How to recover lost numbers in WhatsApp?

How to recover lost numbers in WhatsApp - briefly?

To recover lost numbers in WhatsApp, the most effective method is using a backup feature. Ensure you have enabled regular backups on your device, either through Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS). If you lose access to your account, restoring from a recent backup will retrieve your contacts and messages.

How to recover lost numbers in WhatsApp - in detail?

To recover lost phone numbers in WhatsApp, follow these detailed steps:

  1. Check Your Contact List:

    • Open the WhatsApp application on your device.
    • Navigate to the 'Contacts' tab at the bottom of the screen.
    • Ensure that your contacts are not merely archived or hidden. Sometimes, contacts may appear missing due to filters or settings.
  2. Sync Contacts:

    • Go to your device’s settings and locate the 'Accounts' or 'Users' section.
    • Find the account linked to your contacts (such as Google for Android devices).
    • Ensure that contact syncing is enabled and up-to-date. This process often resolves missing number issues by updating your contact list with the latest information from your cloud storage.
  3. Check Backup Settings:

    • WhatsApp regularly backs up your messages, media, and contacts to your device's internal storage or cloud service (like Google Drive for Android).
    • Verify that automatic backups are enabled in WhatsApp’s settings under 'Chats' > 'Chat Backup'.
  4. Restore from a Backup:

    • If you suspect the numbers were lost due to a recent reinstallation or device change, restore your WhatsApp data from a backup:
      • Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp on your device.
      • Follow the setup process until prompted to restore from a backup.
      • Choose the most recent backup file available. This will reinstate your contacts along with other chat data.
  5. Manually Add Contacts:

    • If automatic methods fail, manually add the lost numbers:
      • Go to WhatsApp and select the 'New Chat' or 'Messages' icon.
      • Choose 'New Contact' and input the missing number along with any relevant details (name, email, etc.).
      • Save the contact and it should now appear in your WhatsApp contacts list.
  6. Utilize Third-Party Apps:

    • If the above methods do not work, consider using third-party apps designed to manage and recover lost contacts:
      • Download a reputable contact management app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
      • Follow the app’s instructions to scan for missing numbers and restore them to your device.
  7. Contact Your Service Provider:

    • In rare cases, lost numbers might be due to issues with your SIM card or mobile service provider.
    • Reach out to your service provider’s customer support for assistance in retrieving any lost contacts associated with your account.

By following these steps meticulously, you should be able to recover the lost phone numbers in WhatsApp effectively.