How do I restore a deleted WhatsApp conversation on Android?

How do I restore a deleted WhatsApp conversation on Android - briefly?

To restore a deleted WhatsApp conversation on Android, you can use the built-in backup feature. Simply reinstall WhatsApp and follow the prompts to restore your chat history from Google Drive.

How do I restore a deleted WhatsApp conversation on Android - in detail?

Restoring a deleted WhatsApp conversation on an Android device can be challenging, but not impossible. Here are the detailed steps to help you recover your lost messages:

  1. Check for Backups: The first step is to check if you have any backups of your conversations. WhatsApp automatically backs up chats daily at 2 AM local time and stores them on Google Drive. To restore from a backup, follow these steps:

    • Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
    • Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
    • When prompted to restore a backup, tap "Restore". This will retrieve your messages from the most recent backup.
  2. Use Local Backups: If you have not enabled Google Drive backups or if the backup is outdated, you might have local backups stored on your device's internal storage or SD card. These are usually found in the WhatsApp/Databases folder. To restore from a local backup:

    • Rename the backup file you want to restore from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12.
    • Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
    • Open WhatsApp, verify your phone number, and when prompted, select "Restore". This will retrieve the messages from the renamed backup file.
  3. Contact Support: If you cannot find any backups or if the above methods do not work, it is advisable to contact WhatsApp support for further assistance. They might be able to provide additional solutions based on your specific situation.
  4. Third-Party Software: As a last resort, you can consider using third-party software designed to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. However, be cautious as not all such tools are reliable or secure. Ensure that the software is from a trusted source and read reviews before using it.

It's crucial to note that while these methods can help you restore lost conversations, they may not always guarantee 100% recovery. Regularly backing up your chats can prevent future data loss and make the restoration process much smoother.