How to return a chat that was deleted in WhatsApp - briefly?
Unfortunately, once a chat is deleted from WhatsApp, it cannot be recovered as the app does not provide an undo feature for this action. To prevent accidental deletions in the future, consider using the archive option instead of delete, which keeps chats out of sight but preserves their data.
How to return a chat that was deleted in WhatsApp - in detail?
To recover a deleted chat in WhatsApp, users have several options depending on the circumstances and the platform they are using. Below is a detailed guide on how to attempt this recovery:
Using Google Drive Backup (Android)
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Verify Your Phone Number: During the setup process, verify your phone number with the SMS code sent to you.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted, tap on "Restore" to recover your chats from the last backup stored in Google Drive. Ensure that your Google account has enough storage space and that you are using the same Google account linked to WhatsApp previously.
Using iCloud Backup (iPhone)
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the App Store.
- Verify Your Phone Number: During the setup process, verify your phone number with the SMS code sent to you.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted, tap on "Restore Chat History" to recover your chats from the last backup stored in iCloud. Make sure that your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and that you are using the same Apple ID linked to WhatsApp previously.
Local Backups (Android)
- Check for Local Backup: Sometimes, WhatsApp creates local backups on your device's internal storage or SD card.
- File Manager: Use a file manager app to navigate to the "WhatsApp" folder within the "Internal Storage" or "SD Card".
- Database Files: Locate the database files (e.g., msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12).
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device, then reinstall it.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted during setup, tap on "Restore" to recover your chats from the local backup files.
Contact Support (All Platforms)
If the above methods fail, consider reaching out to WhatsApp support:
- Open WhatsApp: Go to the settings within WhatsApp.
- Help Center: Navigate to "Help" and then select "Contact Us".
- Submit a Request: Provide details about your issue, including any relevant information such as the date of deletion and any recent changes made to your device or account.
Preventative Measures
To prevent future loss of chats, regularly back up your WhatsApp data:
- Automatic Backup: Ensure that automatic backup is enabled in WhatsApp settings.
- Manual Backup: Periodically create manual backups via the "Chats" > "Chat Backup" option within WhatsApp settings.
By following these steps, users can attempt to recover deleted chats in WhatsApp. It's crucial to act promptly and ensure that backup options are enabled to minimize data loss in the future.