I cleared the chat in WhatsApp, how to restore the conversation?

I cleared the chat in WhatsApp, how to restore the conversation - briefly?

If you have accidentally cleared a chat in WhatsApp, there is currently no built-in feature within the app to restore the deleted conversation directly. Your best option is to check if you have a recent backup of your chats, as this might allow you to recover the lost messages.

I cleared the chat in WhatsApp, how to restore the conversation - in detail?

If you've accidentally deleted a conversation on WhatsApp and are looking to restore it, there are several methods you can try depending on your specific situation. Here’s a detailed guide to help you recover your lost chat:

Backup Restoration

  1. Check for Backups: First, ensure that you have previously backed up your chats using WhatsApp's built-in backup feature or another backup service. WhatsApp typically backs up data daily at 2 AM local time and saves it to Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iOS users).
  2. Restore from Backup:

    • For Android Users:
      • Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
      • Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
      • Open WhatsApp and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account.
      • When prompted, tap "Restore" to restore your chat history from the most recent backup stored on Google Drive.
    • For iOS Users:
      • Ensure you have a recent iCloud backup of your device.
      • Uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.
      • Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
      • Open WhatsApp and follow the setup instructions.
      • When prompted, tap "Restore Chat History" to restore your chat history from iCloud.

Local Backup Restoration (For Android Users)

  1. Check for Local Backups: Sometimes, local backups are stored on your device’s internal storage or SD card. WhatsApp creates these backups in the following directory: /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases.
  2. Restore from Local Backup:

    • Rename the backup file you want to restore from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12.
    • Uninstall WhatsApp and reinstall it.
    • Open WhatsApp and follow the setup process until you reach the point where it asks if you want to restore a backup. Tap "Restore" when prompted.

Using Third-Party Software

If the above methods don’t work, consider using third-party software designed for data recovery:

  1. Download and Install: Choose a reputable data recovery tool that supports WhatsApp chat restoration. Examples include Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, or iMyFone D-Back.
  2. Scan Your Device: Connect your device to the computer and follow the prompts in the software to scan for lost data.
  3. Recover Data: Once the scan is complete, review the recovered data and select the chats you want to restore. Follow the instructions provided by the software to save the recovered data back to your device or computer.

Contact Support

If you’ve tried all the above methods without success, consider reaching out to WhatsApp support for further assistance:

  1. Visit WhatsApp’s Help Center: Go to WhatsApp's Help Center.
  2. Submit a Request: Use the contact form to submit a request detailing your issue and the steps you’ve already taken to try to recover your chats.

Preventive Measures

To avoid losing important conversations in the future, ensure that:

  • Regular Backups: Enable regular backups on both Google Drive (for Android) and iCloud (for iOS).
  • Manual Backup: Periodically perform manual backups by going to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
  • Check Storage: Ensure you have enough storage space for automatic backups to complete successfully.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to recover your lost WhatsApp conversations effectively.