How do I recover deleted photos from WhatsApp?

How do I recover deleted photos from WhatsApp - briefly?

To recover deleted photos from WhatsApp, you can use the built-in backup feature provided by the app or rely on third-party recovery tools if necessary. However, it is crucial to act quickly and avoid overwriting data on your device for successful restoration.

How do I recover deleted photos from WhatsApp - in detail?

To recover deleted photos from WhatsApp, users can follow several detailed steps that leverage both built-in features and external tools. It's essential to understand the nuances of each method to maximize recovery success.

Firstly, WhatsApp provides an inbuilt feature for media recovery. When a user deletes a photo or video from their phone but not from WhatsApp itself, it is still stored on the server and can be re-downloaded. Here's how:

  1. Re-download Media: Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the photo was shared. Tap on the image, then select "Download" if available. This method works best when the media is still present in the chat history but has been deleted from the phone’s gallery.
  2. Backup Recovery: If you have a recent backup of your WhatsApp data, you can restore it to retrieve deleted photos. Be aware that this will replace your current WhatsApp data with the backed-up version:

    • Uninstall WhatsApp from your phone.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp and open the app.
    • Follow the prompts to set up your account using the same phone number.
    • When prompted, restore your chat history from a backup file stored on Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS).

For cases where built-in features are insufficient, third-party tools can be employed:

  1. File Manager: Some file managers offer recovery options for deleted files. Apps like ES File Explorer have a "Recycle Bin" feature that temporarily stores deleted files before permanent removal. Check your file manager’s settings to enable this feature if it's available.
  2. External Recovery Software: Specialized data recovery software can be utilized to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp photos:

    • Download and install a reliable data recovery tool like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, or Stellar Data Recovery.
    • Connect your phone to the computer via USB cable.
    • Open the recovery software and follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted WhatsApp photos.
    • Once scanned, select the photos you wish to recover and restore them to your device or computer.
  3. Cloud Storage: If you have automatic backup settings enabled in Google Photos or iCloud Photos, your deleted photos may still be available there:

    • Open the Google Photos app (for Android users) or iCloud Photos (for iOS users).
    • Navigate to the "Trash" or "Recently Deleted" folder.
    • Select the photos you wish to recover and restore them to your device’s gallery.

In conclusion, while WhatsApp offers some built-in recovery options, third-party tools and cloud storage backups can significantly enhance the chances of successfully retrieving deleted photos. Always ensure that regular backups are enabled to safeguard against future data loss.