How to recover a deleted media file in WhatsApp on Android?

How to recover a deleted media file in WhatsApp on Android - briefly?

To recover a deleted media file in WhatsApp on Android, you can use the built-in WhatsApp backup feature or third-party recovery software. WhatsApp automatically backs up your data daily at 2 AM, so if you have a recent backup, you can restore it to retrieve your lost files.

How to recover a deleted media file in WhatsApp on Android - in detail?

Recovering a deleted media file in WhatsApp on an Android device can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and tools, it is possible. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:

1. Check WhatsApp Backup:

   WhatsApp automatically backs up your chats and media files daily at 2 AM local time. To recover a deleted file, first check if there's a recent backup available:

   • Open WhatsApp.
   • Go to Settings > Chats.
   • Tap on Chat Backup. Here you can see the date and time of your last backup. If the file was deleted after this date, it won’t be included in the backup.

2. Restore from Backup:

   If the media file is within the backup period, you can restore your chats:

   • Go to Settings > Chats.
   • Tap on Chat Backup.
   • Click on Restore if there’s a recent backup available. Note that this will replace your current chats with the backed-up data, so you might lose any messages or media received after the last backup.

3. Use Google Drive Backup:

   WhatsApp also backs up to Google Drive. To restore from Google Drive:

   • Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp.
   • Open WhatsApp and follow the setup process until you reach the Restore screen.
   • Tap on Restore if a backup is available. This will include your media files as well.

4. Third-Party Recovery Tools:

   If the file isn’t in the backup, consider using third-party recovery software:

   • Download and install a reliable data recovery app like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver from the Google Play Store.
   • Connect your Android device to your computer via USB cable.
   • Open the recovery tool and follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted files.
   • Once the scan is complete, preview the recovered files and select the media file you want to restore.

5. File Manager Apps:

   Some file manager apps have a built-in recycle bin feature that may allow you to recover recently deleted files:

   • Open your file manager app (e.g., ES File Explorer).
   • Navigate to the Recycle Bin or Deleted Files section.
   • Look for the deleted media file and restore it if available.

6. Contact WhatsApp Support:

   If all else fails, you can reach out to WhatsApp support for assistance:

   • Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Help.
   • Tap on Contact Us and describe your issue. Provide as many details as possible about the deleted media file.

It’s important to note that while these methods can help you recover a deleted media file, there is no guarantee of success, especially if the file has been overwritten by new data or if it was not included in a recent backup. Always ensure that your WhatsApp data is regularly backed up to avoid such issues in the future.