How to retrieve deleted files from WhatsApp?

How to retrieve deleted files from WhatsApp - briefly?

To retrieve deleted files from WhatsApp, users can back up their data regularly using the app's built-in backup feature or third-party software. Additionally, contacting WhatsApp support may provide further assistance in recovering lost messages and media files.

How to retrieve deleted files from WhatsApp - in detail?

Retrieving deleted files from WhatsApp can be a challenging task, but there are several methods you can try to recover your lost data. It is important to note that the success of these methods depends on various factors such as the type of file, the duration since deletion, and whether you have backups enabled. Here's a detailed guide on how to retrieve deleted files from WhatsApp:

Using WhatsApp Backup

WhatsApp offers a built-in backup feature that saves your chats, media, and other data to either Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iOS users). If you have enabled this feature, you can restore your deleted files using the backup. Here's how:

  1. Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp:

    • Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
    • Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
  2. Restore from Backup:

    • Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
    • When prompted, tap on "Restore" to retrieve your deleted files from the backup.

Using Third-Party Software

If you don't have a backup or if the backup is not up to date, you can use third-party software designed for data recovery. These tools scan your device and attempt to recover deleted files. Some popular options include:

  1. Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer:

    • Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable.
    • Open Dr.Fone and select "WhatsApp Transfer".
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to scan for deleted files and recover them.
  2. EaseUS MobiSaver:

    • Download and install EaseUS MobiSaver on your computer.
    • Connect your phone to the computer via USB.
    • Launch MobiSaver, select "WhatsApp" from the list of data types, and scan for deleted files.
    • Preview the recovered files and click "Recover" to save them to your computer.

Checking the Trash/Archived Folders

WhatsApp provides a feature that allows you to archive chats instead of deleting them permanently. If you accidentally archived a chat, you can still retrieve it:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your device.
  2. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat History.
  3. Tap on "Archived Chats".
  4. Search for the archived chat and unarchive it by long-pressing on it and selecting "Unarchive".

Contact WhatsApp Support

If none of the above methods work, you can reach out to WhatsApp support for assistance. They might be able to provide additional guidance or help retrieve your deleted files through their systems.

  1. Open WhatsApp on your device.
  2. Go to Settings > Help > Contact Us.
  3. Follow the prompts to describe your issue and submit a request for support.

Preventive Measures

To avoid losing important files in the future, it is recommended to enable automatic backups:

  1. For Android Users:

    • Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Backup.
    • Tap on "Backup" to manually create a backup or set up an automatic backup schedule.
  2. For iOS Users:

    • Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
    • Tap on "Back Up Now" to manually create a backup or enable automatic backups.