How do I recover a deleted WhatsApp chat on my Samsung phone - briefly?
To recover a deleted WhatsApp chat on your Samsung phone, you can use Google Drive backup if you have previously enabled it. Alternatively, you can try third-party recovery software, but success is not guaranteed and depends on the extent of data overwrite.
How do I recover a deleted WhatsApp chat on my Samsung phone - in detail?
Recovering a deleted WhatsApp chat on your Samsung phone can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and tools, it is certainly possible. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Backup Restoration
WhatsApp automatically backs up chats to Google Drive daily at 2 AM. If you have a recent backup, follow these steps to restore your chat:
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Open the Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and then tap 'Uninstall'.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Go back to the Play Store, find WhatsApp, and tap 'Install'.
- Set Up WhatsApp: During setup, you will be prompted to restore your chats from a backup. Tap ‘Restore’ when the option appears.
- Wait for Restoration: The process may take some time depending on the size of the backup and the speed of your internet connection.
- Complete Setup: Once the restoration is complete, you can start using WhatsApp again with all your chats restored.
Without Backup
If you do not have a recent backup or if the chat was deleted before the last backup, you can try these alternative methods:
Use Third-Party Software
There are several third-party software tools designed to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. Some popular options include Dr.Fone and EaseUS MobiSaver. Here’s a general guide on how to use such software:
- Download and Install: Visit the official website of the tool you choose, download it, and install it on your computer.
- Connect Your Phone: Use a USB cable to connect your Samsung phone to your computer.
- Launch the Software: Open the recovery tool on your computer. It should detect your connected phone.
- Scan for Deleted Data: Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Preview and Recover: After the scan is complete, preview the recovered data. Select the chats you want to restore and click ‘Recover’.
Check Local Backup
WhatsApp also creates local backups on your phone’s internal storage or SD card. You can try restoring from a local backup:
- Navigate to WhatsApp Folder: Open the File Manager app on your Samsung phone and go to the 'Internal Storage' > 'WhatsApp' > 'Databases'.
- Find Backup Files: Look for files named ‘msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12’ or similar. The date in the file name indicates when the backup was created.
- Rename Backup File: Rename the desired backup file to 'msgstore.db.crypt12'.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Follow the same steps as mentioned above under ‘Backup Restoration’.
- Restore from Local Backup: During setup, when prompted to restore chats from a backup, tap ‘Restore’ and wait for the process to complete.
Important Notes
- Regular Backups: Ensure that you regularly back up your WhatsApp chats to Google Drive or create local backups manually by going to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Data Overwrite: Avoid overwriting the deleted data by not using your phone excessively until you have attempted recovery.
- Professional Help: If you are unsure about any step or if the process seems too complex, consider seeking help from a professional data recovery service.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to recover your deleted WhatsApp chats on your Samsung phone effectively.