How to recover deleted messages from a WhatsApp chat - briefly?
To recover deleted messages from a WhatsApp chat, you can use the built-in backup feature provided by WhatsApp. Simply uninstall and then reinstall the app to restore your chat history from the most recent backup.
How to recover deleted messages from a WhatsApp chat - in detail?
Recovering deleted messages from a WhatsApp chat can be challenging, but there are several methods you can try. It's important to note that the success of these methods depends on various factors such as when the message was deleted and whether you have backups enabled. Below are some detailed steps you can follow:
Method 1: Using WhatsApp Backup
WhatsApp provides an option to backup your chats to either Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iOS users). If you have this feature enabled, you can restore your chat history along with the deleted messages.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or App Store.
- Set Up Your Account: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chat history from a backup. Choose the most recent backup available.
- Restore Messages: Once the restoration is complete, you should see all your messages, including those that were deleted.
Method 2: Using Local Backup (Android)
If you are an Android user and have local backups enabled, you can recover your deleted messages from these backups.
- Locate WhatsApp Folder: Open the File Manager app on your device and navigate to the 'WhatsApp' folder in your internal storage.
- Find Backup Folder: Look for a folder named 'Databases'. Inside this folder, you will find files with names like 'msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12'. The dates represent different backups.
- Rename Backup File: Rename the backup file to 'msgstore.db.crypt12'. For example, if the file name is 'msgstore-2023-10-15.db.crypt12', rename it to 'msgstore.db.crypt12'.
- Restore Messages: Reinstall WhatsApp and follow the setup process. When prompted, restore your chat history from the local backup. Your deleted messages should now be restored.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
There are third-party software applications that claim to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. However, it's crucial to choose reputable and reliable software to avoid security risks. Some popular options include Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, and Tenorshare UltData.
- Download and Install: Download the third-party software from a trusted source and install it on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Connect your Android or iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Scan for Deleted Messages: Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, select the messages you want to recover and click the 'Recover' button. The software will restore the selected messages to your device or computer.
Method 4: Using Google Drive Backup (Android)
If you have enabled Google Drive backup for WhatsApp on your Android device, you can use this method to recover deleted messages.
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Restore from Backup: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chat history from a Google Drive backup. Choose the most recent backup available.
- Verify Restored Messages: Once the restoration is complete, verify that your deleted messages have been recovered.
Important Considerations
- Timely Backups: Regularly back up your WhatsApp chats to ensure you can recover any deleted messages in the future.
- Data Privacy: Be cautious when using third-party software and only use trusted applications to avoid potential data breaches or security issues.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure that your actions comply with local laws and regulations, especially when dealing with sensitive information.
By following these detailed methods, you can significantly increase the chances of recovering deleted messages from a WhatsApp chat. However, it's essential to remember that there is no guaranteed method for recovery, and the success rate depends on various factors such as the availability of backups and the timing of the deletion.