How do I delete deleted chats in WhatsApp on Android?

How do I delete deleted chats in WhatsApp on Android - briefly?

To recover deleted chats in WhatsApp on an Android device, you can use a backup if one exists. Simply uninstall and reinstall the app, then restore from the most recent backup during setup.

How do I delete deleted chats in WhatsApp on Android - in detail?

To recover or permanently delete previously deleted chats in WhatsApp on an Android device, follow these detailed steps:

Recovering Deleted Chats:

  1. Backup Restoration:
    • Ensure you have a recent backup of your chats. WhatsApp automatically creates backups daily at 2 AM.
    • Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
    • During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chat history from a backup. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration.

Permanently Deleting Deleted Chats:

  1. Clear Cache:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
    • Navigate to Storage and Data (or Chats depending on your version).
    • Tap on Manage Storage.
    • You will see a list of chats. Select the chat you want to delete permanently.
    • Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top right corner and select Delete for Everyone. Note that this option is only available if the message was sent less than 13 hours ago and both you and the recipient are using the latest version of WhatsApp.
  2. Deleting Media:

    • To delete media files (images, videos) from a chat:
      • Open the chat with the media you want to delete.
      • Tap and hold on the media file until a checkmark appears.
      • Select other media files if needed.
      • Tap on the trash can icon at the top of the screen to delete the selected media.
  3. Deleting Entire Chat:

    • To delete an entire chat:
      • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
      • Navigate to Storage and Data (or Chats).
      • Tap on Manage Storage.
      • Select the chat you want to delete.
      • Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top right corner and select Delete Chat.
    • Confirm the deletion by tapping DELETE.

Important Notes:

  • Backup: Always ensure you have a recent backup of your chats before performing any deletions.
  • Recovery Limits: Recovering deleted chats is only possible if they were included in a previous backup.
  • Irreversible Deletion: Permanently deleting chats or media files cannot be undone, so proceed with caution.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage and delete previously deleted chats in WhatsApp on your Android device.