How to restore WhatsApp on a phone after accidental deletion for free on an Android phone step-by-step?

How to restore WhatsApp on a phone after accidental deletion for free on an Android phone step-by-step - briefly?

To restore WhatsApp on an Android phone after accidental deletion for free, follow these steps:

1. Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
2. Upon opening the app, you will be prompted to restore your chats and media from a Google Drive backup if available.

How to restore WhatsApp on a phone after accidental deletion for free on an Android phone step-by-step - in detail?

Restoring WhatsApp on an Android phone after accidental deletion can be done through several methods, all of which are free and straightforward. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step process to help you recover your WhatsApp data efficiently.

Method 1: Using Google Drive Backup

1. Reinstall WhatsApp: First, reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store if it's not already installed on your device.
2. Verify Phone Number: Open WhatsApp and follow the prompts to verify your phone number. This step is crucial as WhatsApp will use this information to find your backup.
3. Restore from Backup: After verifying your phone number, you'll be prompted to restore your chat history. Tap on "Restore" to begin the process. Ensure that your Google Drive account has a recent backup of your WhatsApp data.
4. Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of your backup and the speed of your internet connection. Once complete, you will be able to access all your chats, media, and other data.

Method 2: Using Local Backup

1. Check for Local Backup: Sometimes WhatsApp creates local backups on your device's internal storage or SD card. To check if a backup exists, navigate to the following directory: /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.
2. Rename Backup File: If you find any files named msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12 (where YYYY-MM-DD is the date), rename it to msgstore.db.crypt12. This renaming will make WhatsApp recognize this file as a valid backup during the restoration process.
3. Reinstall WhatsApp: If WhatsApp is not already installed, download and install it from the Google Play Store.
4. Verify Phone Number: Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number when prompted.
5. Restore from Backup: Once your phone number is verified, you'll be asked if you want to restore your chat history. Tap on "Restore" to begin the process using the local backup file.
6. Wait for Completion: The restoration will take some time based on the size of the backup and your internet speed. After completion, all your chats, media, and other data should be accessible.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software (Optional)

If you don't have a Google Drive or local backup, you might consider using third-party software to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. However, note that these tools often come with limitations and may not be entirely free. Some popular options include Dr.Fone - Recover (WhatsApp) and Wondershare Recoverit.

1. Install the Software: Download and install your chosen third-party software on your computer.
2. Connect Your Device: Connect your Android phone to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Scan for Deleted Files: Follow the prompts in the software to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp files.
4. Recover Files: Once the scan is complete, select the files you want to recover and follow the on-screen instructions to save them back onto your phone or computer.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to restore your WhatsApp data on an Android phone after accidental deletion, ensuring that none of your important conversations or media are lost.