How can I recover messages in WhatsApp if there was no backup - briefly?
If you've lost your WhatsApp messages and didn't make a backup, there are still some options available. You can use third-party recovery tools or check if the messages were archived rather than deleted. However, success is not guaranteed without a prior backup.
How can I recover messages in WhatsApp if there was no backup - in detail?
Recovering messages on WhatsApp without a backup can be challenging, but several methods can help you retrieve your data. Here are the most common approaches:
Using Google Drive Backup
Even if you think there is no backup, it's worth checking Google Drive for an automatic backup. WhatsApp often saves messages and media to Google Drive automatically if the setting is enabled.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or App Store.
- Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted, WhatsApp will check for backups on Google Drive. If a backup is found, you can choose to restore it.
Using Local Backup
WhatsApp also creates local backups that are stored in the device's internal memory or SD card. These backups can be used to recover messages.
- Rename the Backup Folder: Locate the WhatsApp backup folder on your device (usually found in
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases
). Rename the backup file frommsgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12
tomsgstore.db.crypt12
. - Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device, then reinstall it.
- Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted, WhatsApp will check for local backups. Select the backup file you renamed earlier to restore your messages.
Using Third-Party Software
If no backup is available through Google Drive or local storage, third-party software can sometimes help recover deleted WhatsApp messages. Examples include Dr.Fone and EaseUS MobiSaver.
- Download and Install: Download the software from a reliable source and install it on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Connect your Android or iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Scan for Deleted Data: Follow the prompts in the software to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, review the recovered data and select the messages you want to restore.
Using WhatsApp Support
In some cases, contacting WhatsApp support might be an option if you believe there has been a technical issue preventing your backups from being saved or restored.
- Visit the Help Center: Go to the WhatsApp Help Center and look for relevant articles related to message recovery.
- Contact Support: If you can't find a solution, use the contact form in the Help Center to reach out to WhatsApp support for assistance.
Preventive Measures
To avoid losing your messages in the future, it’s crucial to enable automatic backups on both Google Drive and iCloud (for iOS users).
- Google Drive Backup: Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Back up to Google Drive.
- iCloud Backup: Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Auto Backup.
By following these steps, you can increase the likelihood of recovering your lost WhatsApp messages even if no explicit backup was created.