How to recover media files in WhatsApp chats - briefly?
To recover media files from WhatsApp chats, users can either restore from a backup or use third-party software designed for data recovery. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions and follow the instructions provided by the chosen method to successfully retrieve your lost files.
How to recover media files in WhatsApp chats - in detail?
Recovering lost or deleted media files from WhatsApp chats can be a crucial task for many users, whether it's due to accidental deletion, device loss, or other reasons. Here is a detailed guide on how to recover these valuable files:
Backup and Restore Method
WhatsApp provides an in-built backup feature that stores your chat history, including media files, on your phone's internal storage or cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud. To recover media files using this method:
- Ensure Automatic Backup is Enabled: Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Ensure that the 'Back up to Google Drive' (for Android) or 'Backup options' (for iOS) is enabled and configured correctly.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device. Then, reinstall it from the app store.
- Restore from Backup: During the setup process after reinstalling, you will be prompted to restore your chat history from a backup. Follow the prompts to complete the restoration.
- Verify Restoration: Open WhatsApp and check if all media files have been restored.
Third-Party Recovery Tools
If backups are not available or insufficient, third-party recovery tools can be useful. These tools scan your device's storage for recoverable data:
- Download a Reliable Recovery Tool: Choose a reputable tool like Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, or Tenorshare UltData.
- Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your phone to the computer where the recovery software is installed.
- Scan for Lost Data: Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for lost WhatsApp data, including media files.
- Preview and Recover: After scanning, preview the recoverable files. Select the ones you want to recover and proceed with the recovery process.
- Save Recovered Files: Save the recovered files to a secure location on your computer or external storage device.
Cloud Backup Restoration
If you have enabled cloud backup, you can restore your media files from there:
- Ensure Proper Backup Settings: Check that your WhatsApp settings are configured to back up to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS).
- Restore from Cloud Backup:
- For Android: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then follow the prompts to restore from Google Drive backup when setting up the app again.
- For iOS: Ensure your iCloud account is set up correctly on your new device. During the setup process of WhatsApp, select 'Restore Chat History' from the iCloud backup.
- Verify Restoration: Open WhatsApp to ensure all media files have been restored successfully.
Precautionary Measures
To avoid losing media files in the future:
- Regular Backups: Ensure that automatic backups are enabled and regularly check that they are functioning correctly.
- Manual Backups: Periodically create manual backups of your WhatsApp data, especially before significant changes like device upgrades or factory resets.
- Secure Storage: Store your backup files in a secure and accessible location to ensure they can be retrieved when needed.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively recover lost media files from your WhatsApp chats and safeguard your data for the future.