How to restore an old deleted WhatsApp?

How to restore an old deleted WhatsApp - briefly?

To restore an old deleted WhatsApp account, you can reinstall the app and sign in with your phone number. If you have a backup, you can also use it to recover your chat history.

How to restore an old deleted WhatsApp - in detail?

Restoring an old deleted WhatsApp account can be a challenging process, but with the right steps and a bit of patience, it is possible. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

  1. Backup and Google Drive:

    One of the most common methods for restoring a deleted WhatsApp account involves using backups stored in Google Drive. If you had previously enabled automatic backups, your data might still be available. Here's what you need to do:

    • Uninstall WhatsApp from your device if it is already installed.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or App Store.
    • Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number during setup.
    • When prompted, allow WhatsApp to access your Google Drive account.
    • WhatsApp will automatically detect any backups available on your Google Drive. If a backup is found, you'll be given the option to restore it. Tap "Restore" to proceed.
  2. Local Backup:

    If you did not use Google Drive for backups, there might still be local backups stored on your device. WhatsApp typically saves these in a hidden folder. Here's how to check:

    • Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
    • Navigate to the WhatsApp > Databases folder.
    • Look for files named with timestamps (e.g., msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12). These are your local backups.
    • Copy the backup file to your computer as a backup of the backup, just in case something goes wrong during restoration.
    • Rename the file from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12.
    • Transfer this renamed file back to your device in the same Databases folder, replacing any existing files.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp and follow the setup process. When prompted to restore from a backup, tap "Restore".
  3. Contact Support:

    If you have tried both methods without success, it might be worth reaching out to WhatsApp support for further assistance. Provide them with as much detail as possible about your situation, including the date of deletion and any error messages you encountered.

  4. Data Recovery Services:

    In some cases, especially if you have no backups at all, using a professional data recovery service might be necessary. These services specialize in retrieving lost or deleted data from various devices and platforms. Be cautious when choosing such services to ensure they are reputable and reliable.

  5. Prevent Future Loss:

    To prevent future loss of your WhatsApp data, it is highly recommended that you enable automatic backups to Google Drive. This can be done through the WhatsApp settings:

    • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats.
    • Tap on Chat Backup.
    • Select your preferred backup frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly) and ensure that the "Back up to Google Drive" option is enabled.

By following these steps, you should be able to restore an old deleted WhatsApp account effectively.