How to recover a deleted file from WhatsApp - briefly?
To recover a deleted file from WhatsApp, you can use the built-in backup feature. Simply uninstall and reinstall the app, then restore your chat history during the setup process.
How to recover a deleted file from WhatsApp - in detail?
Recovering a deleted file from WhatsApp can be a daunting task, but with the right approach and tools, it is certainly possible. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:
Firstly, it's important to understand that when you delete a file from WhatsApp, it doesn't immediately disappear. Instead, it gets moved to a temporary folder where it can potentially be restored if acted upon quickly enough. However, if the file has been overwritten or too much time has passed, recovery may not be feasible.
Using Built-in Features
WhatsApp provides some built-in features that might help in recovering deleted files:
- Media Visibility: If you accidentally delete a media file, you can turn off the 'Show media in gallery' option and then turn it back on. This sometimes restores the deleted media.
- Backup and Restore: Regularly backing up your WhatsApp data is crucial. If you have a recent backup, you can restore your chats, which includes any media files that were part of those conversations. However, this will not recover individual files but rather entire chat histories.
Using Third-Party Software
For more targeted recovery, third-party software can be very effective:
- Download and Install: Choose a reputable data recovery tool like Disk Drill, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Stellar Data Recovery. Download and install the software on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable. Ensure that your device is in file transfer mode (MTP).
- Scan for Deleted Files: Launch the recovery tool and select your device as the target location. Initiate a scan, which may take some time depending on the amount of data stored on your phone.
- Preview and Recover: Once the scan is complete, you will see a list of recoverable files. Preview the files to ensure they are what you're looking for, then select them and click 'Recover'. Choose a destination folder on your computer where the recovered files will be saved.
Using Cloud Backup
If you use cloud backup services like Google Drive or iCloud, you might be able to restore your deleted WhatsApp files:
- Check Cloud Storage: Log in to your cloud storage account and navigate to the WhatsApp backup folder.
- Download Backup: Download the most recent backup file to your device.
- Restore Chats: Open WhatsApp on your device, go to 'Settings', then 'Chats', and select 'Backup'. Follow the prompts to restore from the downloaded backup file.
Important Tips
- Act Quickly: The sooner you attempt to recover a deleted file, the higher the chances of success.
- Avoid Overwriting Data: Do not add new data to your device after realizing that a file has been deleted. This can overwrite the space where the deleted file resides, making recovery impossible.
- Regular Backups: Make it a habit to regularly back up your WhatsApp data to minimize the risk of permanent data loss.
By following these steps and using the appropriate tools, you should be able to recover your deleted WhatsApp files effectively.