Have you ever mistakenly deleted a message on WhatsApp and hoped for a way to retrieve it? I definitely have! Thankfully, there are a few techniques you can attempt to regain those invaluable messages. In this article, I will walk you through the process of recovering deleted messages on WhatsApp, so you can have some peace of mind.
Method 1: Restore from Backup
If you regularly back up your WhatsApp chats, this method can be a lifesaver. WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your conversations on your device or cloud storage, depending on your settings. Here’s how you can use this method:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- During the setup process, enter your phone number and verify it.
- You’ll see a prompt asking if you want to restore your chat history from backup. Tap ‘Restore’.
- Wait for the restoration process to complete and voila! Your deleted messages should be back.
Note: This method will only work if you have a recent backup available. If you haven’t backed up your chats before, proceed to the next method.
Method 2: Retrieve from WhatsApp Database
This method involves accessing the WhatsApp database files on your device to recover deleted messages. It’s a bit more technical, so proceed with caution:
- Install a file manager app on your device, such as ES File Explorer.
- Navigate to the WhatsApp ‘Databases’ folder on your device’s internal storage.
- Locate the file named ‘msgstore.db.crypt12’ and rename it to ‘msgstore_backup.db.crypt12’.
- Find the most recent backup file in the ‘Databases’ folder and rename it to ‘msgstore.db.crypt12’.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- During setup, choose to restore from backup when prompted.
- Your deleted messages should now be restored.
Remember to be cautious when modifying your device’s files, as it may void your warranty or cause other issues. If you’re not comfortable with this method, it’s best to seek help from a professional or stick to the previous method.
Conclusion
Accidentally deleting messages on WhatsApp can be a nerve-wracking experience, but thankfully, there are ways to recover them. By restoring from a backup or retrieving from the WhatsApp database, you can retrieve those important conversations and never have to worry about losing them again. Just remember to regularly back up your chats to avoid future mishaps.
So, the next time you find yourself in a panic after deleting a message on WhatsApp, don’t fret. Follow these methods, and your messages will be back in no time!