How can i recover all my whatsapp messages
How to recover WhatsApp messages
The more we use WhatsApp in our daily communications, the more chance we are storing crucial information in those chats. It could be something mundane like a doctor’s appointment time or something serious like an agreement to buy a high-value item or proof of a debt from someone. It could even be chats from a now-deceased loved one that you don’t want to lose. Whatever it is, if you accidentally delete any of it, you need to be able to recover those WhatsApp messages.
Read more: How to use WhatsApp — a step-by-step beginner’s guide
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The answer to recovering WhatsApp messages is a bit drastic, but the only effective method nonetheless. You have to uninstall WhatsApp from your phone, reinstall it, then restore all of your messaging history from a backup. Assuming you haven't backed up after deleting the crucial messages, WhatsApp will reload all your messages, including the deleted ones.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
- How to recover deleted messages on Android
- How to recover deleted messages on iPhone
Note: Before proceeding, remember that if you delete a message — and then back up your archive — those deleted messages will then be wiped in that backup. At that point, the messages will be unrecoverable. So if you have deleted a message you need to recover, make sure any automated backups are immediately canceled — and don’t back up anything manually!
How to recover deleted messages on Android
First, delete WhatsApp from your phone, then reinstall it. You will have to do the whole setup again with your phone number and verify the number. You also need to have your two-step authentication number ready if you had that set up with the previous installation.
Once you have verified your number, it will tell you if it has detected a backup on Google Drive. If it has, it will invite you to restore it.
If you tap SKIP, bear in mind that you will not be able to restore from Google Drive without uninstalling and reinstalling again. But you can select SKIP if you intend to restore from a local backup. More on that in the next section.
Your backup will now be downloaded to your phone and restored. How long it takes will depend on the size of your archive and your internet connection speed.
Once the backup has been completed, you’ll be asked to fill in your display name and enter your two-factor authentication code again. Then your messages will appear on the screen.
Restoring from a local backup
If, instead, you have backed up your WhatsApp archive to your device’s local storage, or an SD card, this is how you can restore it.
Use a file manager such as Google Files to access your phone’s internal storage. Find the WhatsApp folder — the location varies from device to device, so you may have to do a bit of hunting. When you find the folder, go to Databases, and you should see a file named like this.
The name of your file will vary slightly.
Change its name so it has the word BACKUP in it, so msgstore_BACKUP.db.crypt14. Find the file in that folder that you want to restore (likely the most recently dated one) and change its name to the previous file. In this case, it would be msgstore.db.crypt14.
Now uninstall WhatsApp, reinstall it, and go through the initial setup again. When it comes time to restore a backup, since there’s no Google Drive backup to detect, it will detect the local storage version instead.
Restoring from an earlier backup
If you have more than one backup stored on local storage or SD card, you can opt to leap-frog over the most recent backup and choose an earlier one instead.
The method here is virtually identical to the previous method, except each file in the Databases section will have a date attached, such as msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14. Earlier backups may have crypt13 or crypt12 at the end, but you shouldn’t change this number.
All you need to do is select the one you want to restore and remove the date so it is renamed, in this case, msgstore.1.db.crypt14. But before you do that, make sure the file that already has that name has BACKUP added to the name. You obviously can’t have two files with the same name.
Now go through the reinstallation process of WhatsApp, and select Restore.
How to recover deleted messages on iPhone
Since an iPhone doesn’t support SD cards or restoring from local storage, the only way is through an iCloud backup. In many ways, this greatly simplifies the whole process.
It is the same as restoring an Android phone from Google Drive. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on the iPhone. Set up and verify your number again. Select Restore, and it will detect your iCloud backup, where you can then get everything to reset.
Read more: How to find and change your WhatsApp phone number
FAQs
There is no official method from WhatsApp, as Google Drive-based WhatsApp backups are incompatible with iOS devices.
Again though, many paid third-party apps claim to be able to do it. Take these claims with a pinch of salt, though.
You need to have a backup of some description. Because of end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp doesn’t keep copies of your messages on its servers. Plus, from a cost point of view, it’s cheaper to leverage Google Drive or iCloud as backup options. If you haven’t backed up to the cloud, you’ll need to have a backup in your internal storage or SD card. But this only applies to Android devices.
How to Restore Old WhatsApp Chat that I've Skipped to Restore? [2023]
If you just switched your phone, you will possibly think about restoring WhatsApp messages from your backup online. The question you will be asking yourself, in this case, would be how can I restore the old WhatsApp chat that I have skipped to restore?
WhatsApp is a commonly used social messaging app in recent days. The existence of billions of users demonstrates the significant role WhatsApp plays when it comes to exchanging messages and various attachments like videos, pictures, and videos.
If you have important messages on your WhatsApp, you will not want to lose them when switching your phone. This article will provide easy-to-understand guidelines on how to restore WhatsApp chats on your android and iPhone.
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Part 1: Reinstall WhatsApp and restore the local backup if it is not overwritten
Besides Google Drive, WhatsApp for android usually backs up messages to the local storage on your phone. If you uninstall your WhatsApp, there still are chances of restoring the messages and photos. While restoring from Google drive can be the easiest way, you first need to backup the chats before uninstalling the app from your phone. In case you didn’t backup WhatsApp to Google Drive, the local backup file could be used to retrieve the chats when reinstalling the app.
The WhatsApp local backup is usually encrypted, unlike the ones in Google Drive.
If your WhatsApp is working and you would like to prepare the most recent WhatsApp backup chats, the following guideline will help you with the process. However, it would help if you remembered that the recent backup files would overwrite the existing ones.
- Launch the WhatsApp application on your phone and tap the three-dotted icon on the top right side of the screen to access settings from the menu.
- Navigate the settings screen to find Chats. Open and then click on Chat Backup on the screen.
- Once the Chat Backup screen appears, tap on the Back-Up button to create a copy of your WhatsApp chats to the internal storage of your phone.
If you need to back up the videos, remember to check the ‘include videos, box and ensure the device has enough storage to accommodate the data.
You can also prevent WhatsApp from backing up your chats to Google Drive.
In this case, you should choose your backup frequency to “never.” You will then proceed to tap on the Backup button to begin the process of backing up your WhatsApp data to the local internal storage. You will have the latest WhatsApp chats backup on your phone.
To restore the WhatsApp chats backup using the local backup, you need to uninstall or delete the WhatsApp application from your phone and then reinstall.
- Launch the new WhatsApp application on your phone and tap agree, and continue to begin the set-up process.
- Enter your phone number on the next screen and then use the 6- digit code sent to verify. The device can as well automatically detect the verification code from the messaging app.
- The application will further detect the local backup and prompt you to restore it. Tap on the restore option to get all your recent WhatsApp chats.
Part 2: Restore WhatsApp from earlier backup if the newest backup is overwritten.
If you had not backed up the recent WhatsApp chats on your phone before deleting the application, you could still restore from a previous local backup.
The following process with get you done.
- Step1: Open your file management application on your android phone to access the internal storage or SD card if you had saved the local backup here.
- Step2: Open the WhatsApp folder, then go to Databases Folder to find the most recent WhatsApp backup file. The files in this folder are named, including the date of the backup.
- Step3: After selecting the most recent dated file, remove its date. For instance, a file named in ‘msgstore-yyyy-mm-dd.1.db.crypt12’ format should be changed to ‘msgstore.db.crypt12’. The backup extension can always vary, but you are not supposed to remove the crypt extension number.
- Now download the WhatsApp application from the Google play store and choose to set up using the required procedure, and chose to restore WhatsApp from local backup when prompted.
Part 3: Use MobileTrans to backup WhatsApp to your computer to avoid data loss
If you use WhatsApp to exchange confidential messages and files, you will not want to lose them.
Since unexpected events might occur that might lead to WhatsApp data loss, it is advisable to back up everything to a computer. There are many ways to achieve this task regardless of whether you use android or iOS devices.
The possible methods you can use to backup WhatsApp chats to a computer include:
Email chat feature.
Transferring directly from the phone memory.
Using a tool called MobileTrans.
MobileTrans is seemingly the easiest way to backup WhatsApp content, including messages, images, videos, and other attachments to a computer with one click. Below is a brief highlight of the software.
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MobileTrans comes with a couple of features to perform different WhatsApp tasks for both android and iOS devices.
Besides transferring WhatsApp data from your phone to the computer, MobileTrans can perform WhatsApp transfer from one phone to another, transfer other content on other social media apps, and restore everything with some clicks.
MobileTrans allows WhatsApp users to transfer content selectively. The software is compatible with various types of data, including messages, audio, videos, messages, and more. You can perfectly transfer to any version of android and iOS device. Transferring to a computer or another device only requires one click hence saving your time. Besides, you do not have to worry about your privacy because MobileTrans will always keep your chat history safe. The tool can also restore the WhatsApp backup to your phone conveniently. In the process of restoring WhatsApp data, MobileTrans does not overwrite the existing data on your phone.
The following steps will guide you on transferring your WhatsApp from your android device to the computer using MobileTrans – WhatsApp transfer.
The method is safe, easy, and does not require an internet connection to achieve the task.
- Step1: Visit the MobileTrans official website to download the setup on your computer or Mac. Install the software following the on-screen instructions. After successful installation, launch the application and then connect your phone using a working USB cable.
- Step2: When the program opens, click on the "Backup&Restore" option from the available modules and let the software detect the WhatsApp data on the connected phone. Click the start button to initiate the backup process.
- Step3: Wait as the backup progresses to completion. Soon after WhatsApp data is backed up successfully, you will receive success notification on the screen.
- Step4: If you want to view the WhatsApp data loaded into the pc, click on the "view it" button appearing on the screen.
Clicking on the "ok" button will end the process. Ensure you are clear on using the above procedure to backup your WhatsApp data to a computer successfully. The method is reliable since it does not involve issues with data loss or breach your privacy.
The following section provides a precise comparison of MobileTrans – WhatsApp transfer with other methods to back up WhatsApp data to a computer, i.e., exporting directly from phone memory and the email chat feature. The comparison is based on various elements as described below.
Process time for the transfer: MobileTrans – WhatsApp transfer is the fastest and precise method to transfer WhatsApp data. Exporting from phone memory is slower than the MobileTrans tool but faster than the email chat feature. Email chat is a complicated process and not preferable for most WhatsApp users.
Reliability: MobileTrans and email chat are reliable methods because the WhatsApp messages are readable after transferring to a computer.
When you export directly from phone memory, the chats are not readable because the file format is incompatible. You need a WhatsApp backup extractor to convert the files into a readable format.
Transfer rate: MobileTrans tool sends bulk content with a single click, seemingly time-saving and efficient. Exporting directly from the phone memory is relatively fast than the email chat feature, which sends only a single chat at a time.
Data loss: MobileTrans tool does not involve any data loss issues whatsoever or compromise the chat history. The email chat feature also has rare cases of data loss. On the other hand, exporting WhatsApp data directly from phone memory can sometimes have data loss events.
Prior knowledge: When using the MobileTrans - WhatsApp transfer tool, you are provided with an easy follow the wizard to guide you through the transfer process. You don’t need to have prior knowledge because the instructions are unique and clear.
Email chat feature requires you to be familiar with the WhatsApp environment and its controls. When exporting WhatsApp data directly from the phone memory, you need to know the location of the content and controls in your computer.
Conclusion
Following the discussions in the above content, you can easily restore your old WhatsApp chats in case you skipped to restore. The methods are described in detail to help you achieve the task with convenience. You only need to pay attention to the approach to ensure you get all your desired messages from the local storage. And if you are looking to backup your WhatsApp content to a computer, MobileTrans WhatsApp transfer is an incredible tool to help you achieve the task conveniently. The steps involved during the backup process are precise and straightforward. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your data.
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How to recover deleted messages in WhatsApp
Restore deleted messages using a backup file
WhatsApp automatically creates a backup file of all messages in the internal memory of your Android smartphone every 24 hours.
The backup is always created at 2 am. If the backup did not take place before the message was deleted, follow these steps:
- Delete WhatsApp and download the application again. Then launch WhatsApp.
- Link WhatsApp to your phone number, as you did the first time, go through verification.
- When you start WhatsApp, you will be notified that a backup file has been found and you will be asked if you want to restore it. Click "OK" to recover deleted messages.
Your deleted messages will be restored. See below for how to restore old backups.
How to save current WhatsApp message history
"Backup Chat History" in WhatsAppBefore restoring old message history, you must save your current message history, otherwise it will be lost. Please note, however, that this action will overwrite the most recent backup made by WhatsApp. Proceed as follows:
- Open WhatsApp and press the menu button in the upper right corner.
- In "Settings" select "Chats" > "Chat Backup" .
- Button "Save" creates a current backup.
You can also see when the last backup was made using Google Drive. Very old messages can only be restored using the instructions in the first paragraph using Google Drive Backup if the backup has not been done for a long time.
WhatsApp message recovery: - up to 7 days
How to recover old messagesWith automatic WhatsApp backup file, only messages sent no earlier than 7 days ago can be restored. How to recover messages:
- First install a file manager from Google Play, such as ES File Explorer or File Manager .
- In the File Manager navigate to the path "local WhatsApp/Databases" and find the file "msgstore.db.crypt" .
- This is the latest WhatsApp backup. Rename the file to "msgstore.db.cryptXX" (see screenshot).
- Now uninstall WhatsApp and run the path again "/local/WhatsApp/Databases/" via File Manager.
- Older backups are stored in the format msgstore -YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt. Find the desired backup and rename the file to msgstore.db.crypt .
If you download WhatsApp for Android again, you will be prompted to create a backup after you launch it. Confirm the process, after which the required backup will be written.
Use special programs
If the previous method turned out to be too complicated for you, you can use programs from third-party developers that are created specifically for data recovery. For example, Tenorshare UltData. Everything is simple and clear in it.
First you will need to prepare your smartphone for recovery - enter developer mode. It's safe (as long as you don't change things you don't understand in this mode). Usually, to access the developer mode, you need to go along the path "Settings" - "About phone" and click on the item "Build number" 7 times until a message appears about entering the mode.
Now to the process itself.
1 . Install the program on the computer, connect the smartphone with a cable to the USB connector. Click the "Restore WhatsApp Data" button.
2. The program will prompt you to back up your data. Agree, it's always helpful. Then you can start recovery.
3. After scanning, UltData will display a list of messages that can be recovered. You need to choose the ones you need. And click the "Restore" button.
If you have an iPhone or iPad, you need to download the iOS version of Tenorshare UltData.
Read also:
- Whatsapp: How to enable stealth mode and hide geolocation
- How to use WhatsApp on a dual SIM phone
Photo: manufacturing companies, www.pexels.com
Tags android whatsapp
Author
Andrey Kireev
How to recover deleted chats in WhatsApp
October 15, 2022 Likbez Technologies
Quick ways through backups or third party software.
How to restore chats on Android
From a Google Drive backup
You can fully restore deleted WhatsApp chats from Google Drive only if you first activate the backup function. To do this, in the application settings, you need to go along the path "Chats" → "Backup of chats", and then set the frequency of creating a backup: daily, weekly or monthly.
The backup will only be stored in the Google account that originally started the backup. To restore correspondence, you need to use the same phone number to which your account in the messenger is registered.
- Install or reinstall WhatsApp. Open the app and verify your phone number.
- Confirm the request to restore chats and media files from the Google Drive copy.
- When the process is complete, click Next.
- If there were media files in the backup, the application will continue to restore them in the background after the chats are returned.
From a local backup
Your device stores local backup files from the last week.
To recover deleted messages, you need to transfer these entries to the folder with the WhatsApp chat database using a file manager.
- Start the file manager on your smartphone.
- The files you need are located in the local storage or on the SD card. To find them, follow the path Android → media → com.whatsapp → WhatsApp. This folder contains three directories: Backups, Databases, and Media. Migrate content from Backups to Databases.
- Reinstall and open WhatsApp. Verify your phone number.
- The application will offer to restore chats and media files from a local backup if it does not find a backup in Google Drive. Click Restore.
With a specialized application
There are a large number of WhatsApp data recovery tools. For example, Tenorshare UltData, Wondershare MobileTrans, iMyFone D-Back and similar programs. They should pull up deleted chats and other information both from the smartphone’s memory and from backups.
Almost all apps require a subscription to enable WhatsApp data recovery.
At the same time, they do not have extraordinary algorithms for rolling back deleted files. For example, the mobile version of the UltData for Android application uses the same reserves as the messenger itself. Therefore, it is not worth placing high hopes on such programs. But you can use one of these PC utilities if other methods have not worked.
In most cases the sequence is very similar:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable and open the recovery program.
- On the main screen, select Restore WhatsApp Data or similar.
- Put the device into USB debugging mode. The application will display the appropriate instructions.
- After connecting your smartphone, proceed to the next step by clicking the Next or Start button. Most often, at this point, a window appears with a description of paid features and a call to purchase. Pay for a subscription or one-time cost.
- Next, the program may offer to make a copy of the data just in case.
- The application will search and after a few minutes will display a list of found chats. Check all the ones you need and click "Restore".
- Select a location to save data on the device.
How to restore chats on iOS
From an iCloud backup
You can use auto-save to iCloud to back up and restore your chat history. As in the case of Android, you must first activate the backup in the WhatsApp settings.
You can only start recovery with the same Apple ID that you use with iCloud. At the same time, the amount of free space in the cloud and in the memory of your device must be at least twice the size of the backup.
- Make sure you have backed up your chats in iCloud. To do this, follow the path WhatsApp → "Settings" → "Chats" → "Backup". The date and time of the last save should be entered here.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- After verifying your phone number, follow the instructions on the screen to restore your chat history.
