How to restore SMS from WhatsApp?

How to restore SMS from WhatsApp - briefly?

Restoring SMS from WhatsApp can be achieved through the use of backups. To do this, uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp on your device. During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your messages from a backup if one is available.

How to restore SMS from WhatsApp - in detail?

Restoring SMS messages from WhatsApp can be a critical task for users who may have lost important conversations or need to retrieve data for legal purposes. The process involves several steps, depending on whether you have backups and the type of device you are using. Here is a detailed guide on how to restore SMS from WhatsApp:

Backing Up Your Messages

Before discussing restoration, it's essential to understand the importance of regular backups. WhatsApp provides an automated backup feature that saves your chat history, including SMS messages, to your cloud storage or local device. This ensures that you can recover your data in case of loss or device change.

Restoring from Cloud Backup (Google Drive for Android and iCloud for iOS)

  1. Uninstall WhatsApp: Before restoring from a backup, you need to uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
  2. Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS).
  3. Verify Your Phone Number: Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number to verify your account.
  4. Restore Backup: When prompted, tap on "Restore" to restore your chat history, including SMS messages, from the most recent backup. Ensure that you are connected to the internet during this process.
  5. Complete Setup: Once the restoration is complete, tap "Next" and follow the prompts to finish setting up WhatsApp.

Restoring from Local Backup (for Android)

If you prefer to keep your backups local rather than on cloud storage, here’s how to restore SMS messages from a local backup:

  1. Uninstall WhatsApp: As with cloud backups, you need to uninstall WhatsApp before restoring.
  2. Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp.
  3. Verify Your Phone Number: Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number for verification.
  4. Access File Manager: Use a file manager app to navigate to the "WhatsApp" folder located in your device's internal storage or SD card.
  5. Copy Backup Files: Copy the backup files (usually named msgstore.db.crypt12 and other related files) from the backup folder to the WhatsApp folder on your device.
  6. Restore Backup: Open WhatsApp, and when prompted, tap "Restore" to restore your chat history, including SMS messages.
  7. Complete Setup: Follow the prompts to finish setting up WhatsApp.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Backup Not Found: Ensure that you have a recent backup. If no backup is found, you might not be able to restore your messages.
  • Insufficient Storage Space: Make sure you have enough storage space on your device for the restoration process.
  • Internet Connectivity: Ensure that your device is connected to the internet during the restoration process.

Additional Tips

  • Regular Backups: Set up automatic backups to ensure your messages are always saved.
  • Multiple Devices: If you switch between multiple devices, ensure that your backups are compatible with the new device.
  • Data Security: Be cautious about data security when restoring from cloud backups, especially if you share your device with others.

By following these detailed steps, users can effectively restore their SMS messages from WhatsApp, ensuring that important conversations and data are not lost.