How to find deleted WhatsApp chat history - briefly?
To recover deleted WhatsApp chat history, you can use the app's built-in backup feature or third-party software designed for data recovery. However, it is important to note that the success of these methods largely depends on whether a recent backup exists and if the data has not been overwritten.
How to find deleted WhatsApp chat history - in detail?
Finding deleted WhatsApp chat history can be a challenging task, but with the right methods and tools, it is possible to recover lost conversations. Here are some detailed steps you can follow:
Backup Recovery
WhatsApp provides an in-built backup feature that automatically saves your chats to your phone's memory or cloud storage (Google Drive for Android users and iCloud for iPhone users). To restore deleted chat history from a backup:
-
Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
-
Verify Your Number:
- Open WhatsApp and follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
-
Restore from Backup:
- When prompted, tap on "Restore" to recover your deleted chats from the most recent backup.
Local Backups
If you have disabled cloud backups and rely on local backups:
-
Find Your Backup Folder:
- For Android users, the backup folder is usually located at
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases
. - For iPhone users with iTunes backups, navigate to
iPhone -> WhatsApp -> Documents -> chat.db
within your iTunes backup directory.
- For Android users, the backup folder is usually located at
-
Copy and Replace:
- Copy the backup file (e.g.,
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12
) to your device’s WhatsApp folder. - Rename it to
msgstore.db.crypt12
.
- Copy the backup file (e.g.,
-
Restore:
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Verify your number and allow the app to restore from the backup file you placed in the WhatsApp folder.
Third-Party Software
For cases where backups are not available, third-party recovery software can be used:
-
Download and Install:
- Choose a reliable recovery tool like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, or FonePaw.
-
Connect Your Device:
- Connect your Android device via USB or use a data cable for iPhones.
-
Scan and Recover:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Select the conversations you want to recover and save them to your device or computer.
Important Considerations
- Regular Backups: Ensure that automatic backups are enabled in WhatsApp settings to avoid losing data in the future.
- Privacy: Be aware of privacy concerns when using third-party software, as they may require access to sensitive data on your device.
- Legal Implications: Recovering deleted chats should comply with legal regulations and respect the privacy of other users involved in the conversation.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively recover your deleted WhatsApp chat history and avoid losing important conversations in the future.