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How to Recover Your Deleted WhatsApp Messages in 2025

USMAN KHAN March 17, 2025

If you accidentally deleted a message, lost chats due to a phone reset, or switched devices without a proper backup, recovering deleted WhatsApp messages is possible with the appropriate methods.

WhatsApp provides built-in backup options using Google Drive (for Android) and iCloud (for iPhone), which allow users to restore messages if a backup was created before deletion. Even without a backup, there are alternative recovery methods, such as using third-party software or checking local storage for older chat backups.

WhatsApp messages, including restoring from cloud backups, retrieving messages without a backup, and using recovery apps. We will also discuss essential precautions to prevent future data loss. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of getting back meaningful conversations and attachments.

How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android

Losing critical WhatsApp messages on your Android device can be stressful, but you can recover them using various methods. Here’s how:

Method 1: Restore from Google Drive Backup

If you have enabled Google Drive backups, you can restore your deleted messages by following these steps:

Uninstall WhatsApp from your phone.
Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
When prompted, tap “Restore” to retrieve your messages from Google Drive.
Wait for the process to complete, then tap Next to access your chats.

Method 2: Restore from Local Backup (Without Google Drive)

WhatsApp also saves chat backups on your phone’s internal storage. To restore from a local backup:

Open File Manager and navigate to:
Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases
Look for files named msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt (replace YYYY-MM-DD with a recent date).
Rename the latest backup file to msgstore.db.crypt.
Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, then restore from the local backup when prompted.

Method 3: Use Third-Party Recovery Software

If you don’t have a backup, third-party recovery apps like Dr.Fone, iMobie PhoneRescue, or Tenorshare UltData may help scan and recover deleted messages.

Tips

Back up chats manually via WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
Avoid overwriting data by minimizing phone use after deletion.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of recovering deleted WhatsApp messages on Android.

How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone

Losing critical WhatsApp messages on your iPhone iCloud backups, iTunes backups, or third-party recovery tools. Here’s how:

Method 1: Restore from iCloud Backup

If you have enabled WhatsApp backups on iCloud, follow these steps:

Uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.
Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
When prompted, tap Restore Chat History to recover your messages from iCloud.
Wait for the process to complete, then tap Next to access your restored chats.

🔹 Note: You must be logged in with the same Apple ID and use the same phone number for recovery.

Method 2: Restore from iTunes Backup

Your iPhone using iTunes, you can restore WhatsApp messages with this method:

Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
Click on your device name and select Restore Backup.
Click Restore and wait for the process to complete.

🔹 Note: This method restores the entire iPhone backup, not just WhatsApp messages.

Method 3: Use Third-Party Recovery Software

If you don’t have a backup, you can try third-party apps like Dr.Fone, iMobie PhoneRescue, or Tenorshare UltData to scan and recover deleted WhatsApp messages.

Tips

Ensure WhatsApp backup is enabled in Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
Use Wi-Fi when restoring iCloud backups to avoid data loss.
Avoid overwriting data by stopping new backups after deletion.

By following these methods, you can successfully recover deleted WhatsApp messages on your iPhone.

Recover WhatsApp Messages Using Google Drive Backup

Google Drive provides an easy way to back up and restore your WhatsApp messages, ensuring that you can recover your chats if they are accidentally deleted.

Step 1: Check If a Google Drive Backup Exists

Before restoring, confirm that a backup exists:

Open WhatsApp on your Android device.
Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
Check the Last Backup date under “Google Drive.”

Step 2: Restore WhatsApp Messages from Google Drive

If a backup exists, follow these steps:

Uninstall WhatsApp from your phone.
Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
When prompted, tap Restore to recover your messages from Google Drive.
Wait for the restoration to complete, then tap Next to access your chats.

Step 3: Restore Media Files

WhatsApp first restores text messages and then downloads media (photos, videos, documents) in the background.
Ensure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi network for faster recovery.

Troubleshooting: If Restoration Fails

Ensure you’re signed in with the same Google account used for backups.
Check if there’s enough storage space on your phone.
Update Google Play Services and restart your phone.

You can quickly recover your deleted WhatsApp messages using Google Drive backup.

Recover WhatsApp Messages Using iCloud Backup.

You can restore them on your iPhone using an iCloud backup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you recover your chats.

Step 1: Check If an iCloud Backup Exists

Before restoring, ensure that a backup is available:

Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
Date and time to confirm if your messages were backed up.

Step 2: Restore WhatsApp Messages from iCloud

If a backup exists, follow these steps:

Uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.
Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
When prompted, tap Restore Chat History to retrieve your messages from iCloud.
Wait for the restoration to complete, then tap Next to access your chats.

Step 3: Restore Media Files

WhatsApp first restores text messages, followed by media files like photos and videos.
Ensure your iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network to speed up the restoration process.

Troubleshooting: If Restoration Fails

Verify that iCloud Drive is enabled in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Drive.
Make sure there’s enough storage on both iCloud and your iPhone.
Try restarting your device and reinstalling WhatsApp.

You can successfully recover your deleted WhatsApp messages using an iCloud backup.

Retrieve Deleted WhatsApp Messages Without Backup

If you deleted WhatsApp messages and don’t have a backup on Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone), you can still try recovering them using the methods below.

Method 1: Restore from Local Backup (Android Only)

WhatsApp automatically saves chat backups on your phone’s storage. You can manually restore an older backup if it exists.

📂 Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases
- Look for files like:msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt (Replace YYYY-MM-DD with a recent date).
- Rename the most recent backup file to msgstore.db.crypt
Uninstall WhatsApp, then reinstall it from the Play Store.

Method 2: Use Third-Party Recovery Software

If no backup exists, specialized data recovery tools may help scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages. Some options include:

Dr.Fone – Data Recovery
iMobie PhoneRescue
Tenorshare UltData

Steps to use recovery software:

Install the recovery tool on your PC.
Connect your phone via USB and enable USB Debugging (Android) or Trust This Computer (iPhone).
Scan for deleted WhatsApp messages and restore them.

Note: Success depends on whether new data have overwritten deleted messages.

Method 3: Check WhatsApp Notifications (Android Only)

Some third-party notification history apps can store WhatsApp message previews, even if the sender deleted them. Try using apps like:

Notification History Log
Notice

These apps can sometimes recover deleted messages, but they need to be installed before deletion.

Tips to Prevent Future Data Loss

Enable automatic backups in WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
Regularly save important chats manually.
Avoid overwriting deleted data by minimizing phone usage.

By following these steps, you may still recover deleted WhatsApp messages without a backup.

Recover WhatsApp Chats from Local Backup (Android Only)

If you don’t have a Google Drive backup, you can restore WhatsApp messages using a local backup stored on your phone. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Locate the Local Backup

Open File Manager on your phone.
Navigate to Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases (or sdcard > WhatsApp > Databases if you use an SD card).
- You will find files like msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt (Replace YYYY-MM-DD with the backup date).
Rename the most recent backup file to msgstore.db.crypt.

Step 2: Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp

Uninstall WhatsApp from your phone.
Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
When prompted, tap Restore to recover messages from the local backup.
Wait for the restoration to complete, then tap Next to access your chats.

Troubleshooting Tips

Ensure your local backup file is not corrupted.
If WhatsApp does not detect the backup, check if it is in the correct folder.
If you recently installed WhatsApp, a newer backup may overwrite older ones.

This method allows you to recover WhatsApp chats without needing a cloud backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will restoring a WhatsApp backup delete my recent messages?

Yes, restoring an older backup replaces all current chats with the backup version. You will lose any messages received after the backup date.

How long does WhatsApp keep deleted messages?

WhatsApp does not store deleted messages. However, local backups (Android) are kept for up to 7 days, and cloud backups remain until a new one overwrites them.

Can I recover deleted WhatsApp media files like photos and videos?

If backed up, media files and chats will be restored. If not, check your phone’s Gallery > WhatsApp folder or use data recovery apps.

Why can’t I restore my WhatsApp messages from backup?

Possible reasons include:

The backup was not found (wrong Google/iCloud account).
Insufficient storage space.
Corrupted backup file.
Internet connectivity issues.

How can I prevent losing WhatsApp messages in the future?

Enable automatic cloud backups in WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
Regularly export essential chats.
Use local backups (Android) as an extra precaution.

Conclusion

Frustrating, but there are several ways to recover them, with or without a backup. If you have a Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) backup, you can quickly restore your messages by reinstalling WhatsApp and choosing the restore option. If no cloud backup is available, you may still recover messages using local storage backups.