How to recover deleted WhatsApp files on Android - briefly?
To recover deleted WhatsApp files on Android, you can use a reliable data recovery tool or backup service. Ensure that you act quickly after the deletion to maximize the chances of successful recovery.
How to recover deleted WhatsApp files on Android - in detail?
Recovering deleted WhatsApp files on an Android device can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and tools, it is possible. Here are some detailed steps you can follow to increase your chances of successfully retrieving lost data:
Backup Services
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your messages and media files. These backups are saved on Google Drive if you have enabled the backup feature in WhatsApp settings. To restore from a backup:
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- When prompted, tap "Restore" to retrieve your messages and media from the last backup.
Third-Party Recovery Tools
If you haven't backed up your data or if the backup is outdated, you can use third-party recovery tools designed specifically for Android devices. Here are some popular options:
Dr.Fone - Recover (Android Data Recovery)
Dr.Fone offers a comprehensive solution for recovering deleted WhatsApp files. The process involves:
- Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer.
- Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Launch Dr.Fone and select "Recover" from the main interface.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted files.
- Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to retrieve.
- Click "Recover" to save the files back to your device or computer.
EaseUS MobiSaver
EaseUS MobiSaver is another reliable tool for recovering WhatsApp messages and media. The steps are similar:
- Install EaseUS MobiSaver on your computer.
- Connect your Android device via USB.
- Open EaseUS MobiSaver and select "WhatsApp" from the list of file types to scan.
- Allow the software to scan your device for deleted files.
- Review the recovered data and select the files you want to restore.
- Click on the "Recover" button to save them to your computer or device.
Manual Recovery (Root Required)
For more advanced users, manual recovery is an option, but it requires rooting your Android device. Rooting gives you superuser access and allows you to explore the device's file system directly. Here’s a general outline of the process:
- Root your Android device using tools like Magisk or KingoRoot.
- Install a file manager app with root access, such as ES File Explorer.
- Navigate to the WhatsApp database folder located at
/data/data/com.whatsapp/databases
. - Look for files named
msgstore.db
orwa.db
, which contain your message history. - Copy these files to a safe location on your device or computer.
- To restore the messages, you will need to use an app like WhatsApp Transfer, WazzapMigrator, or similar tools that can read and import these databases into your current WhatsApp setup.
Preventive Measures
To avoid losing important data in the future:
- Enable automatic backups in WhatsApp settings by going to
Settings > Chats > Backup
. - Regularly backup your data manually if you prefer not to use cloud services.
- Be cautious when deleting files and always ensure that you have a recent backup before performing any major operations on your device.
By following these detailed steps, you can significantly increase the chances of recovering deleted WhatsApp files on your Android device.