How to view the history of deleted messages in WhatsApp on an Android phone - briefly?
To view the history of deleted messages in WhatsApp on an Android phone, you can use a file manager app to access the "Databases" folder within your device's internal storage. Locate and rename the "msgstore.db.crypt14" file to "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14", where YYYY-MM-DD corresponds to the date of the last backup. This will allow you to access your deleted messages through a third-party app designed for WhatsApp backups.
How to view the history of deleted messages in WhatsApp on an Android phone - in detail?
Viewing the history of deleted messages in WhatsApp on an Android phone is a common concern for many users. While WhatsApp itself does not provide a built-in feature to directly view deleted message history, there are several methods and third-party applications that can help recover these messages.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that once a message is deleted from both the sender and recipient's devices, it becomes challenging to retrieve. However, if you act promptly, there are still chances of recovery. Here are some detailed steps and methods to consider:
Backup and Restore Method
- Regular Backups: WhatsApp allows users to create regular backups of their chat history. These backups are stored on Google Drive and can be used to restore deleted messages. To enable automatic backups, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Ensure that your Google Drive is properly configured with sufficient storage space.
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Restore from Backup: If you suspect a message has been deleted, you can try restoring your chat history from the backup. To do this:
Third-Party Applications
There are numerous third-party applications available on the Google Play Store that claim to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. Some of these apps include:
- Dr.Fone - Recover (WhatsApp)
- Wondershare Recoverit
- EaseUS MobiSaver
These applications typically work by scanning your device's storage for remnants of deleted messages and then reconstructing them. However, it's essential to exercise caution when using third-party apps, as they may pose security risks or not be effective in all cases.
Local Storage Recovery
If you have not created a backup, there is still a chance that deleted messages can be recovered from your device's local storage:
- File Manager: Use a file manager app to navigate to the WhatsApp folder on your device's internal storage (usually found at
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases). - Backup Files: Look for backup files named
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12. These are encrypted databases that contain your chat history. - Decryption: You may need to decrypt these files using a third-party tool or script. Be cautious and ensure you understand the process before proceeding, as incorrect handling can lead to data loss.
Professional Help
In cases where important messages have been deleted and recovery is crucial, it might be wise to seek professional assistance. Data recovery services specialize in retrieving lost or deleted data and may offer more advanced techniques than what is available through consumer software.
Preventive Measures
To avoid the need for recovery in the future:
- Enable Regular Backups: Ensure that WhatsApp backups are enabled and set to run automatically at regular intervals.
- Cloud Storage: Use cloud storage services to backup important messages or conversations separately from the default WhatsApp backup system.
- Avoid Deleting Messages: Be cautious when deleting messages, especially if they contain valuable information.
By following these steps and methods, you can increase your chances of recovering deleted WhatsApp messages on an Android phone. However, it's always best to take preventive measures to safeguard your data in the first place.