How to restore deleted files in WhatsApp - briefly?
To recover deleted files in WhatsApp, users have two primary methods: using Google Drive backup or restoring from local device storage. It's crucial to act promptly as data may be overwritten if not retrieved quickly.
How to restore deleted files in WhatsApp - in detail?
Restoring deleted files in WhatsApp can be a challenging task, but there are several methods you can try depending on your situation and device. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing the steps you can take to recover lost data:
Using Local Backup (Android)
- Ensure WhatsApp Backup is Enabled: By default, WhatsApp creates local backups of your chats on Android devices every day at 2 AM. To restore these backups:
Using Google Drive Backup (Android)
- Check for Cloud Backups: If you have enabled Google Drive backup, WhatsApp creates a backup of your chats and media every day at 2 AM. To restore from Google Drive:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- During setup, tap "Agree and Continue" to accept the terms.
- Enter your phone number and verify it.
- When prompted, tap "Restore" to restore your chats and media from Google Drive.
Using iCloud Backup (iOS)
- Check for Cloud Backups: If you have enabled iCloud backup, WhatsApp creates a backup of your chats and media every day at 2 AM. To restore from iCloud:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
- During setup, tap "Agree and Continue" to accept the terms.
- Enter your phone number and verify it.
- When prompted, tap "Restore Chat History" to restore your chats and media from iCloud.
Using Third-Party Software
If the above methods do not work, you can try using third-party software designed for data recovery. Note that these tools are not officially supported by WhatsApp and may have varying degrees of success:
- Download and Install: Choose a reputable data recovery tool and follow the installation instructions.
- Scan Your Device: Connect your device to your computer and use the software to scan for deleted files.
- Recover Files: Select the files you want to recover and follow the prompts to restore them to your device or computer.
Additional Tips
- Regular Backups: Make it a habit to regularly backup your WhatsApp data to ensure that you can easily restore any deleted files.
- Avoid Uninstalling: Be cautious about uninstalling WhatsApp, as this action may lead to the loss of local backups if not properly restored.
- Check Storage: Ensure that your device has enough storage space for both the backup and the restoration process.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully restore deleted files in WhatsApp. However, it is essential to remember that not all data may be recoverable, especially if backups were not enabled or the data was overwritten.