How to save deleted messages on WhatsApp - briefly?
If you accidentally delete a message on WhatsApp and want to recover it, you can do so by restoring the chat from your backup. However, this will only work if you have recently backed up your chats before deleting the message.
How to save deleted messages on WhatsApp - in detail?
Saving deleted messages on WhatsApp can be challenging, but there are several methods you can employ to retrieve lost data. It's important to note that the effectiveness of these methods varies depending on the circumstances and time since deletion. Here’s a detailed guide to help you recover your deleted WhatsApp messages:
Use Local Backup
WhatsApp automatically creates local backups for Android users daily at 2 AM. These backups include messages, photos, videos, and voice memos. To restore from a local backup:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Go to your phone's settings, find WhatsApp, and uninstall it. Then, download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Set Up Your Account: Open WhatsApp and verify your number. When prompted to restore your chat history, tap "Restore".
- Wait for the Restoration Process: The app will display a progress bar while it restores your messages from the local backup.
Use Google Drive Backup (for Android)
If you have enabled Google Drive backup in WhatsApp settings, you can restore your chats from there:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Follow the same steps as above to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Set Up Your Account: Open WhatsApp and verify your number. When prompted to restore your chat history, tap "Restore".
- Wait for the Restoration Process: The app will download the backup from Google Drive and restore your messages.
Use iCloud Backup (for iOS)
For iPhone users with iCloud backup enabled:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Delete WhatsApp from your phone, then re-download it from the App Store.
- Set Up Your Account: Open WhatsApp and verify your number. When prompted to restore your chat history, tap "Restore Chat History".
- Wait for the Restoration Process: The app will download the backup from iCloud and restore your messages.
Check Email Backup
WhatsApp allows you to email yourself a backup of your chats:
- Create an Email Backup: Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Tap on "Backup" and choose the option to include videos in the backup. Then, tap on "Email" to send the backup to your email address.
- Retrieve from Email: Open the email you sent to yourself and download the attached backup file. You can then use a third-party app or software to view the contents of this backup file.
Use Third-Party Software (for Android)
There are several third-party applications available that claim to recover deleted WhatsApp messages:
- Download and Install: Choose a reputable recovery tool, download it from the official website, and install it on your computer or phone.
- Connect Your Device: Connect your Android device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Scan for Deleted Files: Follow the instructions provided by the software to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Select the messages you want to retrieve and follow the prompts to save them to your device or computer.
Important Notes
- Timeliness Matters: The sooner you attempt to restore deleted messages, the higher the chance of success. New data can overwrite old backups, making recovery more difficult.
- Consistency in Backup Settings: Ensure that automatic backup settings are enabled and up-to-date to avoid losing important data in the future.
- Data Privacy: Be cautious when using third-party software. Only download from trusted sources to protect your personal information.