How to delete deleted chat history from WhatsApp - briefly?
Deleting permanently deleted chat history from WhatsApp is not possible through the app itself as it does not provide a built-in feature for this purpose. To recover or delete such data, you would need to rely on third-party software or backup files, but the effectiveness and legality of these methods can vary.
How to delete deleted chat history from WhatsApp - in detail?
Deleting deleted chat history from WhatsApp can be a challenging task, as the platform is designed to protect user privacy and data security. However, there are several methods that users can employ to potentially recover or delete previously deleted messages. It's important to note that these methods are not guaranteed to work in all situations, and their success often depends on various factors such as the time elapsed since deletion, backup settings, and device compatibility.
Method 1: Backup and Restore
One of the most effective ways to recover deleted chat history is by using WhatsApp's built-in backup feature. This method works best if you have already enabled automatic backups on your device. Here are the steps to follow:
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Go to your device settings, find WhatsApp in the app list, and uninstall it.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Restore Backup: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chat history from a backup. Tap on "Restore" to retrieve your deleted messages.
Method 2: Local Backup
If automatic backups are not enabled, you might still be able to recover deleted chats using local backups stored on your device. These backups are typically found in the WhatsApp folder within your device's file manager.
- Locate the Backup Folder: Open your device's file manager and navigate to
WhatsApp > Databases. - Identify Backup Files: Look for files named
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12(the date format will vary based on when the backup was created). - Rename the File: Rename the desired backup file to
msgstore.db.crypt12. - Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then restore from the local backup during setup.
Method 3: Contact Customer Support
If the above methods do not work, you can try contacting WhatsApp's customer support for assistance. Provide them with details about your issue, including the date and time of deletion, device type, and any other relevant information. They might be able to provide additional guidance or access to recovery tools.
Method 4: Use Third-Party Software (at Your Own Risk)
There are third-party software applications available that claim to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. However, using such tools comes with risks, including potential data loss and security vulnerabilities. Always ensure you download software from reputable sources and backup your existing data before attempting recovery.
Important Considerations
- Data Security: Be cautious when handling backups and sensitive data to prevent unauthorized access.
- Timeliness: The sooner you attempt to recover deleted messages, the higher the chance of success.
- Regular Backups: Regularly backup your WhatsApp chats to ensure that you can restore them if needed in the future.
By following these methods, users can potentially delete or recover deleted chat history from WhatsApp. However, it's essential to understand that no method is foolproof, and success often depends on various factors beyond user control.