What happens if I delete and then restore WhatsApp - briefly?
When you delete WhatsApp from your device, all local data such as messages, photos, and videos are removed. However, restoring the app will reinstall it but not recover lost local data; instead, it will sync with the cloud to retrieve any backed-up information.
What happens if I delete and then restore WhatsApp - in detail?
Deleting and subsequently restoring WhatsApp can have several implications, ranging from data loss to changes in user experience. This process involves multiple stages that significantly alter the functionality of the application.
Upon deletion, all local data stored on your device is erased. This includes message history, media files (photos, videos), and any other locally saved content. It's crucial to note that WhatsApp does not store messages or media on its servers; instead, it uses end-to-end encryption for secure communication. Therefore, once deleted, this data cannot be retrieved from the cloud but can be restored if a backup exists.
Before deleting WhatsApp, it is strongly recommended to create a backup of your chats and media. This can be done manually through the app's settings or automatically using cloud storage services like Google Drive or iCloud, depending on your device type (Android or iOS). Backups include messages, photos, videos, voice messages, documents, and settings.
When you reinstall WhatsApp from the app store, the process of restoring your data begins. During this phase, you will be prompted to enter your phone number for verification. Once verified, WhatsApp will detect any available backups associated with your account. If a backup is found, you can choose to restore your chats and media. The restoration process may take some time depending on the amount of data being recovered.
After restoring, your WhatsApp will be populated with the backed-up messages and media. However, it's important to note that any messages or media exchanged during the period between deletion and restoration will not be included in the restored data. This means you might miss out on recent conversations if they occurred after the last backup was created.
In summary, while deleting and restoring WhatsApp is a straightforward process, it carries significant implications for your data. Ensuring regular backups is essential to prevent permanent loss of important information. Additionally, users should be aware that any new messages received during the deletion phase will not be restored upon reinstallation.