I reinstalled WhatsApp and lost my messages, how can I restore them?

I reinstalled WhatsApp and lost my messages, how can I restore them - briefly?

If you've reinstalled WhatsApp and lost your messages, you can restore them by using a backup. Ensure that you have previously backed up your chat history to either Google Drive or iCloud, depending on your device. Simply verify the backup during the reinstallation process to retrieve your lost messages.

I reinstalled WhatsApp and lost my messages, how can I restore them - in detail?

If you have recently reinstalled WhatsApp and lost your messages, there are several methods you can try to restore them. Here is a detailed guide on how to proceed:

  1. Backup Restoration:

    • WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats daily at 2 AM and saves them to your device's internal storage or Google Drive (depending on your settings). To restore these backups:
      • After reinstalling WhatsApp, open the app.
      • Follow the prompts to set up your profile information.
      • When prompted, tap "Restore" to recover your message history from the most recent backup.
    • Ensure that you have granted WhatsApp the necessary permissions to access your files and Google Drive if you are using cloud backups.
  2. Local Backup Restoration:

    • If you have a local backup on your device's internal storage or SD card, follow these steps:
      • Open File Manager on your Android device.
      • Navigate to the WhatsApp folder (usually located in the root directory of your internal storage).
      • Find the "Databases" folder and look for files named msgstore.db.crypt12 or similar, which contain your message backups.
    • To restore from a local backup:
      • Rename the backup file to msgstore.db.crypt12 (or the appropriate format based on your WhatsApp version).
      • Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
      • Follow the setup prompts, and when prompted to restore from a backup, tap "Restore".
  3. Cloud Backup Restoration:

    • If you have enabled Google Drive backups in your WhatsApp settings:
      • Open WhatsApp after reinstalling it.
      • Follow the setup prompts and verify your phone number.
      • When prompted to restore from a backup, tap "Restore".
    • Ensure that your Google account is the same as the one used for backing up your chats. If you have changed your Google account, restoring from a cloud backup might not be possible.
  4. Third-Party Software:

    • There are third-party applications available that can help recover lost WhatsApp messages. However, these tools should be used with caution as they may not always guarantee the recovery of your data.
      • Examples include Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer and EaseUS MobiSaver for Android.
    • Follow the instructions provided by the third-party software to scan your device for lost messages and restore them if possible.
  5. Contact Support:

    • If you have tried all the above methods without success, it might be worth reaching out to WhatsApp support for further assistance.
      • Visit the official WhatsApp website or use the in-app help feature.
      • Provide details about your issue and follow their guidance on how to proceed.