How to restore deleted items in WhatsApp - briefly?
To recover deleted items in WhatsApp, you can use the backup feature if enabled previously. Simply reinstall WhatsApp and follow the prompts to restore your chat history from the backup.
How to restore deleted items in WhatsApp - in detail?
Restoring deleted items in WhatsApp can be a critical task for many users, whether it's important messages, photos, or videos. While WhatsApp does not offer a built-in function to recover deleted data directly from the app, there are several methods you can try to retrieve your lost information. Here’s a detailed guide on how to restore deleted items in WhatsApp:
Backup and Restore
WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats and media to your device's memory or cloud storage, depending on your settings. To restore from a backup:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall WhatsApp from your device. Then, reinstall it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
- Restore Backup: When prompted, tap on "Restore" to restore your chat history from the most recent backup. This will include messages, photos, videos, and other media.
Local Backups (iOS)
For iOS users, WhatsApp backups are stored locally on your device. You can manually create a backup by following these steps:
- Open Settings: Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
- WhatsApp: Scroll down and tap on "WhatsApp."
- Backup: Tap on "Chat Backup" and then "Back Up Now." This will create a manual backup of your chats and media.
Cloud Backups (Google Drive - Android)
For Android users, WhatsApp backups are stored in Google Drive by default. To restore from Google Drive:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device, then reinstall it.
- Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and follow the prompts to verify your phone number.
- Restore Backup: When prompted, tap on "Restore" to restore your chat history from Google Drive. Make sure you are signed in to the same Google account that was used for backing up your chats.
Manual File Recovery
If you haven’t backed up your data or if the backup is too old, you might still be able to recover some files manually:
- File Manager: Use a file manager app on your Android device to browse through the WhatsApp folder in your internal storage.
- Media Folders: Look for folders like "WhatsApp Images" or "WhatsApp Video." You might find some of your deleted media files here.
- Backup Files: Check the backup folder (usually located at
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases) for database files that can be restored using third-party software.
Third-Party Software
For both Android and iOS, there are third-party applications designed to recover deleted WhatsApp data:
- Download Software: Choose a reputable recovery tool like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver.
- Connect Device: Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Scan and Recover: Follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted WhatsApp data and recover it to your device or computer.
Preventive Measures
To avoid losing important data in the future, consider the following preventive measures:
- Regular Backups: Ensure that you regularly back up your WhatsApp data to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS).
- Auto Backup: Enable auto backup in WhatsApp settings to ensure your data is backed up automatically at regular intervals.
- Export Chats: Manually export important chats and media to your device's storage or cloud service for safekeeping.
By following these detailed steps, you can significantly increase the chances of successfully restoring deleted items in WhatsApp. Always remember that timely backups are crucial to prevent data loss.