How to recover WhatsApp conversations if there is no backup copy - briefly?
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to recover WhatsApp conversations without a backup, your options are limited but not entirely hopeless. You can attempt to use third-party software designed for data recovery on smartphones, which may help retrieve lost messages from your device's internal storage. However, the success of this method largely depends on whether the data has been overwritten or permanently deleted from your phone's memory.
How to recover WhatsApp conversations if there is no backup copy - in detail?
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing your WhatsApp conversations without having a backup, all hope is not lost. There are several methods you can employ to attempt recovery. Here's a detailed guide on how to proceed:
Using Google Drive Backup (if enabled)
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Verify Your Number: During the setup process, enter your phone number and verify it.
- Restore from Google Drive: When prompted to restore a backup, choose "Restore" if you see an option that says "Restore from Google Drive." This will attempt to recover messages from the last backup saved to Google Drive.
Using Local Backup (if enabled)
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Verify Your Number: During the setup process, enter your phone number and verify it.
- Restore from Local Backup: When prompted to restore a backup, choose "Restore" if you see an option that says "Restore from local backup." This will attempt to recover messages from the last local backup saved on your device.
Using Third-Party Software
If the above methods do not work, you can try using third-party software designed for data recovery:
- Download and Install: Choose a reliable data recovery tool such as Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Recovery or EaseUS MobiSaver. Download and install the software on your computer.
- Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your device to your computer. Ensure that the software recognizes your device.
- Scan for Lost Data: Follow the prompts in the software to scan your device for lost WhatsApp data, including messages, photos, videos, and attachments.
- Recover Data: Once the scan is complete, select the data you want to recover and click on the "Recover" button. The recovered data will be saved back onto your device or computer.
Using File Manager (for Android)
- Enable Show Hidden Files: Open File Manager on your Android device, go to Settings, and enable "Show Hidden Files."
- Navigate to WhatsApp Folder: Go to the internal storage of your device, navigate to the "WhatsApp" folder, then to the "Databases" folder.
- Check for msgstore.db.crypt12 File: Look for a file named "msgstore.db.crypt12." This is an encrypted backup file that WhatsApp creates periodically.
- Rename and Restore: If you find the file, rename it to "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12" (replace YYYY-MM-DD with the date when you last remember having your messages). Uninstall WhatsApp, then reinstall it, and follow the prompts to restore from the backup file.
Using iTunes Backup (for iOS)
- Connect Your Device: Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed.
- Create a Backup: If you have an iTunes backup that includes WhatsApp data, you can restore it from the backup. Go to "File" > "Devices" > "Restore from Backup..." and select the most recent backup.
- Extract WhatsApp Data: After restoring, you may need additional software like iMazing or Dr.Fone - iOS WhatsApp Transfer to extract WhatsApp data from the backup.
Contact WhatsApp Support
If all else fails, consider reaching out to WhatsApp support for assistance:
- Open WhatsApp: Go to "Settings" > "Help."
- Contact Us: Tap on "Contact us" and follow the prompts to submit your issue. Provide as much detail as possible about your situation.
By following these detailed steps, you can increase the chances of recovering your lost WhatsApp conversations even without a backup copy.