How to restore media files in WhatsApp after deletion - briefly?
To restore media files in WhatsApp after deletion, you can use the built-in backup feature. Simply reinstall WhatsApp and during the setup process, restore your chat history from the most recent backup. This will include all media files that were present at the time of backup.
How to restore media files in WhatsApp after deletion - in detail?
Restoring media files in WhatsApp after accidental deletion can be a straightforward process, depending on the specific circumstances and timing of the deletion. Below is a detailed guide to help you recover your lost photos, videos, documents, and other media files:
Using Google Drive Backup
WhatsApp provides an option to backup your chats, including media files, to Google Drive. If you have enabled this feature, restoring your data should be simple:
- Ensure Backup Exists: Before proceeding, make sure that a recent backup exists on your Google Drive. You can check the date of the last backup by going to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device. Then, download and reinstall it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Restore from Backup: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chats and media from the backup found on Google Drive. Follow the prompts to complete the restoration.
Using Local Backup
If you prefer not to use Google Drive for backups or if the deletion occurred after a recent backup, you can rely on local backups:
- Check File Manager: Navigate to your device's file manager and look for the WhatsApp folder under 'Internal Storage'. Within this folder, you should find subfolders named 'Media', 'Databases', etc.
- Locate Deleted Files: Check the 'Sent' and 'Received Images' folders within the 'WhatsApp/Media' directory. If your files were recently deleted, they might still be present in these locations.
- Manual Recovery: Copy the desired media files from these folders to a safe location on your device or external storage.
Using Third-Party Software
For more complex recovery scenarios or if you haven't enabled backups, third-party software can be helpful:
- Select Reliable Software: Choose reputable data recovery software compatible with your device. Some popular options include Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, and Tenorshare UltData.
- Connect Your Device: Connect your Android or iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Scan for Deleted Files: Launch the recovery software and follow the instructions to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp media files.
- Recover Files: Once the scan is complete, select the files you wish to recover and save them to your computer or external storage.
Additional Tips
- Regular Backups: To avoid future data loss, ensure that automatic backups are enabled in WhatsApp settings. You can set this up by going to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up to Google Drive.
- Check Storage Space: Ensure you have enough storage space on your device or Google Drive account to accommodate regular backups.
- Avoid Data Overwrite: If you suspect media files were deleted, avoid using the device for new data until recovery is attempted, as new data could overwrite the deleted files.
By following these steps, you should be able to restore your WhatsApp media files efficiently and with minimal hassle.