How to recover deleted files in WhatsApp on the phone?

How to recover deleted files in WhatsApp on the phone - briefly?

To recover deleted files in WhatsApp on your phone, you can use a backup if available. Alternatively, third-party apps like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver can help retrieve lost data.

How to recover deleted files in WhatsApp on the phone - in detail?

Recovering deleted files from WhatsApp on your phone can be a complex process, but with the right approach and tools, it is entirely possible. This guide will provide you with detailed steps to help you retrieve lost messages, media, or other data from your WhatsApp application.

Backup Solutions

Firstly, it's crucial to understand that WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats which are stored on either Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iOS users). These backups can be invaluable when trying to recover deleted files.

For Android Users:

  1. Check for Backup: Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Here, you will see the last backup date and time. If a recent backup exists, you can restore your chats.
  2. Restore from Backup: Tap on the Backup button to create a new backup if needed, then tap on the Restore button to recover your deleted files. Note that this will overwrite any messages since the last backup, so consider this step carefully.
  3. Third-Party Tools: If no backup exists or you need more specific file recovery, consider using third-party software like Dr.Fone - Recover (WhatsApp). This tool can scan your device for deleted WhatsApp data and recover it without the need for a previous backup.

For iOS Users:

  1. Check for Backup: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Ensure that iCloud Drive is enabled and check the last backup date.
  2. Restore from Backup: If a recent backup exists, uninstall WhatsApp and then reinstall it from the App Store. During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chats from the iCloud backup. Follow the prompts to complete the restoration.
  3. Third-Party Tools: Similar to Android, iOS users can also use third-party software like Dr.Fone - Recover (WhatsApp) to recover deleted files directly from their device or iTunes/iCloud backups.

Direct File Recovery

If you prefer not to rely on cloud backups, there are additional methods to attempt direct file recovery:

Using File Manager Apps:

  1. Download a File Manager: Install a reliable file manager app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  2. Navigate to WhatsApp Folder: Open the file manager and navigate to WhatsApp > Media. Here, you may find deleted files under subfolders like WhatsApp Images, WhatsApp Video, etc.
  3. Recover Files: If the files are present but not visible in your WhatsApp gallery or chat history, try moving them to a different folder or renaming them to make them accessible again.

Preventive Measures

To avoid losing important data in the future, consider implementing these preventive measures:

  1. Regular Backups: Manually backup your chats regularly by going to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and tapping on the Backup button.
  2. Auto Backup Settings: Ensure that auto-backup settings are enabled in WhatsApp. For Android, this can be found under Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. For iOS, check under Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and ensure iCloud Drive is enabled.
  3. Use Cloud Storage: In addition to WhatsApp backups, consider using cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to store important files and media.

By following these steps and taking preventive measures, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted files from WhatsApp on your phone.