How to restore a WhatsApp chat on your phone after accidental deletion - briefly?
To recover accidentally deleted WhatsApp chats on your phone, you can either use Google Drive or local device backups. Simply uninstall and reinstall the app, then follow the prompts to restore your chat history during the setup process.
How to restore a WhatsApp chat on your phone after accidental deletion - in detail?
Restoring a deleted WhatsApp chat on your phone can be a stressful experience, but with the right steps and knowledge, it is often possible. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Check for Backup
WhatsApp automatically backs up chats daily at 2 AM local time. To ensure you have a recent backup, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the Settings menu (usually represented by three dots in the top-right corner).
- Navigate to Chats > Chat Backup. Here, you’ll see the last backup date and size.
Step 2: Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp
If there is a recent backup, proceed with uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device by holding down on the app icon until it wiggles and then tapping the ‘X’. Confirm deletion.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open WhatsApp and follow the initial setup process. You’ll be prompted to enter your phone number and verify it with a code sent via SMS.
Step 3: Restore from Backup
Once you’ve verified your phone number, you should see an option to Restore Chat History:
- Tap on Restore. This process may take some time depending on the size of your backup and the speed of your internet connection.
- After the restoration is complete, WhatsApp will proceed with the setup process. You’ll be able to see all your restored chats in the app.
Step 4: Verify Restoration
To ensure that the restoration was successful:
- Go through your chat history to confirm that messages and media are present.
- Check specific chats or groups to verify that nothing is missing.
Additional Tips
- Ensure Regular Backups: Even if you haven’t lost any data, it’s good practice to manually back up your chats from time to time by going to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Cloud Storage: WhatsApp backups are stored on Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS). Ensure you have sufficient storage space in these services.
- WhatsApp Web/Desktop: If you use WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, note that these platforms do not support restoring deleted chats directly. The restoration process must be done on your mobile device.
By following these steps, you should be able to restore your accidentally deleted WhatsApp chat history successfully.