If I deleted a message in WhatsApp only for myself, how can I retrieve it - briefly?
If you have accidentally deleted a message on WhatsApp and wish to retrieve it, your options are limited. Unfortunately, once a message is deleted from your device, there is no built-in feature in WhatsApp that allows you to recover it directly.
If I deleted a message in WhatsApp only for myself, how can I retrieve it - in detail?
If you have accidentally deleted a WhatsApp message only from your device and wish to retrieve it, there are several methods you can try. Here's a detailed guide on how to recover the deleted message:
Backup and Restore
The most straightforward method involves using WhatsApp's built-in backup feature. Follow these steps:
- Ensure Automatic Backup is Enabled: Open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Ensure that the 'Back up to Google Drive' option is enabled and set to your preferred frequency (daily, weekly, monthly).
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device. Then, reinstall it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Restore from Backup: During the setup process, you will be prompted to restore your chats from a backup. Tap 'Restore' and follow the prompts. This will restore all of your messages, including those that were deleted.
Local Backup
If you have manually created a local backup of your WhatsApp data, you can use it to retrieve the deleted message:
- Locate the Backup Folder: The backup folder is typically found in the root directory of your device's internal storage under
WhatsApp > Databases. - Rename the Backup File: Find the most recent backup file (usually named
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12). Rename this file to remove the date and time, so it becomesmsgstore.db.crypt12. - Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device, then reinstall it.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted during the setup process, tap 'Restore' to restore your chats and messages from the backup file you renamed.
Using Third-Party Software
If the above methods do not work, you can consider using third-party software designed for data recovery. Note that this method may come with risks, such as potential data loss or security breaches:
- Download and Install: Choose a reputable data recovery tool compatible with your device (e.g., Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver).
- Connect Your Device: Connect your smartphone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Scan for Deleted Data: Follow the prompts in the software to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
- Recover the Message: Once the scan is complete, select the message you wish to recover and follow the instructions to restore it.
Contact WhatsApp Support
If all else fails, you can reach out to WhatsApp support for assistance:
- Visit the Help Center: Go to the WhatsApp Help Center at
https://faq.whatsapp.com/. - Submit a Request: Use the contact form to submit a request detailing your issue and any relevant information. A support representative may be able to assist you further.
By following these detailed steps, you should be able to retrieve the deleted WhatsApp message from your device.