Recovering deleted data on WhatsApp depends on several factors, including whether you have a backup of your chats and media. These are the steps you can take to recover deleted WhatsApp data:
If you have a backup:
Android:
Google Drive Backup:
If you have set up a Google Drive backup, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your device.
During the setup process, you will be asked to restore your chat history from Google Drive. Select restore options.
Follow the on-screen instructions, and your chat should be restored.
iPhone:
iCloud Backup:
If you have an iCloud backup, uninstall WhatsApp from the App Store and reinstall it.
During setup, select “Restore chat history” when prompted.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore.
If you don’t have a backup:
Unfortunately, if you don’t have a backup, it won’t be possible to recover deleted WhatsApp data. WhatsApp does not store your chat history on its servers for security and privacy reasons. However, here are some possible steps to try:
Check local storage:
On Android, go to your device’s storage (usually in the WhatsApp folder) and look for the database file named msgstore.db.crypt12 (the number may vary).
If you find this file, it may be possible to restore it by renaming it and placing it in the WhatsApp/Database folder.
Third-Party Tools:
There are third-party tools that claim to recover deleted WhatsApp data. However, use such tools with caution, as they may not always be reliable and may compromise your data security.
Contact WhatsApp Support:
If your data is lost due to an issue with the app, you can contact WhatsApp support through the app or their website for assistance. They may be able to provide guidance or insight into possible solutions.
Prevent future data loss:
Regular Backup:
To avoid data loss in future, backup your WhatsApp data regularly using the built-in backup feature. Set up automatic backups to Google Drive (on Android) or iCloud (on iPhone).
Local Backup:
Additionally, manually copy the entire WhatsApp folder from your device’s internal storage to your computer. This way, you will have a local backup that you can use in case of an emergency.
Always be cautious when using third-party tools, and make sure you’re following WhatsApp’s terms of service to protect your privacy and security.
If you are unable to recover your deleted WhatsApp data with the above methods, and you do not have a backup, recovering the lost data is unfortunately challenging. However, you can take the following steps for additional guidance:
Check archived chats:
Search archived chats:
Sometimes, users accidentally archive chats instead of deleting them. Check if your chats are archived by scrolling to the bottom of the chat screen and tapping “Archived Chats” (Android) or swiping down on the chat screen (iPhone).
Verify WhatsApp Settings:
Check media visibility settings:
Make sure that your media visibility settings are not preventing media files from appearing in your gallery or file manager.
Storage Permissions:
Confirm that WhatsApp has the necessary permissions to access the storage on your device. This is important for proper functioning and data recovery.
Contact WhatsApp Support:
Reach WhatsApp Support:
If you are unable to recover your data with the methods described, consider contacting WhatsApp support directly. They can provide additional support or insight.
Forensic Recovery Services (Advanced):
Professional Data Recovery Services:
In extreme cases, where important data needs to be recovered, you may consider professional data recovery services that specialize in mobile devices. These services are often expensive and should only be used as a last resort.
Prevent future data loss:
Regular Backup:
To emphasize again, backup your WhatsApp data regularly to prevent data loss in the future. Set up automatic backups to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone).
Cloud Storage Services:
Manually upload important media files to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox or iCloud. This provides an additional layer of backup.
Always be cautious about the methods you use and remember that the success of data recovery may vary depending on specific circumstances. Prevention through regular backups is the most reliable way to keep your WhatsApp data safe.