How to restore one chat in WhatsApp?

How to restore one chat in WhatsApp - briefly?

To restore a single chat in WhatsApp, you can use the app's built-in backup and restore features. First, ensure that your chats are backed up by going to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Then, when you reinstall WhatsApp or switch devices, you will be prompted to restore from a backup. Simply choose the desired backup file to retrieve your specific chat.

How to restore one chat in WhatsApp - in detail?

Restoring a single chat in WhatsApp can be a straightforward process, depending on whether you have backups available and the method you choose to use. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the restoration process:

Backup Methods

WhatsApp offers two primary methods for backing up chats: Google Drive (for Android users) and iCloud (for iPhone users). Make sure that your backup is up-to-date before attempting to restore.

For Android Users:

Ensure Backup: Open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats, and tap on Backup. This will create a backup of all your chats in Google Drive.
Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Go to your phone settings, find WhatsApp, and uninstall the app. After uninstalling, go to the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and reinstall it.
Restore Chat: During the setup process, WhatsApp will prompt you to restore chats from a backup. Tap on Restore when the option appears. Note that this will restore all your chats; if you only want to restore one chat, you may need to manually extract it using a third-party tool.

For iPhone Users:

Ensure Backup: Open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats, and tap on Backup. This will create a backup of all your chats in iCloud.
Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Press and hold the WhatsApp icon until it jiggles, then tap the 'x' to delete the app. After deleting, go to the App Store, search for WhatsApp, and reinstall it.
Restore Chat: During the setup process, WhatsApp will prompt you to restore chats from an iCloud backup. Tap on Restore Chat History when the option appears. Similar to Android, this will restore all your chats; for a single chat, consider using third-party tools or manual extraction methods.

Restoring a Single Chat Manually

If you need to restore only one specific chat, here are some additional steps:

For Android Users:

File Manager: Use a file manager app that can access your device's internal storage and navigate to the WhatsApp folder (/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases).
Locate Chat Backup: Find the specific chat backup file you want to restore. The file will be named msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12.
Rename and Restore: Rename this file to msgstore.db.crypt12 and place it in the same Databases folder. When you open WhatsApp, it will prompt you to restore from a backup; tap on Restore.

For iPhone Users:

iTunes or Finder: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Open iTunes (for Windows) or Finder (for Mac).
Backup Your Device: Create a manual backup of your device. This will include all your data, including WhatsApp chats.
Restore from Backup: Once the backup is complete, you can restore your iPhone from this backup through iTunes or Finder. During the restoration process, select the backup that includes the specific chat you want to restore.

Third-Party Tools

There are third-party tools available that can help you extract and view WhatsApp backups without restoring them on your device. These tools allow you to preview and selectively restore individual chats.

Steps:

Download Tool: Choose a reputable third-party tool and download it to your computer.
Backup Extraction: Connect your phone to the computer and use the tool to extract the WhatsApp backup files.
Selective Restore: Use the tool’s interface to browse through your chats and selectively restore the chat you need.

Conclusion

Restoring a single chat in WhatsApp requires careful planning and the right tools. By following the detailed steps outlined above, you can successfully restore the specific chat you need while minimizing the disruption to your other conversations.