How to recover deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android without deleting them - briefly?
To recover deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android without deleting current data, you can use a backup service like Google Drive. Ensure your messages are backed up regularly to avoid loss of recent conversations.
How to recover deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android without deleting them - in detail?
Recovering deleted messages in WhatsApp on an Android device can be a challenging task, especially if you aim to avoid overwriting any existing data. Here are the most effective methods to achieve this:
Using Google Drive Backup
WhatsApp provides a built-in backup feature that utilizes Google Drive. If you have enabled this feature, your messages and media are backed up daily at 2 AM. To recover deleted messages using Google Drive:
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Go to the Google Play Store, find WhatsApp, and uninstall it.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: After uninstallation, reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Restore from Backup: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chats and media from Google Drive. Accept this option and wait for the restoration to complete.
- Complete Setup: Follow the remaining steps to complete the setup process.
Using Local Backup
If you have not enabled Google Drive backup or prefer to use a local backup, follow these steps:
- Locate Backup Folder: WhatsApp creates a local backup on your device’s internal storage. The default location is
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. - Rename Backup File: Find the most recent backup file named
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12and rename it tomsgstore.db.crypt12. - Uninstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Restore Messages: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore chats and media. Choose this option, and your messages should be restored from the local backup.
Using Third-Party Software
There are third-party applications available that can help recover deleted WhatsApp messages without deleting existing data. However, it's crucial to use reputable software to ensure the safety of your data:
- Download and Install: Choose a reliable recovery tool like Dr.Fone - Recover (WhatsApp) or EaseUS MobiSaver. Download and install the software on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your Android device to your computer. Ensure that file transfer is enabled on your phone.
- Scan for Deleted Messages: Launch the recovery tool and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Preview and Recover: Once the scanning process is complete, preview the recovered messages. Select the messages you want to recover and save them to your computer or directly to your Android device.
Important Considerations
- Backup Frequency: Ensure that your WhatsApp backup settings are configured correctly to avoid losing recent messages. You can set up automatic backups to Google Drive daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Data Security: Be cautious when using third-party software. Always download from trusted sources and ensure the software is compatible with your device’s operating system.
- Legal Compliance: Recovering deleted messages should comply with legal regulations. Ensure that you have the right to access and recover the messages, especially if they belong to someone else.
By following these methods, you can effectively recover deleted WhatsApp messages on your Android device without deleting existing data. Regularly backing up your chats is a proactive measure to safeguard against future data loss.