How to restore a deleted WhatsApp chat on a computer?

How to restore a deleted WhatsApp chat on a computer - briefly?

To restore a deleted WhatsApp chat on your computer, you can use the built-in backup functionality or third-party recovery software. Firstly, check if you have a recent backup by going to File > Downloads > Restore Backup in the desktop app. If no backup is available, consider using specialized data recovery tools that might retrieve lost files from your system.

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

Restoring a deleted WhatsApp chat on a computer can be crucial for retrieving important messages, photos, or videos. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to help you recover your lost chats:

Backup and Restore Process

1. Understand the Limitations:

   • WhatsApp backups are created automatically every day at 2 AM, but they do not include media files (photos, videos) from your computer. Media files are stored locally on your device.
   • If you deleted a chat before the daily backup was created, it won't be included in the backup file.

2. Check for Available Backups:

   • WhatsApp backups are stored in the cloud (Google Drive for Android and iCloud for iOS) or locally on your computer if you used the desktop app.
   • Ensure that your device is connected to the internet and that you have sufficient storage space.

3. Restore from a Backup:

   • On Desktop App:
     • Open WhatsApp on your computer.
     • Click on the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner of the screen to open the menu.
     • Select "Settings" and then "Account."
     • Under "Backups," you should see options to restore from a backup. Follow the prompts to complete the restoration process.
   • On Mobile Device:
     • If your chats were synced between your mobile device and computer, you can also restore them from your phone:
     • Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp on your mobile device.
     • During the setup process, WhatsApp will ask if you want to restore your chats from a backup. Follow the instructions to complete the restoration.
     • Note that restoring chats on your mobile device will also reflect on your computer if they are synced.

Manual Recovery Methods

1. File Recovery Software:

   • If you haven't overwritten the deleted files, you can use file recovery software to scan your hard drive for deleted WhatsApp data.
   • Popular choices include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Stellar Data Recovery.
   • Follow the instructions provided by the software to recover your lost chats.

2. Contact Support:

   • If you've tried all the above methods and still can't restore your chat, consider contacting WhatsApp support for further assistance.
   • Provide them with details about your issue, including the date and time of deletion, and any error messages you encountered.

Preventive Measures

1. Regular Backups:

   • Ensure that your chats are backed up regularly by keeping your device connected to the internet at 2 AM daily.
   • For critical conversations, manually back up your chats by going to "Settings" > "Chats" > "Chat Backup."

2. Sync Across Devices:

   • Enable syncing between your mobile device and computer to ensure that all your chats are accessible from both devices.

By following these steps, you should be able to restore your deleted WhatsApp chat on your computer effectively.