How to recover a deleted WhatsApp chat on Android - briefly?
To recover a deleted WhatsApp chat on Android, you can use Google Drive backups if enabled before deletion. Simply reinstall WhatsApp and follow the prompts to restore your chat history from the backup.
How to recover a deleted WhatsApp chat on Android - in detail?
Recovering a deleted WhatsApp chat on an Android device can be challenging, but it is not impossible. This detailed guide will walk you through the process of retrieving lost messages using several methods.
Method 1: Check Your Backup
WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats daily at 2 AM and saves them to Google Drive. To restore a deleted chat from this backup:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Go to the Play Store, uninstall WhatsApp, and then reinstall it.
- Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number when prompted.
- Restore Chat History: When asked if you want to restore your chat history from Google Drive, tap "Restore". This will replace any recent messages with the backed-up data.
Method 2: Use Local Backup (If Available)
WhatsApp also creates a local backup of your chats on your device's internal storage. To recover a deleted chat using this method:
- Locate the Backup Folder: Open File Manager and navigate to
sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. - Identify the Backup File: Look for files named
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12(where YYYY is the year, MM is the month, and DD is the day). These are your chat backups. - Rename the Backup File: Rename the backup file to
msgstore.db.crypt12. This will replace any existing backup with this one. - Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then follow the setup process to restore your chat history.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Recovery Software
If the above methods do not work, you can use third-party recovery software designed for Android devices. These tools scan your device's memory for deleted files and may be able to recover your WhatsApp chats. Some popular options include:
- Dr.Fone: A comprehensive data recovery tool that supports various file types, including WhatsApp messages.
- EaseUS MobiSaver: Another powerful recovery tool that can help you retrieve deleted WhatsApp chats.
Before using third-party software, ensure you download it from a trusted source and follow the instructions provided by the developer.
Important Considerations
- Regular Backups: To avoid losing important chats in the future, consider enabling regular backups to Google Drive. Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and set up a backup frequency that suits your needs.
- Data Privacy: Be cautious when using third-party recovery software, as they may access sensitive data on your device. Always choose reputable tools from trusted sources.
By following these detailed steps, you can increase the likelihood of recovering your deleted WhatsApp chats on an Android device.