How do I find a deleted message in WhatsApp?

How do I find a deleted message in WhatsApp - briefly?

To retrieve a deleted message on WhatsApp, you can use the "Backup" feature. Regularly back up your chats to Google Drive or iCloud depending on your device type. When needed, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then restore from the backup during the setup process.

How do I find a deleted message in WhatsApp - in detail?

Finding a deleted message in WhatsApp can be challenging, but there are several methods you can try to recover lost messages. Here’s a detailed guide on how to approach this:

Backup and Restore

1. WhatsApp Backups: WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats, including media and messages. These backups are saved to either Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iOS users). To restore a deleted message from a backup:
   • Android: Go to the Google Drive app, tap on the menu button (three horizontal lines), select "Backup," and choose WhatsApp. This will display the list of backups. Select the desired backup and restore it.
   • iOS: Open Settings, tap your name at the top, then go to iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Select the backup you want to restore. Note that this will replace your current data with the data from the backup.

Email or Chat Export

2. Email Export: If you have previously exported your chats via email, you can search through your emails to find the deleted message. WhatsApp allows you to email chat history as a text file by going to Settings > Chats > Chat History > Export Chat.

Third-Party Software

3. Third-Party Recovery Tools: There are third-party software solutions designed specifically for recovering deleted WhatsApp messages. These tools scan your device’s memory and can sometimes retrieve lost data. Popular options include:
   • Dr.Fone: A powerful recovery tool that supports both Android and iOS devices. It can recover not just WhatsApp messages but also other types of data like contacts, photos, and videos.
   • EaseUS MobiSaver: Another reliable option for recovering lost WhatsApp messages on both Android and iOS devices.

Using File Manager (Android Only)

4. File Manager: On some Android devices, deleted WhatsApp messages might still be present in the device’s internal storage. You can use a file manager app to navigate to the WhatsApp database folder:
   • Open your file manager and go to Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases.
   • Here you may find files named msgstore.db.crypt12 or similar. These files contain your chat history. You can try opening these files using a SQLite viewer app to search for the deleted message.

Seek Professional Help

5. Professional Data Recovery Services: If you are unable to recover the deleted messages using the above methods, consider consulting a professional data recovery service. These services have specialized tools and techniques to retrieve lost data from your device.

Preventive Measures

6. Regular Backups: To avoid losing important WhatsApp messages in the future, ensure that you regularly back up your chats. You can set automatic backups by going to:
   • Android: Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
   • iOS: Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.

Important Note

While these methods can help you recover deleted WhatsApp messages, there is no guarantee of success, especially if the message was deleted a long time ago or if your device has undergone significant changes since the deletion. Always prioritize data security and regularly back up important information to minimize loss.