How to delete deleted messages from a WhatsApp backup?

How to delete deleted messages from a WhatsApp backup - briefly?

To delete deleted messages from a WhatsApp backup, you can use third-party apps like Dr.Fone or Wondershare Recoverit, which allow you to access and manage your backup data. These tools can help you recover and permanently delete the desired messages.

How to delete deleted messages from a WhatsApp backup - in detail?

Deleting messages from a WhatsApp backup can be a complex process, but with the right steps and tools, it is entirely possible. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

1. Understanding Backup Storage: WhatsApp backups are stored in different locations depending on your device's operating system. For Android users, backups are saved on Google Drive, while for iOS users, they are stored on iCloud. Understanding where your backup is located is the first step towards deleting deleted messages.

2. Accessing WhatsApp Backup: To delete messages from a backup, you need to access it. This can be done through the respective cloud storage services (Google Drive for Android and iCloud for iOS). Here’s how:

   • Android: Open Google Drive on your computer or mobile device, navigate to 'Backups' in the left-hand menu, and find your WhatsApp backup.
   • iOS: Use iCloud.com or the iCloud app on your computer to access your backups. Navigate to ‘Manage Storage’ to locate your WhatsApp backup.

3. Download the Backup: Before you can delete any messages, you need to download the backup to your device. This process varies depending on the platform:

   • Android: In Google Drive, right-click on the WhatsApp backup and select 'Download'.
   • iOS: On iCloud.com, click on the WhatsApp backup and choose ‘Download’.
4. Extracting Backup Files: Once downloaded, you need to extract the contents of the backup file. The backup is typically a ZIP or TAR file containing various data folders. Extract these files using a suitable archive tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
5. Locating Message Folders: Within the extracted folders, you will find directories related to messages. For WhatsApp, these are usually named 'Databases' or similar. Inside this folder, look for files with extensions such as .db (SQLite database files). These files contain your message history.
6. Using a SQLite Viewer: To delete specific messages from the backup, you will need to use a SQLite viewer tool. Download and install an application like DB Browser for SQLite. Open one of the .db files using this tool.
7. Deleting Messages: With the SQLite viewer open, navigate through the tables and records to find the messages you want to delete. Be cautious as modifying these files directly can corrupt your backup if not done correctly. To delete a message, select it and use the 'Delete' function provided by the SQLite viewer.
8. Repackaging the Backup: After deleting the desired messages, you need to repackage the modified files back into their original ZIP or TAR format. Ensure that the file structure remains intact during this process.
9. Uploading the Modified Backup: Finally, upload the modified backup file back to your cloud storage service (Google Drive for Android and iCloud for iOS). This will overwrite the previous backup with the new, edited version.
10. Restoring from Modified Backup: To see the changes, restore your WhatsApp from the modified backup. This can be done through the WhatsApp settings on your device under 'Chats' > 'Chat Backup'. Follow the prompts to restore your chat history, which will now exclude the deleted messages.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to delete specific messages from a WhatsApp backup effectively. Always remember to create a separate backup of your original data before making any modifications to ensure that you have a fallback option in case something goes wrong.