How to restore contacts in WhatsApp after deleting them on Android?

How to restore contacts in WhatsApp after deleting them on Android - briefly?

If you've accidentally deleted contacts from WhatsApp on your Android device, don't worry—there are a few methods to restore them. First, check if the contact is still in your phone's address book; if it is, simply re-add it to WhatsApp. If the contact has been permanently removed from your phone, you can try restoring your contacts from a backup if one was created before deletion.

How to restore contacts in WhatsApp after deleting them on Android - in detail?

Restoring deleted contacts in WhatsApp on an Android device can be a straightforward process, provided you have taken the necessary precautions beforehand. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the steps:

  1. Ensure Regular Backups: The first and most crucial step is to ensure that your WhatsApp contacts are regularly backed up. WhatsApp allows users to back up their data, including messages and contacts, to Google Drive. To do this, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Here you can set the frequency of automatic backups (daily, weekly, monthly) and the account where the backup will be stored.
  2. Verify Google Account: Make sure that your Android device is linked to a Google account. This is essential because WhatsApp uses this account to store your chat backups. If you don’t have a Google account, you can create one from your device settings.
  3. Reinstall WhatsApp: If you’ve accidentally deleted WhatsApp or need to reinstall it for any reason, follow these steps:

  4. Restore from Backup: After reinstalling WhatsApp, you will be prompted to restore your chat history. If a backup is available, you can choose to restore it:

    • During the initial setup, WhatsApp will automatically check for backups on Google Drive.
    • If a backup is found, you’ll see an option to "Restore". Tap on this button to restore your contacts and chat history.
  5. Check Backup Settings: If WhatsApp does not prompt you to restore from a backup, you can manually check for backups:

    • Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
    • Here, you should see the date of your last backup and an option to "Restore". Tap on this button to start the restoration process.
  6. Verify Restored Contacts: Once the restoration is complete, open your contacts list in WhatsApp to ensure that all your previously deleted contacts have been restored. If any contacts are missing, you might need to manually add them or check if they were included in the backup.
  7. Use Local Backups: In some cases, you might not be able to restore from Google Drive due to various reasons such as insufficient storage space or an outdated backup. In such scenarios, you can use local backups stored on your device:

    • WhatsApp creates a local backup on your device’s internal storage every day at 2 AM.
    • To restore from a local backup, go to the File Manager app on your Android device and navigate to the WhatsApp > Databases folder.
    • Here you will find files named "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12". The most recent file is your latest local backup.
    • Rename this file to "msgstore.db.crypt12" and place it in the same Databases folder, replacing any existing msgstore.db.crypt12 file.
    • Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. When prompted, tap on "Restore" to restore from the local backup.
  8. Seek Additional Help: If you’re still having trouble restoring your contacts, consider reaching out to WhatsApp support for more assistance. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help ensure that you can successfully restore your deleted contacts.

By following these steps, you should be able to restore your deleted contacts in WhatsApp on an Android device effectively. Regularly backing up your data is crucial to prevent any loss of important information.