How to recover a WhatsApp message you deleted for yourself - briefly?
If you accidentally delete a WhatsApp message meant for yourself, you can restore it by following these steps: Open the chat where the message was located, scroll up to find the deleted message, and tap on "Undo" or "Unsend". This action will retrieve your message within a short window of time.
How to recover a WhatsApp message you deleted for yourself - in detail?
Recovering a WhatsApp message that you have deleted can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here are some detailed steps and methods you can use to attempt recovery:
Backup Restoration
The most reliable method to recover deleted WhatsApp messages is through backup restoration. WhatsApp automatically backs up your chats daily at 2 AM, and you can manually create a backup as well. Here’s how you can restore a message from a backup:
- Uninstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall the WhatsApp application from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Set Up Your Account: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chat history from a backup file. Accept this option and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Complete Restoration: Once the restoration is complete, you can access your deleted messages within the restored chats.
Local Backup
If you have enabled local backups on your device, you might be able to recover your messages from these backups:
- File Explorer: Use a file explorer app to navigate to the WhatsApp database folder located in your device’s internal storage or SD card (
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases). - Identify Backup Files: Look for backup files named
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12. The date in the filename corresponds to the backup date. - Rename File: Rename the most recent backup file to
msgstore.db.crypt12. - Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then restore your chats from this renamed backup file during setup.
Using Third-Party Software
There are third-party applications designed specifically for recovering deleted WhatsApp messages:
- Download and Install: Download a reputable recovery software like Dr.Fone - Recover (WhatsApp) or EaseUS MobiSaver.
- Connect Device: Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Scan for Deleted Messages: Follow the prompts in the software to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Preview and Recover: Preview the scanned messages and select the ones you want to recover, then save them to your device or computer.
Contact Support
If all else fails, consider reaching out to WhatsApp support:
- Report Issue: Go to WhatsApp’s official website and use their contact form to report the issue.
- Provide Details: Provide detailed information about your problem, including any error messages you received.
- Wait for Response: Wait for a response from WhatsApp support. They may offer additional assistance or provide insights into recovering your deleted messages.
Preventive Measures
To avoid losing important messages in the future:
- Regular Backups: Ensure that you have regular backups enabled and manually create backups periodically.
- Cloud Storage: Use cloud storage services to backup important conversations separately from WhatsApp’s default backup system.
- Archive Important Chats: Archive important chats so they are not automatically deleted when you delete other messages.
By following these detailed steps, you can increase your chances of recovering a deleted WhatsApp message. Always remember to take preventive measures to safeguard your important conversations in the future.