How to find deleted messages in WhatsApp for Android for free?

How to find deleted messages in WhatsApp for Android for free - briefly?

To recover deleted messages on WhatsApp for Android for free, you can use the built-in backup feature. Simply uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then restore your chat history from the Google Drive backup when prompted. This method is effective and does not require any additional software or cost.

How to find deleted messages in WhatsApp for Android for free - in detail?

Finding deleted messages in WhatsApp for Android can be a challenging task, but it is possible with the right tools and methods. There are several approaches you can take to retrieve your lost messages without spending any money.

Method 1: Backup Files

One of the most reliable ways to recover deleted WhatsApp messages is by using backup files. WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats, which are stored on Google Drive if you have enabled this feature. Here’s how you can use these backups to restore your deleted messages:

  1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall WhatsApp from your device. Then, go to the Google Play Store and reinstall it.
  2. Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
  3. Restore from Backup: When prompted, tap on "Restore" to retrieve your chat history, including any deleted messages, from the most recent backup stored on Google Drive.

Method 2: Third-Party Applications

If you don’t have a backup or if restoring from a backup doesn’t work, you can use third-party applications designed for recovering deleted WhatsApp messages. Some popular and free options include:

  1. Dr.fone - Recover (WhatsApp) by Wondershare: This application allows you to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages and recover them without needing a backup.
  2. WhatsRemoved+: This app runs in the background and saves any deleted messages, making it easier to retrieve them later. Note that this method requires proactive setup before message deletion occurs.

Method 3: File Manager

Another manual method involves using a file manager to access your device’s internal storage and locate the WhatsApp database files. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Enable Show Hidden Files: Open your file manager app (such as ES File Explorer) and enable the option to show hidden files.
  2. Navigate to WhatsApp Folder: Go to Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases.
  3. Rename Database Files: You will see several database files with names like msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 and msgstore.db.crypt12. Rename the file you want to restore by removing the .crypt12 extension at the end of the filename.
  4. Restore Messages: Uninstall WhatsApp, reinstall it, and follow the prompts to verify your number. When prompted to restore from a backup, tap "Restore" to retrieve the messages from the renamed database file.

Method 4: Contact Sender

If the deleted message is particularly important and you can’t recover it using the above methods, consider reaching out to the person who sent the message. They might still have the message in their chat history and can forward it back to you.

Important Considerations

  • Data Privacy: Using third-party applications may involve sharing your data with external services. Ensure you trust the application and understand its privacy policies.
  • Legal Compliance: Always ensure that recovering deleted messages complies with local laws and regulations, especially if the messages contain sensitive information.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to find and recover your deleted WhatsApp messages on Android without incurring any costs.