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How to Retrieve and Recover Deleted Message Histories in WhatsApp Chats

WhatsApp has become the most popular messaging app with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows easy communication through text messages, voice calls, video calls, media sharing, and more. However, users often accidentally delete important chats or media on WhatsApp which is frustrating. The good news is – with the right tools and techniques, you can retrieve and recover deleted WhatsApp message histories.

Backing Up WhatsApp Data

The first step to recover deleted WhatsApp data is to regularly back up your WhatsApp account. WhatsApp provides both local and cloud backup options:

Local Backup

  • WhatsApp automatically creates a local backup on Android devices daily at 2 AM.
  • It stores the last 7 days of backup data on the device storage.
  • On iOS devices, a local iTunes or iCloud backup contains WhatsApp data.

Cloud Backup

  • Android users can backup WhatsApp data to Google Drive.
  • iOS users can backup to iCloud.
  • You can configure daily, weekly or monthly auto backups.

Always keep backups enabled, as this is key to recovering deleted WhatsApp data.

Retrieving Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android

If you have backed up WhatsApp before deletion, you can easily restore chats. Here’s how:

Via Google Drive Backup

  • Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
  • Verify your number.
  • Choose to “Restore” when prompted.
  • WhatsApp will restore chats and media from Google Drive backup.

Via Local Backup

  • Use a file manager to access WhatsApp/Databases folder on device storage.
  • Copy the latest backup file (msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt*) to your PC.
  • Install WhatsApp and verify your number.
  • Select “Restore” when prompted to restore from local backup.

Pro Tip: You can also rename an older local backup file to msgstore.db.crypt* and restore it.

Retrieving Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone

  • Via iCloud Backup: Uninstall WhatsApp > Reinstall > Verify number > Tap “Restore” > Restore iCloud backup.
  • Without Backup: Use iPhone data recovery software like iMyFone D-Back or Dr.Fone to scan and extract WhatsApp data remnants from the device.

Recovering Permanently Deleted WhatsApp Messages

If you don’t have a backup, then the data is still recoverable from the device using data recovery apps:

For Android

  • Use software like Dr.Fone or Jihosoft Android Phone Recovery to deep scan the Android device and extract deleted WhatsApp data.

For iPhone

  • Software like iMyFone D-Back and Dr.Fone can recover lost WhatsApp data by scanning iOS devices or iTunes and iCloud backups.

These advanced data recovery apps use proprietary algorithms to dig up and restore as much deleted data as possible from app caches, storage logs, device remnants etc.

Tips to Avoid Losing WhatsApp Data

Follow these tips to prevent accidental data loss on WhatsApp:

  • Backup chats daily or weekly to cloud and local storage.
  • Be careful before deleting any chats or media.
  • Export important chats to your device storage.
  • Use a trusted data recovery app to retrieve deleted data.
  • Set up chat backup reminders for peace of mind.

Conclusion

Losing precious WhatsApp conversations can be frustrating. However, with regular backups enabled and the right data recovery methods, you can easily retrieve and restore deleted WhatsApp messages. Both Android and iPhone offer native and third-party solutions to rescue your important chats. Follow the step-by-step guide outlined above to recover deleted data on WhatsApp and avoid future data loss.

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