How to restore contacts from WhatsApp?

How to restore contacts from WhatsApp - briefly?

To restore contacts from WhatsApp, follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Select "Settings," then "Chats," and finally "Backup." This will restore your contacts from the last backup.

How to restore contacts from WhatsApp - in detail?

Restoring contacts from WhatsApp can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to recover your lost contacts:

Backup and Restore Contacts

WhatsApp regularly creates backups of your chats, including contact information. These backups are stored either in Google Drive or iCloud, depending on whether you use an Android or iOS device. Here’s how you can restore them:

For Android Devices:

1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall the WhatsApp application from your phone. Then, go to the Google Play Store and reinstall it.
2. Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and follow the prompts to verify your phone number. This is crucial as WhatsApp uses this information to match your account with the backup data.
3. Restore from Backup: Once your phone number is verified, WhatsApp will automatically look for backups in Google Drive. You’ll see a prompt asking if you want to restore your chats and media from the backup. Tap "Restore" to proceed.
4. Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of the backup file. Ensure your phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network during this process.
5. Complete Setup: After the restoration is complete, you can continue with the setup process. WhatsApp will restore your chats and contacts.

For iOS Devices:

1. Backup Settings in iCloud: Ensure that iCloud Drive is turned on and that you have enough storage space available. Also, check that your iOS device is up to date.
2. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall the WhatsApp application from your phone. Then, go to the App Store and reinstall it.
3. Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
4. Restore from Backup: Once your phone number is verified, WhatsApp will automatically look for backups in iCloud. You’ll see a prompt asking if you want to restore your chats and media from the backup. Tap "Restore" to proceed.
5. Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of the backup file. Ensure your phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network during this process.
6. Complete Setup: After the restoration is complete, you can continue with the setup process. WhatsApp will restore your chats and contacts.

Manual Backup Restoration

If you have a manual backup saved on your device’s local storage, you can use it to restore your contacts:

1. Create a New Folder: Open File Manager on your Android device or iCloud Drive on your iOS device and create a new folder named "WhatsApp".
2. Copy Backup Files: Copy the backup files (usually named as "msgstore.db.crypt14" for iOS and similar names for Android) into this newly created WhatsApp folder.
3. Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp from the respective app store.
4. Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
5. Restore from Local Backup: When prompted, choose the option to restore from a local backup. Select the backup file you copied earlier.
6. Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of the backup file. Ensure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network during this process.
7. Complete Setup: After the restoration is complete, you can continue with the setup process. WhatsApp will restore your chats and contacts from the local backup.

Tips for Future Backups

To avoid losing your contacts in the future, make sure to regularly back up your WhatsApp data:

1. Automatic Backup: Enable automatic backups in WhatsApp settings. For Android devices, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and set the frequency according to your preference. For iOS devices, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and enable iCloud Drive if not already enabled.
2. Manual Backup: Periodically create manual backups by going to WhatsApp settings and selecting "Backup Now". This ensures you have a recent copy of your chats and contacts stored safely.
3. Cloud Storage: Ensure that your Google Drive or iCloud account has sufficient storage space for the backup files. Regularly check and manage your cloud storage to avoid any interruptions in the backup process.

By following these steps, you can effectively restore your contacts from WhatsApp and ensure that your data remains safe and accessible in the future.