Can I restore WhatsApp chat history if I deleted it on Android - briefly?
Yes, you can restore WhatsApp chat history on an Android device even after deleting it. To do this, you will need to reinstall the app and follow the prompts to restore your chat history from a backup if one exists.
Can I restore WhatsApp chat history if I deleted it on Android - in detail?
Restoring WhatsApp chat history on an Android device after deletion can be a challenging task, but there are several methods you can try to recover your lost messages. Here’s a detailed guide on how to approach this situation:
Backup and Google Drive Integration
WhatsApp offers a built-in backup feature that automatically saves your chat history to Google Drive. If you have previously enabled this feature, restoring your chats should be straightforward.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Start by uninstalling WhatsApp from your device. Then, reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
- Verify Your Phone Number: During the setup process, enter your phone number and verify it using the code sent via SMS.
- Restore from Backup: Once your phone number is verified, WhatsApp will automatically look for backups on Google Drive. You’ll see a prompt asking if you want to restore your messages. Tap "Restore" and wait for the process to complete.
Local Backup
If you didn't enable the Google Drive backup feature or prefer not to use it, WhatsApp also creates local backups on your device. These backups are stored in a hidden folder on your phone’s internal storage.
- File Manager: Open a file manager app on your Android device. If you don’t have one, you can download it from the Google Play Store.
- WhatsApp Folder: Navigate to the "WhatsApp" folder located in the root directory of your internal storage (e.g.,
/sdcard/WhatsApp/). - Databases Subfolder: Inside the WhatsApp folder, look for a subfolder named "Databases". This is where local backups are stored.
- Backup Files: You’ll find files named like
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12. The dates indicate when the backup was created. - Restoring Backup: To restore a local backup, you need to rename the desired backup file from
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12tomsgstore.db.crypt12. This will overwrite any existing backup and replace it with your selected one. - Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp. Follow the setup process, verify your phone number, and when prompted, allow WhatsApp to restore from the local backup.
Third-Party Recovery Tools
If you didn't enable any backup features and deleted your chats, you might still be able to recover them using third-party data recovery tools. These tools scan your device’s storage for deleted files and attempt to recover them.
- Download a Data Recovery Tool: Search for a reputable data recovery app on the Google Play Store. Some popular options include DiskDigger, EaseUS MobiSaver, and dr.fone - Recover (Android).
- Scan Your Device: Install the app and follow the instructions to scan your device’s storage for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, the app will display a list of recoverable files. Select the WhatsApp chat history you want to restore and follow the prompts to save them back to your device or export them to another location.