How to restore another backup copy in WhatsApp?

How to restore another backup copy in WhatsApp - briefly?

To restore a different backup in WhatsApp, you need to first uninstall and then reinstall the application. Once reinstalled, follow the prompts to restore your chat history from a different backup file.

How to restore another backup copy in WhatsApp - in detail?

Restoring a different backup copy in WhatsApp can be crucial when you need to recover messages, media, or other data from a previous point in time. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Step-by-Step Guide to Restore Another Backup Copy in WhatsApp

1. Backup Frequency:

   WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats and media, including voice messages, photos, and videos, every day at 2 AM local time. These backups are stored on Google Drive for Android users or iCloud for iOS users.

2. Understanding Backup Naming Convention:

   WhatsApp names its backup files in a specific format that includes the date and time. For example, msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 indicates the backup file created on that particular date. This naming convention helps you identify different backups easily.

3. Locating Backup Files:

   • Android: Backup files are stored in the /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/ directory. You can access this folder using a file manager app on your phone or by connecting your device to a computer.
   • iOS: Accessing backup files directly is more complicated due to iOS restrictions. You may need to use third-party software or jailbreak your device, which is not recommended for security reasons.

4. Restoring a Specific Backup:

   Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not provide an in-built feature to select and restore specific backups directly from the app interface. However, you can manually replace the current backup file with an older one if you have access to it.

5. Replacing Backup Files (Android Only):

   • Backup Current Data: Before proceeding, ensure you backup your current WhatsApp data to avoid any data loss.
   • Rename Older Backup File: Find the older backup file you want to restore and rename it to msgstore.db.crypt12. This will override the existing backup file.
   • Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device, then reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
   • Restore Backup: During the setup process, WhatsApp will detect the older backup file named msgstore.db.crypt12 and prompt you to restore your messages and media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration process.

6. Important Considerations:

   • Data Loss Risk: Manually replacing backup files can lead to data loss if not done carefully. Always ensure you have a recent backup of your current data.
   • Third-Party Tools: For iOS users, consider using third-party tools that allow you to manage and restore specific WhatsApp backups. However, be cautious about the security and reliability of these tools.

7. Regular Backup Maintenance:

   Maintaining regular backups helps in such scenarios where you need to restore a previous state. Ensure your WhatsApp is set up to create automatic backups regularly.

By following these steps, you can effectively restore another backup copy in WhatsApp and retrieve the data you need from an earlier point in time.