How to view deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android after deletion and how to restore them - briefly?
If you want to view or restore deleted messages in WhatsApp on an Android device, using a backup is your best option. Regularly back up your chats to Google Drive to ensure that any accidentally deleted messages can be recovered promptly.
How to view deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android after deletion and how to restore them - in detail?
Viewing and restoring deleted messages in WhatsApp on Android can be a complex process, but with the right methods and tools, it is possible. This guide will provide you with detailed steps on how to achieve this.
Understanding Deletion in WhatsApp
When a message is deleted in WhatsApp, it is not permanently erased from your device's storage immediately. Instead, it is marked as deleted and can still be retrieved using certain methods until it is overwritten by new data.
Method 1: Using Backup Services
WhatsApp offers a built-in backup feature that saves your chat history to Google Drive. If you have enabled this feature, you can restore your messages from the backup.
Steps:
- Uninstall WhatsApp: Open the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and uninstall it.
- Reinstall WhatsApp: After uninstalling, reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Restore from Backup: During the setup process, WhatsApp will automatically check for backups on your Google Drive. Follow the prompts to restore your chat history.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Applications
There are several third-party applications available that can help you recover deleted WhatsApp messages. These applications scan your device's storage for any traces of deleted data and attempt to restore it.
Steps:
- Download a Recovery App: Search for and download a reputable WhatsApp recovery app from the Google Play Store, such as Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver.
- Scan Your Device: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for deleted messages.
- Recover Messages: Once the scan is complete, the app will display a list of recoverable messages. Select the ones you want to restore and proceed with the recovery process.
Method 3: Using File Manager
If you are comfortable using file managers and have some technical knowledge, you can attempt to recover deleted messages manually by accessing your device's file system.
Steps:
- Enable File Explorer: Install a file manager app from the Google Play Store if you don't already have one.
- Access WhatsApp Folder: Navigate to the 'WhatsApp' folder located in your device's internal storage. The path is usually
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. - Rename Database File: Find the database file named
msgstore.db.crypt12(or a similar name with different numbers) and rename it to remove the ".crypt" extension, making it readable by your file manager. - Open Database File: Use a SQLite viewer app to open and view the contents of the database file. This will allow you to see all the messages, including those that were deleted.
Important Considerations
- Timely Action: The sooner you attempt to recover deleted messages, the higher your chances of success, as new data can overwrite old data.
- Backup Regularly: To avoid losing important messages in the future, ensure that WhatsApp backup to Google Drive is enabled and set to back up your chats regularly.
- Security: Be cautious when using third-party apps and file managers to prevent unauthorized access to your personal data.
By following these detailed methods, you can effectively view and restore deleted messages in WhatsApp on your Android device.