How to recover deleted SMS from WhatsApp on Android?

How to recover deleted SMS from WhatsApp on Android - briefly?

To recover deleted SMS from WhatsApp on Android, you can use the built-in backup feature or third-party recovery tools. Regularly backing up your chats is essential for ensuring data recovery in case of accidental deletion.

How to recover deleted SMS from WhatsApp on Android - in detail?

Recovering deleted SMS messages from WhatsApp on an Android device can be a challenging process, but with the right tools and methods, it is possible. This guide will provide you with detailed steps to help you retrieve your lost WhatsApp messages.

Understanding Data Storage in WhatsApp

WhatsApp stores all message data on your device's internal storage or SD card. When a message is deleted, it isn’t permanently removed immediately; instead, the space it occupied is marked as available for new data. This window of opportunity allows for recovery using specialized software.

Preliminary Steps

1. Stop Using Your Device: The first and most crucial step is to stop using your Android device immediately after you realize that messages have been deleted. Continued use can overwrite the deleted messages, making them irrecoverable.
2. Backup Your Current Data: Before attempting recovery, ensure you have a backup of any current data on your device to prevent accidental loss.

Method 1: Using WhatsApp Backup

WhatsApp provides an in-built backup feature that automatically saves your chat history to Google Drive. Here’s how to restore from this backup:

1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device, then reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
2. Verify Your Number: During the setup process, verify your phone number.
3. Restore from Backup: When prompted, tap on "Restore" to retrieve your chat history from the last backup.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Software

If you don’t have a recent backup or prefer not to use WhatsApp’s built-in feature, third-party recovery tools can be very effective. Here are the steps using a popular recovery software like Dr.Fone:

1. Download and Install: Download Dr.Fone from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your Android device to your computer.
3. Enable USB Debugging: Go to "Settings" > "About phone" and tap "Build number" seven times to enable Developer Options. Then go back to "Settings" > "Developer options" and turn on "USB debugging".
4. Scan for Deleted Messages: Open Dr.Fone, select "Recover" from the main interface, and then choose "WhatsApp" as the data type to scan for deleted messages.
5. Preview and Recover: After scanning, you can preview the recovered messages. Select the ones you want to recover and click on the "Recover" button to save them to your computer or device.

Method 3: Using File Manager (Advanced Users)

For tech-savvy users, manually recovering deleted WhatsApp messages using a file manager is another option:

1. Root Your Device: Rooting your Android device gives you access to system files and folders. Note that rooting can void your warranty and potentially harm your device if not done correctly.
2. Install a File Manager: Download and install a powerful file manager like ES File Explorer.
3. Navigate to WhatsApp Folder: Go to the "WhatsApp" folder located in the internal storage or SD card (usually at /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases).
4. Locate Backup Files: Look for backup files with a .db extension. These files contain your chat history.
5. Restore Backup: Copy the backup file to a safe location on your computer or cloud storage. You can then restore this backup using WhatsApp’s built-in restore feature.

Final Tips

• Regular Backups: Make it a habit to regularly back up your WhatsApp chats to Google Drive or another reliable service.
• Use Reliable Software: Ensure you use trusted and reputable third-party software for recovery to avoid data loss or security breaches.
• Seek Professional Help: If the above methods don’t work, consider seeking help from a professional data recovery specialist.

By following these detailed steps, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted SMS messages from WhatsApp on your Android device.