How can I restore deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android after deletion - briefly?
Restoring deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android is possible through a few methods, depending on the circumstances of the deletion. If the messages were backed up to Google Drive before deletion, you can restore them by uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp, following the prompts to recover your chat history from the backup. However, if no backup was made or the backup is outdated, retrieving deleted messages may not be feasible without third-party software, which comes with its own risks and limitations.
How can I restore deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android after deletion - in detail?
Restoring deleted messages in WhatsApp on an Android device is a common concern for users who may have accidentally or intentionally removed important conversations. While the process can be complex due to the nature of data storage and retrieval, there are several methods that can potentially help you recover your lost messages.
Using Backup Services
WhatsApp provides a built-in backup feature that automatically saves your chat history to Google Drive. To restore deleted messages using this backup:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Open the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and tap 'Uninstall'. Then, reinstall WhatsApp from the Play Store.
- Verify Your Number: During the setup process, enter your phone number and verify it through the OTP (One-Time Password).
- Restore from Backup: When prompted, tap on 'Restore' to retrieve your chat history from Google Drive. This process will restore all messages, including those that were deleted before backing up.
Local Backups
If you have enabled local backups in WhatsApp, you can use these files to recover your deleted messages:
- Locate the Backup Folder: Open File Manager and navigate to
WhatsApp > Databases. - Identify Backup Files: Look for files named
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.cryptXXwhere 'YYYY' is the year, 'MM' is the month, and 'DD' is the day of the backup. The 'cryptXX' part ensures that your messages are encrypted. - Rename the Latest Backup: Rename the latest backup file to
msgstore.db.cryptXX. For example, if the latest backup is namedmsgstore-2023-10-01.1.db.crypt12, rename it tomsgstore.db.crypt12. - Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Follow the same steps as mentioned above to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then verify your number and restore from the local backup.
Third-Party Software
For cases where built-in backups are not available or sufficient, you can use third-party software designed for data recovery:
- Download and Install Recovery Software: Choose a reputable data recovery tool that supports WhatsApp message recovery on Android devices. Some popular options include Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer, Tenorshare UltData, and EaseUS MobiSaver.
- Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your Android device to your computer. Ensure that the software recognizes your device.
- Scan for Deleted Messages: Initiate a scan to search for deleted WhatsApp messages. The process may take some time depending on the amount of data stored on your device.
- Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, review the recovered messages and select the ones you wish to restore. Follow the prompts to save the messages back to your device or export them to a file for safekeeping.
Important Considerations
- Regular Backups: To prevent future loss of data, ensure that WhatsApp backup is enabled on both Google Drive and local storage. You can adjust these settings in WhatsApp by going to
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. - Data Privacy: Be cautious when using third-party software, as it may require access to your personal data. Choose trusted applications from reputable developers to minimize security risks.
- Time Sensitivity: The sooner you attempt to recover deleted messages, the higher the chance of success. Overwriting data on your device can make recovery more difficult or impossible over time.
By following these detailed steps and considering the important factors mentioned above, you increase the likelihood of successfully restoring deleted WhatsApp messages on your Android device.