How to recover old deleted messages in WhatsApp?

How to recover old deleted messages in WhatsApp - briefly?

To recover old deleted messages in WhatsApp, you can use the backup feature. Simply uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then restore your chat history from the backup when prompted. This method is effective if you have previously enabled automatic backups on your device.

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

Recovering old deleted messages in WhatsApp can be challenging, but there are several methods you can try to retrieve your lost data. Here's a detailed guide on how to approach this:

Backup and Restore Method

  1. Check for Backups: WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats. These backups are stored in your device’s memory or cloud storage (Google Drive for Android, iCloud for iOS).

    • For Android: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup. Here you can see the last backup date and size.
    • For iOS: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to check your backup status.

  2. Restore from Backup: If a recent backup exists, you can restore it to get back your deleted messages.

    • For Android: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore chats from the Google Drive backup.
    • For iOS: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. When setting up the app again, tap on "Restore Chat History" when prompted.

Using Third-Party Software

If you haven’t backed up your messages or if the backup is too old, you might need to use third-party software designed for data recovery. Here are some steps:

  1. Choose a Reputable Recovery Tool: There are several WhatsApp data recovery tools available, such as Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer, EaseUS MobiSaver, and Tenorshare UltData. Choose one that is reliable and well-reviewed.
  2. Download and Install: Download the software from the official website and install it on your computer.
  3. Connect Your Device: Connect your Android or iOS device to the computer using a USB cable.
  4. Scan for Deleted Messages: Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages. This process might take some time depending on the amount of data.
  5. Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, you will see a list of recoverable messages. Select the ones you want to retrieve and click on the "Recover" button. The software will restore the selected messages to your device or computer.

Using Google Drive Backup (Android)

If you have enabled Google Drive backup for WhatsApp on your Android device, here’s how you can recover deleted messages:

  1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Remove WhatsApp from your phone and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
  2. Verify Your Number: Enter your phone number during the setup process and verify it with the code sent to you via SMS.
  3. Restore from Backup: When prompted, tap on "Restore" to restore chats from the Google Drive backup. This will include all messages, including those that were deleted before the last backup was created.

Using iCloud Backup (iOS)

For iOS users with an iCloud backup:

  1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Delete WhatsApp from your iPhone and reinstall it from the App Store.
  2. Verify Your Number: Enter your phone number during the setup process and verify it with the code sent to you via SMS.
  3. Restore from Backup: When prompted, tap on "Restore Chat History" to restore chats from the iCloud backup. This will include all messages, including those that were deleted before the last backup was created.

Important Notes

  • Regular Backups: It’s crucial to regularly back up your WhatsApp chats to avoid losing important data in the future.
  • Data Privacy: Be cautious when using third-party recovery tools, as they might access sensitive information on your device. Choose software from reputable developers.
  • Limitations: Recovery methods have limitations. If messages were deleted a long time ago or if no backups exist, it might be impossible to recover them.

By following these detailed steps, you can increase your chances of successfully recovering old deleted messages in WhatsApp.