How do I recover a deleted WhatsApp conversation on Android without a backup - briefly?
Recovering a deleted WhatsApp conversation on Android without a backup is challenging but not impossible. You can use third-party recovery apps or rely on the local backup feature if enabled before deletion.
How do I recover a deleted WhatsApp conversation on Android without a backup - in detail?
Recovering a deleted WhatsApp conversation on an Android device without a backup can be challenging, but there are several methods you can try. It's important to act quickly after the deletion, as the longer you wait, the lower your chances of successful recovery become. Here’s a detailed guide on how to approach this task:
Using Google Drive Backup (if enabled)
Even if you think there is no backup, it's worth checking if Google Drive backup was enabled at any point. WhatsApp automatically backs up chats to Google Drive every day at 2 AM. To restore from Google Drive:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Go to your device settings, find WhatsApp, and uninstall it. Then, download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number during the setup process.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted to restore chats from a backup, tap on "Restore." This will retrieve messages and media from the last backup stored in Google Drive.
Using Third-Party Recovery Software
If you haven’t backed up your chats or if restoring from Google Drive doesn't work, third-party recovery software can be a viable option. These tools scan your device for deleted files and attempt to recover them. Popular choices include:
- Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Recovery
- EaseUS MobiSaver
- Wondershare Dr. Fone
Here’s a general guide on how to use these tools:
- Download and Install: Visit the official website of your chosen software, download it, and install it on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your Android device to your computer.
- Scan for Deleted Files: Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, select the conversations you want to recover and click on the "Recover" button.
Using File Manager Apps
Some file manager apps can help you find deleted files, including WhatsApp messages. These files are often stored in a hidden folder called "WhatsApp." To attempt recovery:
- Install a File Manager App: Download and install a reliable file manager app from the Google Play Store, such as ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
- Access Hidden Folders: Open the file manager app and enable the option to view hidden files.
- Navigate to WhatsApp Folder: Go to the internal storage of your device and navigate to
WhatsApp > Databases. - Look for Deleted Files: You might find backup files with dates in their names (e.g.,
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12). These could contain your deleted messages. - Restore Messages: Rename the file by removing the ".crypt12" extension and then try to restore it using a WhatsApp recovery tool or by contacting WhatsApp support for further assistance.
Contacting WhatsApp Support
If all else fails, you can reach out to WhatsApp support for help. Provide them with as much information as possible about your issue:
- Visit the WhatsApp Help Center: Go to the WhatsApp website and navigate to the Help Center.
- Submit a Request: Fill out the form with details about your problem, including any error messages you encountered.
- Wait for Response: A support representative will get back to you with further instructions or potential solutions.
Important Considerations
- Act Quickly: The sooner you try to recover the deleted conversation, the higher your chances of success.
- Avoid Overwriting Data: Do not install any new apps or create new data on your device until you have attempted recovery, as this can overwrite the deleted files.
- Regular Backups: To avoid such situations in the future, enable regular backups of your WhatsApp chats to Google Drive.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to increase your chances of recovering a deleted WhatsApp conversation on your Android device without a backup.