How to find deleted messages from WhatsApp - briefly?
To retrieve deleted messages from WhatsApp, you can use the built-in backup feature that saves your chat history to iCloud or Google Drive depending on your phone's operating system. Simply uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then restore your chats during the setup process.
How to find deleted messages from WhatsApp - in detail?
Finding deleted messages on WhatsApp can be a challenging task due to the app's encryption and data management practices. However, there are several methods you can try to recover lost messages. Here’s a detailed guide:
Backup Recovery
- WhatsApp Backups: WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats on both Google Drive (for Android) and iCloud (for iOS). To restore deleted messages, follow these steps:
- Android: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then verify your phone number. When prompted to restore a backup, tap "Restore."
- iOS: Make sure you have an iCloud backup. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then verify your phone number. When prompted, tap "Restore Chat History" from the iCloud backup.
Local Backup Recovery
- Local Backups on Android: WhatsApp also creates local backups that are stored in the internal memory of your device. You can recover messages using a file manager:
- Open File Manager and navigate to
sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases
. - Look for files named
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12
where YYYY-MM-DD is the date of the backup. Rename this file tomsgstore.db.crypt12
. - Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then restore the chat history when prompted.
- Open File Manager and navigate to
Third-Party Applications
- Third-Party Recovery Tools: There are third-party applications designed specifically for recovering deleted messages from WhatsApp. These tools can scan your device and retrieve lost data:
- Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer: This tool allows you to backup, restore, and transfer WhatsApp data between devices. It also has a recovery feature that scans your device for deleted messages.
- Tenorshare UltData: Another powerful tool that can recover various types of data from your phone, including WhatsApp messages.
Manual Recovery (Not Always Reliable)
- Manual Recovery via File Explorer: If you have technical knowledge and access to the right tools, you might be able to manually recover deleted WhatsApp messages:
- Use a file explorer app to navigate through your phone's internal storage.
- Locate the
Databases
folder within the WhatsApp directory. - Look for files named
msgstore.db.crypt12
. You might find older backups with dates in their filenames. - Rename these backup files to
msgstore.db.crypt12
and try restoring them using WhatsApp’s built-in restore feature.
Important Notes
- Encryption: All WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted, which means even if you recover a message, it will still be in an encrypted format unless decrypted by the recipient's device.
- Data Loss Risk: Manually editing or deleting files from your phone’s internal storage can lead to data loss if not done correctly. Always ensure you have backups before proceeding with manual recovery methods.
- Legal Considerations: Be aware of legal implications when recovering deleted messages, especially if they involve privacy concerns or sensitive information.
By following these detailed steps and using the appropriate tools, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted WhatsApp messages.