How to read deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android after deletion?

How to read deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android after deletion - briefly?

To recover deleted messages in WhatsApp on an Android device, you can use third-party applications designed for data recovery. These tools scan your phone's storage to retrieve lost messages. Alternatively, you can check your backup files if you have enabled the auto-backup feature in WhatsApp.

How to read deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android after deletion - in detail?

Reading deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android can be a challenging task, as the app does not natively support retrieving permanently deleted messages. However, there are several methods you might consider to attempt recovering these messages. It's crucial to note that while some approaches may work, others may not, and the success rate depends on various factors including the type of deletion (whether it was a manual or automatic deletion), and the backup settings.

Backup Files

WhatsApp regularly creates backups of your chats, which are stored in the cloud (Google Drive) or locally on your device's internal storage. If you have enabled this feature, recovering deleted messages becomes significantly easier:

1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall the app from your device. After uninstallation, reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
2. Restore from Backup: During the initial setup of WhatsApp after reinstallation, you will be prompted to restore your messages from a backup. Choose this option and follow the prompts to complete the restoration process.

Local Backups

If you have not enabled cloud backups or prefer local storage:

1. File Explorer: Use a file explorer app to navigate to the WhatsApp folder located at /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.
2. Backup Files: Look for files named msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 where YYYY-MM-DD represents the date of the backup.
3. Rename and Restore: Rename this file to msgstore.db.crypt12. Then, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp as described above. During the setup process, you should be able to restore from the local backup.

Third-Party Applications

For users who do not have backups or prefer a different approach:

1. Data Recovery Apps: There are third-party applications available on the Google Play Store that claim to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. Examples include Dr. Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, and Tenorshare UltData.
2. Steps: Download and install one of these apps. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp data. Once the scan is complete, select the messages you want to recover and save them to your device.

Limitations and Considerations

While these methods can be effective, they are not foolproof:

1. Backup Settings: The success of recovery largely depends on whether backups were enabled and regularly updated.
2. Overwriting Data: Deleted messages may be overwritten by new data if you continue using the app extensively after deletion.
3. Third-Party Risks: Using third-party applications can pose security risks, including potential data breaches or malware infections.

Conclusion

Reading deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android after deletion requires a proactive approach to backups and sometimes the use of additional tools. By understanding these methods, you can increase your chances of successfully recovering lost conversations. Always remember to prioritize data security and privacy when using third-party applications or exploring backup files.