Offline Messages: Where Do They Go & How Do They Arrive?

• Messages received when your phone or internet is off are stored on the respective company's servers, not your device.
• WhatsApp messages go to its cloud server, Instagram/Facebook to Meta's, SMS to network operators, and emails to mail servers.
• Storage duration varies: WhatsApp keeps messages for about 30 days, SMS for 2-7 days, and emails for months or years.
• Upon reconnecting to the internet, your phone signals the server, which then sends all stored pending messages.
• Messages can expire if offline for too long; WhatsApp may show 'Message not delivered' if not received within its retention period.

Why It Matters: Offline messages are stored on company servers and delivered upon reconnection, but can expire if delayed.