How to recover deleted files from WhatsApp on Android - briefly?
To recover deleted files from WhatsApp on Android, you can use a file recovery app or backup your data using Google Drive. Always remember to regularly back up your important messages and media to avoid permanent loss.
How to recover deleted files from WhatsApp on Android - in detail?
Recovering deleted files from WhatsApp on an Android device can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and tools, it is possible. This guide will walk you through the detailed process of recovering lost WhatsApp data, including messages, photos, videos, and documents.
Understanding Data Storage in WhatsApp
Before delving into recovery methods, it's essential to understand how WhatsApp stores data on your Android device. WhatsApp creates a backup of your chats and media files on a regular basis, which are stored in the internal storage or an external SD card. These backups can be crucial for recovering deleted files.
Method 1: Restore from Google Drive Backup
WhatsApp provides an option to back up your data to Google Drive. If you have enabled this feature and set up automatic backups, you can restore your lost files easily. Here’s how:
- Uninstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Set Up Your Phone Number: Open WhatsApp and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your phone number.
- Restore Backup: When prompted, tap "Restore" to restore your chats and media from the most recent backup stored in Google Drive.
- Wait for Restoration: The restoration process might take some time depending on the size of the backup and your internet connection speed.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party Recovery Tool
If you don’t have a Google Drive backup or need to recover files that aren't included in the backup, using a third-party recovery tool can be highly effective. Here are some popular options:
Dr.Fone - Recover (WhatsApp)
- Download and Install: Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Scan for Lost Data: Open Dr.Fone, select "Recover" and then choose "WhatsApp Messages & Attachments". Click on "Start Scan".
- Preview and Restore: After scanning, you can preview the recovered data. Select the files you want to recover and click "Restore to Device" or "Restore to PC".
EaseUS MobiSaver for Android
- Download and Install: Download and install EaseUS MobiSaver on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Scan for Lost Data: Open EaseUS MobiSaver, select "WhatsApp" from the list of supported data types, and click "Start".
- Preview and Restore: After scanning, you can preview the recovered data. Select the files you want to recover and click "Recover".
Method 3: Manual Recovery from Local Backups
If you haven’t enabled Google Drive backup but have local backups on your device, you might be able to restore them manually. Here’s how:
- Locate the Backup Folder: Open File Manager and navigate to
sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases
. - Identify Backup Files: Look for files with the extension
.db
or.crypt
. These are your WhatsApp backup files. - Rename the Backup File: Rename the most recent backup file by changing its extension from
.db
to.db.crypt12
. - Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your device.
- Restore the Backup: When prompted, tap "Restore" to restore your chats and media from the local backup.
Preventive Measures
To avoid losing important WhatsApp data in the future, consider the following preventive measures:
- Regularly Back Up Your Data: Enable automatic backups to Google Drive and ensure they are up-to-date.
- Use Reliable Recovery Tools: Keep a trusted third-party recovery tool installed on your computer for emergency use.
- Avoid Deleting Important Files: Be cautious when deleting files from WhatsApp, especially if they contain crucial information.
By following these detailed steps and taking preventive measures, you can effectively recover deleted files from WhatsApp on your Android device and safeguard your data in the future.