How to restore deleted files from WhatsApp?

How to restore deleted files from WhatsApp - briefly?

To restore deleted files from WhatsApp, the most effective method is using a backup. Ensure you have a recent backup available; this can be done via Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS). Once verified, you can easily restore your lost data by reinstalling WhatsApp and following the prompts to retrieve your messages and media from the backup.

How to restore deleted files from WhatsApp - in detail?

Restoring deleted files from WhatsApp can be a crucial task for users who have inadvertently lost important messages, media, or documents. The process involves several steps and requires understanding the backup mechanisms provided by WhatsApp. Here’s a detailed guide on how to restore deleted files:

1. Understanding Backup Options:

   WhatsApp offers two primary methods for backing up data: Google Drive (for Android users) and iCloud (for iOS users). Automatic backups are typically scheduled daily at 2 AM, but users can also perform manual backups at any time.

2. Restoring from Google Drive (Android):

   • Ensure that your Google account is properly set up on your device.
   • Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
   • Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
   • When prompted to restore messages, tap the "Restore" button. This process will take a few minutes depending on the size of the backup.
   • Once the restoration is complete, you can start using WhatsApp again with your restored data.

3. Restoring from iCloud (iOS):

   • Ensure that your iCloud account is properly set up and signed in on your device.
   • Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
   • Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
   • When prompted to restore messages, tap the "Restore Chat History" button. This process will take a few minutes depending on the size of the backup.
   • Once the restoration is complete, you can start using WhatsApp again with your restored data.

4. Manual Backup and Restoration:

   • You can create a manual backup by going to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup (on Android) or WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Backup Now (on iOS).
   • To restore from this backup, follow the same steps as mentioned above for automatic backups.

5. Important Considerations:

   • Ensure that your Google Drive or iCloud account has sufficient storage space to accommodate the WhatsApp backup.
   • Restoring data will overwrite any existing WhatsApp data on your device, so use this feature with caution if you have new messages or media you want to preserve.
   • If you have changed your phone number, the restoration process may be more complex and might require additional steps such as contacting WhatsApp support.

By following these detailed steps, users can effectively restore deleted files from WhatsApp, ensuring that important data is not permanently lost.