How to recover a friend's deleted messages on WhatsApp?

How to recover a friend's deleted messages on WhatsApp - briefly?

To recover a friend's deleted messages on WhatsApp, you can use the backup function if they have enabled it. If not, there are third-party apps that might help, but their effectiveness is not guaranteed and they pose security risks.

How to recover a friend's deleted messages on WhatsApp - in detail?

Recovering a friend's deleted messages on WhatsApp can be challenging, but there are several methods that might help you retrieve the lost data. Here’s a detailed guide:

Backup and Restore Method

  1. Check for Local Backups: WhatsApp automatically creates local backups of your chats daily at 2 AM. If your friend's device is rooted or jailbroken, you can access these backups manually.

    • Android: Navigate to sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.
    • iOS: Use iTunes or Finder to create a backup of the device.
  2. Restore from Backup: After locating the backup file, you can restore it to your friend's WhatsApp.

    • Android: Rename the backup file from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12.
    • iOS: Connect the device to iTunes or Finder, select the backup, and restore it.

Google Drive/iCloud Backup Method

If your friend has enabled cloud backups:

  1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your friend's phone and then reinstall it.
  2. Verify Phone Number: During the setup process, enter your friend’s phone number to receive a verification code via SMS or call.
  3. Restore Chat History: Once verified, WhatsApp will prompt you to restore chat history from Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS). Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration process.

Third-Party Software Method

If the above methods fail, consider using third-party software designed for data recovery:

  1. Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer: This tool can help recover deleted WhatsApp messages from both Android and iOS devices.
    • Connect your friend's device to a computer.
    • Run Dr.Fone and select the option to recover WhatsApp messages.
    • Follow the prompts to scan for deleted messages and restore them.

Important Considerations

  • Privacy: Always ensure you have permission from your friend before attempting to recover their messages, as it involves accessing personal data.
  • Root/Jailbreak Requirements: Some recovery methods require the device to be rooted (Android) or jailbroken (iOS). Be aware that rooting or jailbreaking can void the warranty and expose the device to security risks.
  • Data Loss: If no backups are available, it might be impossible to recover deleted messages.

Conclusion

Recovering a friend's deleted WhatsApp messages involves using built-in backup features, cloud storage services, or third-party recovery tools. Always prioritize privacy and seek permission before attempting any recovery methods.