How to restore media in WhatsApp - briefly?
To restore media in WhatsApp, you can simply download the backup from Google Drive or iCloud depending on your device type and operating system. This process will reinstate all your lost photos, videos, and other shared files to their original locations within the app.
How to restore media in WhatsApp - in detail?
Restoring media in WhatsApp can be a straightforward process, but it requires understanding the backup and restoration mechanisms provided by the app. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to recover your lost photos, videos, and other media files on both Android and iOS devices.
Backup Procedure
Before restoring any media, it is crucial to ensure that a recent backup exists. WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats, including media, at 2 AM daily, provided you have enabled this feature in the app settings.
Android
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the application on your device.
- Navigate to Settings: Tap on the three dots (⋮) located at the top right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select 'Settings'.
- Access Chats: Under 'Settings', tap on 'Chats'.
- Enable Backup: Ensure that the 'Backup to Google Drive' option is enabled. You can also manually back up your chats by tapping on 'Back up to Google Drive'. Choose a frequency for the backup (daily, weekly, monthly, or never).
iOS
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the application on your device.
- Navigate to Settings: Tap on 'Settings' located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Access Chats: Under 'Settings', tap on 'Chats'.
- Enable Backup: Ensure that the 'Backup' option is enabled. You can also manually back up your chats by tapping on 'Back Up Now'. Choose a frequency for the backup (daily, weekly, monthly, or never).
Restoring Media from Backup
Once you have confirmed that a backup exists, follow these steps to restore your media:
Android
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Remove WhatsApp from your device by holding down on the app icon and dragging it to the 'Uninstall' option.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the application on your device.
- Verify Your Number: Enter your phone number when prompted and verify it using the OTP (One-Time Password).
- Restore Backup: When asked if you want to restore your chats and media from a backup, tap 'Restore'. WhatsApp will automatically detect the most recent backup stored on Google Drive and initiate the restoration process.
- Wait for Restoration: The time taken for restoration depends on the size of the backup and your internet speed. Once completed, you can access your restored chats and media.
iOS
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Remove WhatsApp from your device by holding down on the app icon and selecting 'Delete App'. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp from the Apple App Store.
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the application on your device.
- Verify Your Number: Enter your phone number when prompted and verify it using the OTP (One-Time Password).
- Restore Backup: When asked if you want to restore your chats and media from a backup, tap 'Restore'. WhatsApp will automatically detect the most recent backup stored on iCloud and initiate the restoration process.
- Wait for Restoration: The time taken for restoration depends on the size of the backup and your internet speed. Once completed, you can access your restored chats and media.
Important Notes
- Ensure that both your device and WhatsApp are up to date before attempting a restore.
- Backups made on one operating system (iOS or Android) cannot be restored on the other. For example, an iPhone backup cannot be restored on an Android device.
- The restoration process will overwrite any existing chats and media on your device, so ensure that you have backed up any important data before proceeding.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully restore your lost WhatsApp media and continue enjoying your conversations with all the associated photos, videos, and documents intact.