How to restore deleted media on WhatsApp?

How to restore deleted media on WhatsApp - briefly?

Restoring deleted media on WhatsApp is a common concern among users. The process involves using the app's built-in backup feature or third-party software for more complex recoveries.

How to restore deleted media on WhatsApp - in detail?

Restoring deleted media on WhatsApp is a common concern for many users who have lost important photos, videos, or documents. While WhatsApp does not provide a built-in feature to retrieve deleted files directly from the app, there are several methods you can try to recover your lost data. This guide will walk you through the process in detail.

Backup Restoration

WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats and media every day at 2 AM local time. These backups are stored on your device's internal storage or cloud storage, depending on your settings. To restore deleted media from a backup:

1. Uninstall WhatsApp: Go to your device's settings, find the WhatsApp app, and uninstall it.
2. Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
3. Set Up WhatsApp: Open WhatsApp and follow the setup instructions. When prompted to restore your chats and media from a backup, tap on "Restore."
4. Wait for Restoration: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of your backup and the speed of your internet connection.
5. Check Your Media: Once the restoration is complete, open your WhatsApp chats to verify that your media has been restored.

Local Backup Recovery

If you have enabled local backups on your device, you can manually restore deleted media from these backups:

1. Locate Backup Folder: Go to your file manager and navigate to the WhatsApp folder in your internal storage or SD card (if applicable).
2. Find Backup Files: Look for a folder named "Databases" or "Backups." This folder will contain files with names like msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12 where YYYY-MM-DD represents the date of the backup.
3. Rename Backup File: Rename your desired backup file to msgstore.db.crypt12.
4. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Follow the steps mentioned above to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
5. Restore from Local Backup: During the setup process, when prompted to restore chats and media, select "Restore" to retrieve your data from the local backup.

Third-Party Recovery Tools

If backups are not available or if you prefer a more direct approach, you can use third-party recovery tools designed for WhatsApp data:

1. Download and Install: Choose a reliable WhatsApp recovery tool (e.g., Dr. Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver) and download it to your computer.
2. Connect Your Device: Use a USB cable to connect your device to the computer.
3. Scan for Deleted Files: Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp media.
4. Preview and Recover: Preview the recovered files and select the ones you want to restore. Click on "Recover" to save them back to your device or computer.

Cloud Backup Restoration

If you have enabled cloud backup (Google Drive for Android, iCloud for iOS), you can restore deleted media from these backups:

1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Follow the steps mentioned above to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
2. Restore from Cloud Backup: During the setup process, when prompted to restore chats and media, select "Restore" to retrieve your data from the cloud backup.

Preventive Measures

To avoid losing important media in the future, consider the following preventive measures:

• Regularly Back Up Your Data: Ensure that your WhatsApp backups are enabled and set to run regularly.
• Store Backups in Multiple Locations: Use both local and cloud storage options for added security.
• Avoid Deleting Important Media: Be cautious when deleting media, especially if they contain valuable information.

By following these detailed steps, you can increase your chances of successfully restoring deleted media on WhatsApp.