How to recover deleted SMS messages in WhatsApp?

How to recover deleted SMS messages in WhatsApp - briefly?

Recovering deleted SMS messages in WhatsApp can be challenging since the app does not provide a built-in recovery feature. However, using third-party software or backup files may help retrieve lost conversations.

How to recover deleted SMS messages in WhatsApp - in detail?

Recovering deleted SMS messages in WhatsApp can be a challenging task, but there are several methods you can try to retrieve your lost communications. It is important to note that the success of these methods depends on various factors such as the time elapsed since deletion and whether you have enabled certain backup features.

Backup Methods:

  1. Google Drive Backup: WhatsApp offers a built-in backup feature that automatically saves your messages, photos, and videos to Google Drive. To recover deleted messages using this method:

    • Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp and open the app.
    • Follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
    • When prompted, tap "Restore" to retrieve your messages from Google Drive.
  2. iCloud Backup (for iOS users): If you are an iPhone user, WhatsApp can back up your chats to iCloud. To restore deleted messages:

    • Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp and open the app.
    • Follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
    • When prompted, tap "Restore Chat History" to retrieve your messages from iCloud.

Local Backup:

WhatsApp also creates a local backup on your device's internal storage or SD card. This can be useful if you prefer not to rely on cloud services. To recover deleted messages using this method:

  • Navigate to the WhatsApp folder on your device's file manager (for Android users) or through iTunes (for iOS users).
  • Locate the "Databases" folder and find the backup files named msgstore.db.crypt12 (or similar, depending on the version of WhatsApp you are using).
  • Rename this file to remove the ".crypt" extension (e.g., rename it to msgstore.db).
  • Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
  • When prompted during the setup process, restore your chats from the local backup.

Third-Party Applications:

There are third-party applications available that claim to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when using such services, as they may not be secure or reliable. Some popular options include Dr.Fone and EaseUS MobiSaver. These tools often require rooting your Android device or jailbreaking your iOS device, which can pose security risks.

Preventative Measures:

To avoid the need for message recovery in the future, it is advisable to enable automatic backups on WhatsApp. For Google Drive backup:

  • Open WhatsApp and go to "Settings" > "Chats" > "Chat Backup".
  • Tap "Backup" to create a manual backup or adjust the frequency of automatic backups.

For iCloud backup (iOS users):

  • Open WhatsApp and go to "Settings" > "Chats" > "Chat Backup".
  • Ensure that the "Auto Backup" option is enabled, and select your preferred backup frequency.

By following these methods and enabling regular backups, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted SMS messages in WhatsApp and safeguard your valuable communications.