How can I recover deleted messages from WhatsApp on Android - briefly?
To recover deleted messages from WhatsApp on Android, you have a few options. The most reliable method is to use a backup service that regularly saves your chat history. Additionally, third-party apps can sometimes retrieve lost data if the messages were not overwritten by new ones.
How can I recover deleted messages from WhatsApp on Android - in detail?
Recovering deleted messages from WhatsApp on an Android device involves several methods, each with its own set of steps and requirements. Below is a detailed guide to help you retrieve your lost conversations.
Backup Restoration
WhatsApp automatically backs up chats daily to Google Drive at 2 AM local time. If you have not disabled this feature, you can restore your messages from the backup. Here’s how:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall WhatsApp from your device. Go to the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and install it again.
- Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and follow the on-screen instructions to verify your phone number.
- Restore from Backup: Once your number is verified, WhatsApp will automatically look for backups in Google Drive. You’ll see a prompt asking if you want to restore your messages. Tap "Restore" to proceed.
- Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of the backup and your internet connection speed. Once complete, you’ll regain access to your deleted messages.
Using Third-Party Software
If you haven’t backed up your chats or the backup is outdated, third-party software can be a viable option. These tools are designed specifically for data recovery and can often retrieve lost WhatsApp messages even if they weren't backed up. Here’s how to use such software:
- Download and Install: Choose a reputable data recovery tool that supports WhatsApp message recovery, such as Dr.Fone - Recover (WhatsApp Data) or EaseUS MobiSaver. Download the software from its official website and install it on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your Android device to your computer. Ensure that USB debugging is enabled on your phone. You can do this by going to Settings > About Phone, tapping "Build number" seven times until you see the message "You are now a developer," then returning to Settings > Developer Options and enabling USB debugging.
- Scan for Lost Data: Launch the recovery software on your computer. It should detect your connected Android device. Follow the prompts to scan for lost WhatsApp messages.
- Preview and Recover: Once the scanning process is complete, you’ll see a list of recoverable files, including WhatsApp messages. Preview the messages to ensure they are what you need, then select them and click "Recover" to save them back to your device or computer.
Using Google Drive Backup
If you have enabled backup to Google Drive but it’s not automatically restoring when you reinstall WhatsApp, follow these steps:
- Verify Google Account: Ensure that the Google account linked to your WhatsApp is the same one used for backing up the messages.
- Check Backup Settings: Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat backup and check if there’s a recent backup available in Google Drive.
- Manual Restoration: If you see a backup but it's not restoring automatically, try manually restoring it by tapping on the "Restore" button next to the backup date and time.
Important Considerations
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your WhatsApp chats to Google Drive to avoid losing important messages in the future.
- Data Security: Be cautious when using third-party software. Only download from trusted sources to prevent malware and data breaches.
- Device Compatibility: Ensure that your Android device is compatible with the recovery tool you choose.
By following these detailed steps, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted WhatsApp messages on your Android device.