How to restore SMS chats in WhatsApp?

How to restore SMS chats in WhatsApp - briefly?

To restore SMS chats in WhatsApp, you need to create a backup of your chats before uninstalling or switching devices. After reinstalling the app and setting up your account, select the option to restore from backup during the setup process.

How to restore SMS chats in WhatsApp - in detail?

Restoring SMS chats in WhatsApp can be a crucial task, especially if you've accidentally deleted important messages or need to retrieve historical data for personal or professional reasons. Here’s a detailed guide on how to restore your SMS chats in WhatsApp:

Backup and Restore with Google Drive

WhatsApp offers an integrated backup feature that uses Google Drive to save your chat history, voice messages, photos, videos, and documents. To restore your SMS chats, follow these steps:

1. Ensure Backup Exists:

   • Open WhatsApp on your device.
   • Go to Settings > Chats.
   • Tap on Chat Backup. Here you can see the date and time of your last backup.

2. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp:

   • If you don’t have a recent backup, you might need to reinstall WhatsApp. Uninstall the app from your device.
   • Download and install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

3. Verify Your Number:

   • Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number as prompted during the setup process.

4. Restore from Backup:

   • When you’re asked whether you want to restore your chat history, tap Restore.
   • WhatsApp will scan for backups on Google Drive. Make sure your device is connected to a stable internet connection.
   • Once the backup is found, tap Next and allow the restoration process to complete.

Manual Backup and Restore

If you prefer not to use cloud storage or don’t have access to it, you can perform a manual backup and restore:

1. Create a Manual Backup:

   • Connect your device to a computer using a USB cable.
   • Open the File Manager on your computer and locate the WhatsApp folder (usually found in Internal Storage > WhatsApp).
   • Copy the Databases folder to your computer as a backup.

2. Restore from Manual Backup:

   • After reinstalling WhatsApp on your device, verify your phone number.
   • When prompted to restore chats, tap Cancel.
   • Reconnect your device to the computer and copy the backed-up Databases folder back to your device’s internal storage (Internal Storage > WhatsApp).
   • Open WhatsApp, and it should detect the restored database files. Tap on the messages or chats you want to restore.

Important Considerations

• Backup Frequency: Regularly back up your chats to avoid data loss. You can set automatic backups in Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
• Storage Space: Ensure you have enough storage space on Google Drive or your device’s internal storage for the backup files.
• Compatibility: Make sure your WhatsApp version is compatible with the backup file format to avoid any issues during restoration.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively restore your SMS chats in WhatsApp and ensure that your important conversations are safely retrieved.