Why are Deleted WhatsApp SMS Difficult to Recover?
WhatsApp does not offer a built-in feature to restore deleted messages, mainly because the app doesn’t store them on its servers. Once a message is deleted, it is gone from the app’s database. However, there are still methods to recover WhatsApp messages if certain conditions are met. Let’s explore some proven techniques:
1. Restore from WhatsApp Backup
WhatsApp regularly creates a backup of your chats and stores them on your phone’s internal storage or external storage (such as an SD card). To restore messages from a backup:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the app store and follow the setup process.
- During setup, WhatsApp will prompt you to restore your backup. Simply tap on “Restore” when prompted.
- Once the restore process completes, your deleted messages should be back in your chats.
2. Recover from Local Backup Files
If you do not have an automatic backup enabled, WhatsApp still creates local backup files on your device. Follow these steps:
- Connect your device to a computer and enable “USB Debugging” in the developer options.
- Use a file explorer or command prompt on your computer to navigate to the WhatsApp/Databases folder.
- Look for a file named “msgstore.db.crypt12”. This is where the chat history is stored.
- Make a backup of this file by copying it to a safe location on your computer.
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device and reinstall it.
- During setup, WhatsApp will request to restore from a backup. Choose “Restore” and wait for the process to complete.
- Your deleted messages should now be accessible in your chats.
3. Utilize Third-Party Tools
If the above methods fail, you can explore third-party tools designed to recover deleted WhatsApp messages. These tools often require you to connect your phone to a computer. They scan your device’s storage for remnants of deleted messages and attempt to retrieve them. Popular tools include Dr.Fone, iMobie PhoneRescue, and Tenorshare UltData.
Remember, Prevention is Key!
While these methods may help recover your lost WhatsApp SMS, it’s always better to prevent the loss in the first place. Regularly backup your WhatsApp chats to either your device’s internal storage or cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud. This way, you can easily restore your messages in case of accidental deletion or device failure.
Accidentally deleting WhatsApp messages can be a stressful experience. However, with the right techniques and expert tips, you can often retrieve those lost messages. Try the methods mentioned above to recover your important WhatsApp SMS. Remember to back up your chats regularly to avoid future data loss. Happy WhatsAppming!