How to recover deleted WhatsApp messages on a computer without backup - briefly?
If you've accidentally deleted WhatsApp messages on your computer and don't have a backup, there are still ways to retrieve them. Use third-party software designed for data recovery; these tools can often scan your device and restore lost messages. However, the success rate depends on whether the data has been overwritten, so it's best to act quickly.
How to recover deleted WhatsApp messages on a computer without backup - in detail?
Recovering deleted WhatsApp messages on a computer without a backup can be challenging, but not impossible. Here are several detailed methods you can use:
Method 1: Using Third-Party Software
Third-party data recovery tools are designed to retrieve lost or deleted files from various devices. These tools often support the recovery of WhatsApp messages as well. Some popular options include Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, and Stellar Data Recovery for WhatsApp.
- Download and Install: Choose a reliable data recovery software and download it from the official website. Follow the installation instructions provided.
- Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your Android device or iPhone to your computer. Make sure the connection is stable.
- Scan for Deleted Messages: Launch the recovery tool and select the option to recover WhatsApp messages. The software will scan your device for any recoverable data.
- Preview and Recover: Once the scan is complete, you can preview the deleted messages. Select the ones you want to recover and save them to your computer or transfer them back to your device.
Method 2: Using WhatsApp's Built-in Backup Feature (If Available)
While this method requires a backup to be available, it’s worth mentioning that WhatsApp automatically backs up chats to Google Drive on Android and iCloud on iOS. If you can access these backups, you may be able to restore your messages.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device. Go to the app store and reinstall it.
- Set Up Your Account: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore chats from a backup. Follow the prompts to restore your messages from Google Drive or iCloud.
- Complete the Restoration Process: Once the restoration is complete, you should have access to your deleted messages.
Method 3: Using File Manager (For Android Users Only)
This method involves manually recovering WhatsApp databases that are stored in the file system of your Android device.
- Enable File Explorer: Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable. Enable File Explorer on your device if it is not already enabled.
- Navigate to WhatsApp Folder: Go to the
WhatsAppfolder located in the internal storage of your device (usually found atInternal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases). - Identify Backup Files: Look for files named
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12. These are backup files created by WhatsApp automatically. The most recent one will have the latest date. - Rename and Restore: Rename the backup file to
msgstore.db.crypt12(remove the date part). Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then restore from the backup when prompted.
Method 4: Using iPhone Backup Extractor (For iOS Users Only)
If you have an iTunes or Finder backup of your iPhone, you can use a tool like iPhone Backup Extractor to recover deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Download and Install: Download iPhone Backup Extractor from the official website and install it on your computer.
- Select Backup File: Launch the software and select the backup file you want to use for recovery.
- Scan for Messages: Choose to scan for WhatsApp messages. The tool will extract all recoverable data, including deleted messages.
- Preview and Recover: Browse through the recovered messages and save them to your computer or transfer them back to your device if needed.
Important Considerations
- Timeliness: The sooner you attempt to recover the messages, the higher the chance of success. New data can overwrite deleted files, making recovery impossible.
- Data Security: Ensure that any third-party software used is from a reputable source to avoid malware or data breaches.
- Legal Compliance: Always ensure that you have the legal right to access and recover the messages, especially if they belong to someone else.
By following these detailed methods, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted WhatsApp messages on your computer without a backup.