How to restore a deleted chat in WhatsApp on Android?

How to restore a deleted chat in WhatsApp on Android - briefly?

To recover a deleted chat in WhatsApp on an Android device, you can use the built-in backup feature or rely on third-party software if the chat was not included in the latest backup.

How to restore a deleted chat in WhatsApp on Android - in detail?

Restoring a deleted chat in WhatsApp on an Android device can be achieved through several methods, depending on whether you have backups and the timeframe of deletion. Here’s a detailed guide to help you recover your lost conversations:

Using Google Drive Backup

1. Ensure Automatic Backup is Enabled: WhatsApp automatically backs up chats to Google Drive if configured correctly. Check your settings to ensure this feature is enabled.
   • Go to WhatsApp > Menu (three dots) > Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
2. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: To restore from a backup, you need to uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp.
   • Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
   • Go to the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and reinstall it.
3. Restore from Backup: After verifying your phone number during the setup process, you’ll be prompted to restore chats from a backup.
   • Tap Restore when asked if you want to restore your chat history.
4. Complete Setup: Once the restoration is complete, WhatsApp will resume and display all your previously deleted chats.

Using Local Backup

1. Check for Local Backup Files: If you didn’t enable Google Drive backup but created a local backup manually, you can restore it from your device's file system.
   • Navigate to WhatsApp/Databases in the internal storage or SD card of your Android device.
2. Rename Backup File: Rename the backup file (it will have a date and time) from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12.
3. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Similar to restoring from Google Drive, you need to uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp.
4. Restore from Local Backup: During the setup process, tap on Restore when prompted. This will restore your chats from the local backup file.

Using Third-Party Software (Optional)

If you don’t have a backup and need to recover deleted WhatsApp messages, consider using third-party software designed for data recovery. Note that this method may not always be reliable and is more complex:

1. Download and Install Recovery Software: Choose a reputable data recovery tool compatible with your Android device.
2. Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your Android phone to your computer.
3. Scan for Deleted Data: Follow the software’s instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
4. Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, select the messages you want to recover and follow the prompts to save them back to your device or computer.

Important Considerations

• Regular Backups: To avoid losing important chats in the future, ensure that automatic backups are enabled and periodically create manual backups if necessary.
• Data Security: Be cautious when using third-party software, as they may pose security risks. Always choose trusted applications from reliable sources.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to restore your deleted WhatsApp chats on an Android device effectively.