How to restore SMS on WhatsApp - briefly?
To restore SMS messages on WhatsApp, you need to back up your chat history regularly using the in-app backup feature. If you've already lost your messages and have a recent backup, you can restore it by uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp, then following the prompts to restore from your most recent backup.
How to restore SMS on WhatsApp - in detail?
Restoring SMS messages on WhatsApp can be crucial for recovering important conversations or data that were accidentally deleted. This process involves several steps, depending on whether you have backed up your chats and the specific circumstances surrounding the loss of your messages. Below is a detailed guide on how to restore SMS messages on WhatsApp:
1. Check Your Backup
The first step in restoring lost SMS messages is to verify if you have a backup. WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats, including multimedia files, daily at 2 AM local time. These backups are stored on your device's internal memory or an external SD card (if available).
2. Restore from Local Backup
If you have a recent backup, you can restore it directly from the local storage:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall WhatsApp from your device. Then, reinstall it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Verify Your Phone Number: During the setup process, verify your phone number using the same SIM card that was used to create the backup.
- Restore Chats: When prompted with the option to restore chats, tap "Restore" to retrieve your messages from the local backup.
3. Restore from Google Drive (Android)
For Android users who have enabled backups to Google Drive, follow these steps:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device and then reinstall it.
- Verify Your Phone Number: During the setup process, verify your phone number using the same SIM card that was used to create the backup.
- Restore Chats: When prompted with the option to restore chats, tap "Restore" to retrieve your messages from Google Drive. Note that you must use the same Google account that was used to do the backup.
4. Restore from iCloud (iOS)
For iOS users who have enabled backups to iCloud, follow these steps:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device and then reinstall it.
- Verify Your Phone Number: During the setup process, verify your phone number using the same SIM card that was used to create the backup.
- Restore Chats: When prompted with the option to restore chats, tap "Restore" to retrieve your messages from iCloud. Ensure you are signed in to the same iCloud account that was used for the backup.
5. Manually Backup and Restore Messages
If automatic backups were not enabled or if you prefer a manual approach:
- Create a Manual Backup: Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and tap "Back Up" to create a manual backup on your local storage or cloud service.
- Restore from Manual Backup: Follow the same steps as mentioned above for restoring from a local backup or cloud service, depending on where you stored the manual backup.
6. Transfer Messages Between Devices
If you are switching to a new device and want to transfer your messages:
- Backup on Old Device: On your old device, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and tap "Back Up" to create a backup.
- Install WhatsApp on New Device: Install WhatsApp on your new device and verify your phone number using the same SIM card as your old device.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted during setup, tap "Restore" to transfer your messages from the old device's backup.
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Backup Not Found: Ensure that you are using the same phone number and Google/iCloud account as when the backup was created.
- Insufficient Storage: Free up space on your device or cloud storage to accommodate the backup files.
- Network Connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection during the backup and restore process.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to successfully restore your SMS messages on WhatsApp, ensuring that your important conversations are not lost forever.