How to delete a deleted file from WhatsApp?

How to delete a deleted file from WhatsApp - briefly?

To retrieve a deleted file from WhatsApp, you can use the "Media Visibility" feature. This setting allows you to control whether media files appear in your phone's gallery or not. By enabling this feature, you can make deleted files visible again and access them as needed.

How to delete a deleted file from WhatsApp - in detail?

Deleting a file from WhatsApp can sometimes lead to regrets, especially if the file was important. Fortunately, there are methods to recover deleted files from WhatsApp. This guide will walk you through the process in detail, ensuring that you understand each step thoroughly.

Firstly, it's crucial to note that WhatsApp does not provide a built-in feature for recovering deleted files directly from its interface. However, there are alternative methods you can employ:

Method 1: Recover from Backup

WhatsApp regularly backs up your data, including files and media, to either Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iOS users). Here's how you can recover a deleted file using this method:

For Android Users:

  1. Uninstall WhatsApp: Go to your phone settings, find WhatsApp, and uninstall it.
  2. Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
  3. Restore from Backup: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chats and media from a backup. Follow the prompts to complete the restoration.
  4. Locate the File: Once the restoration is complete, open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat where the file was originally sent or received. The deleted file should now be visible.

For iOS Users:

  1. Check iCloud Backup: Ensure that your iPhone is backed up to iCloud. You can check this in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Storage > Manage Storage.
  2. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Go to your home screen, press and hold the WhatsApp icon until it jiggles, then tap the "X" to delete it. Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
  3. Restore from Backup: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chats and media from an iCloud backup. Follow the prompts to complete the restoration.
  4. Locate the File: Once the restoration is done, open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the file was originally sent or received. The deleted file should now be visible.

Method 2: Recover from Local Storage

If you have not backed up your data to the cloud, you might still be able to recover the file from your local storage using a third-party recovery tool. Here's how:

  1. Download a File Recovery Tool: Choose a reputable file recovery software like Disk Drill or EaseUS MobiSaver for Android or iPhone, respectively.
  2. Connect Your Device: Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Scan for Deleted Files: Open the recovery tool and scan your device for deleted files. The process may take some time depending on the size of your storage.
  4. Recover the File: Once the scan is complete, browse through the recovered files to find the one you need. Select it and recover it to your computer or phone.

Important Tips:

  • Always keep your WhatsApp data backed up regularly to avoid losing important files.
  • Be cautious when using third-party recovery tools, as they may have limited functionality or pose a risk to your data security.
  • If you're unsure about any step, consult the official documentation or customer support for the tool you are using.

By following these detailed methods, you should be able to recover deleted files from WhatsApp effectively.