How to recover deleted messages from a contact in WhatsApp - briefly?
To recover deleted messages from a contact in WhatsApp, you can use the "Chat Backup" feature. This allows you to restore lost conversations by restoring your most recent backup.
How to recover deleted messages from a contact in WhatsApp - in detail?
Recovering deleted messages from a contact in WhatsApp can be crucial for both personal and professional reasons. While there is no direct feature within the WhatsApp application to retrieve deleted messages, several methods can help you recover lost conversations.
Backup Restoration
The most reliable method involves using WhatsApp's built-in backup feature. WhatsApp automatically backs up your chats daily at 2 AM local time and saves them to your phone’s internal storage or cloud storage like Google Drive or iCloud, depending on your device.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Start by uninstalling the WhatsApp application from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp again from the official app store.
- Verify Your Number: During setup, verify your phone number.
- Restore Backup: When prompted to restore a backup, tap "Restore" to retrieve your most recent backup. This will include messages that were present before they were deleted.
Google Drive/iCloud Backup
If you have enabled cloud backups, you can restore messages from there:
- Google Drive: On Android devices, WhatsApp backs up data to Google Drive. You can check the backup frequency and ensure it is set up correctly in WhatsApp settings under "Chats" > "Chat Backup".
- iCloud: For iOS users, WhatsApp backups are stored on iCloud. Make sure you have enabled iCloud Drive and that your device is connected to Wi-Fi before starting the restoration process.
Local Backup Restoration
If you prefer not to rely on cloud storage, you can use local backup files:
- Locate Backup File: Navigate to your phone's internal storage or SD card where WhatsApp backups are stored (usually in a folder named "WhatsApp" or "Databases").
- Rename Backup File: Rename the backup file you want to restore by changing its extension from .crypt12 to .db. For example, "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12" becomes "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db".
- Restore Backup: Follow the uninstall and reinstall steps mentioned above, and when prompted to restore a backup, choose the renamed file.
Third-Party Applications
There are third-party applications available that claim to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. However, use these with caution as they may not be reliable or secure:
- Download: Search for reputable message recovery apps on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Install and Scan: Install the app and follow the instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, review the recovered messages and select the ones you want to restore.
Important Considerations
- Regular Backups: Make it a habit to regularly back up your WhatsApp chats to prevent data loss in case of accidental deletion or other issues.
- Data Security: Be aware of the security implications when using third-party applications for message recovery. Ensure that you trust the source and understand the potential risks involved.
- Device Compatibility: The methods described above may vary slightly depending on your device and operating system version. Always refer to the official WhatsApp documentation or support resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
By following these detailed steps, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted messages from a contact in WhatsApp.