How to recover deleted WhatsApp messages
If you've ever accidentally deleted a message on WhatsApp or need to retrieve important information you thought was lost, don't worry because we're going to tell you how you can recover them.
WhatsApp does not have a recycle bin as such, which can make it seem like deleted messages disappear forever. However, there are methods to try and recover those messages, depending on your settings and backups.
Next, we will explore step by step how you can attempt to recover these essential messages and gain a better understanding of how deleted message management works on WhatsApp.
Where Do Deleted Messages Go on WhatsApp
Although WhatsApp does not have a recycle bin where messages are temporarily stored before being permanently deleted, it does offer the possibility of recovering messages through backups.
These backups may be stored on your phone or on cloud services such as Google Drive or iCloud, depending on how you have configured your backup options.
How Are Backups Stored?
WhatsApp automatically backs up your chats at a frequency that you can set. This setting is found in the app's settings, under the 'Chats' section and then 'Backup'. Here you can adjust the frequency of the backups, the Google or Apple account you want to use, and whether or not to include videos in the backup.
Where to Find the Backups?
On Android, the backup is stored on Google Drive, while on iPhone, it uses iCloud. Both services automatically sync the backup files, making it easy to recover from any device as long as the same user account is configured.
Methods for Recovering Deleted Messages
There are several ways to try to recover deleted messages on WhatsApp. The effectiveness of each method will depend on various factors, such as your backup settings and how quickly you act after deleting the messages.
Recovery Using a Backup
If the backup was made before you deleted the messages, you can restore that backup to recover the messages:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall the app from the corresponding app store.
- Follow the instructions to verify your phone number.
- WhatsApp will offer to restore your chats from a backup. Accept and wait for the process to complete.
Note: This process will delete all messages received after the date of the last backup.
Using Third-Party Apps
There are apps designed to try to recover deleted WhatsApp messages.
They can generally be found on Google Play but before installing them make sure the apps are compatible with your device.
- Check the app reviews and ratings before downloading.
- Ensure that the application does not request excessive permissions.
- Check the privacy policies to understand how they will handle your data.
Apps for Message Recovery
Below, I mention some of the more popular options and how they are generally used:
Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android/iOS)
- Usage: Dr.Fone is a software tool that requires you to connect your mobile device to a computer. After connecting it, you select the data recovery option, and the software will attempt to scan your device to recover deleted messages and other data.
- Advantages: It is known for its intuitive interface and support for multiple types of data.
- Considerations: It is a paid software, although it offers a trial version.
You can try the free version HERE
EaseUS MobiSaver (Android/iOS)
- Usage: Similar to Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver requires you to connect your device to a computer. Once connected, choose the recovery option from the device or from an iTunes backup for iOS devices.
- Advantages: It can recover various types of data in addition to WhatsApp messages.
- Considerations: Offers a free version with limited functionalities, and a paid version with more features.
You can try the free version HERE
UltData for Android (Android)
- Usage: Connect your Android device to a PC and allow the UltData app to scan your phone for lost WhatsApp messages and other data. You can then specifically select which data you wish to recover.
- Advantages: Features an easy-to-use interface and provides a preview of the data before recovery.
- Considerations: It is a paid software with a trial version that offers limited functionalities.
You can try the free version HERE
FonePaw Data Recovery (Android/iOS)
- Usage: You need to connect your device to a computer, select the WhatsApp recovery mode, and allow the program to perform a deep scan for deleted messages.
- Advantages: Supports the recovery of various file types and offers good customer support.
- Considerations: Although effective, it is also a paid software.
You can find the App HERE
These tools often require system-level access to your device, which can include granting superuser (root) permissions or unlocking the bootloader.
Precautions and Final Recommendations
Recovering your accidentally deleted messages can be an uncertain process, and it's important to take preventive measures to not lose vital information:
- Set up automatic backups on WhatsApp.
- Save important information outside the app.
- Avoid hastily deleting messages.
Limitations and Legal Considerations
It's crucial to consider that message recovery is not always possible, and on certain occasions, you may need to use third-party apps for this purpose.
Moreover, in some contexts, such as in the workplace or legal settings, message recovery must be handled carefully to avoid privacy or legal infringements.
Although WhatsApp does not offer a conventional recycle bin, there are methods that can help you recover deleted messages if acted upon promptly and with the right tools. It is always advisable to keep backup options activated and correctly configured to prevent the loss of important information.