How to restore deleted chat history in WhatsApp on Android?

How to restore deleted chat history in WhatsApp on Android - briefly?

To restore deleted chat history in WhatsApp on Android, you can use the built-in backup feature that automatically saves your chats to Google Drive. Simply reinstall WhatsApp and restore from the most recent backup when prompted.

How to restore deleted chat history in WhatsApp on Android - in detail?

Restoring deleted chat history in WhatsApp on an Android device can be a challenging task, but there are several methods you can try. Here’s a detailed guide to help you recover your lost messages:

Backup and Restore Method

  1. Check for Backups: Before attempting any recovery, check if you have a recent backup of your WhatsApp data. WhatsApp automatically backs up chats daily at 2 AM and saves them in Google Drive.

    • Open WhatsApp.
    • Go to "Settings" > "Chats" > "Chat Backup".
    • Here, you can see the last backup date and time. If there is a recent backup, proceed with the restore process.
  2. Restore from Google Drive:

    • Uninstall WhatsApp.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
    • Open WhatsApp and follow the setup prompts until you reach the "Restore" screen.
    • Tap on "Restore" to retrieve your chats from the most recent backup.

Local Backup Method

  1. Check for Local Backups: If you have not enabled Google Drive backups, WhatsApp creates local backups on your device's internal storage or SD card.

    • Go to "File Manager" > "WhatsApp" > "Databases".
    • Look for files named msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12. The latest backup file will have the most recent date.
  2. Restore from Local Backup:

    • Uninstall WhatsApp.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
    • Open WhatsApp and follow the setup prompts until you reach the "Restore" screen.
    • If prompted, tap on "Restore" to retrieve your chats from the local backup.

Third-Party Apps Method

If you do not have a backup, you can try using third-party recovery apps. Note that these methods are not guaranteed and may require root access:

  1. Download a Recovery App: Search for WhatsApp recovery apps like "Dr.Fone - Recover (WhatsApp)" or "Wondershare Data Recovery".
  2. Scan Your Device: Follow the app’s instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp data.
  3. Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, the app will display recoverable messages. Select the ones you want to restore and follow the prompts.

Important Tips

  • Regular Backups: Make it a habit to manually back up your chats regularly by going to "Settings" > "Chats" > "Chat Backup" and tapping on "Back Up".
  • Enable Auto Backup: Ensure that auto backup to Google Drive is enabled. This can be done in "Settings" > "Chats" > "Chat Backup" > "Backup to Google Drive" and selecting a frequency.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to restore your deleted chat history in WhatsApp on an Android device.