguised calculator apps.
If you see an unfamiliar app, try researching it online to see if it hides private content.
Q4: How do I check if my partner has a second phone or SIM card?
A: Look for extra charging cables, a hidden phone, or unexplained phone bill charges. If they suddenly stop using their primary phone as much, they could be using another device.
Q5: Should I hire a private investigator to catch a cheater?
A: If you need solid proof, a private investigator can help.
They have legal access to advanced surveillance tools and can gather undeniable evidence.
Keep in mind, though, that hiring a PI can be expensive.
Final Thoughts
Catching a cheater who erases everything isn’t easy, but with the right strategies, you can gather the truth.
Whether you rely on digital forensics, social media tracking, or direct confrontation, the key is to stay aware, gather evidence carefully, and prioritize your well-being.
