Method 1: Restore from WhatsApp Backup
If you have been diligent about backing up your WhatsApp data, you’re in luck. WhatsApp automatically creates backups in the background, storing them either locally on your device or on a cloud storage service like Google Drive or iCloud. Here’s how to restore deleted photos and videos using this method:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from your device’s app store and verify your phone number.
- During the verification process, WhatsApp will prompt you to restore your chat history. Tap on the “Restore” button to recover deleted photos and videos.
- Once the restore process is complete, you’ll find your deleted photos and videos back in their respective chats or media folders.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party Recovery Tool
If you don’t have a recent WhatsApp backup or if the previous method didn’t work, don’t despair. There are various third-party recovery tools available that can help you retrieve your deleted photos and videos. One such tool is ToolX. Follow these steps to recover your media files:
- Download and install ToolX from their official website.
- Launch the application, and you’ll be presented with a list of options to choose from. Select “Recover WhatsApp Media” from the available options.
- Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable and ensure it is recognized by ToolX.
- Start the scanning process and wait for it to complete. This may take some time, so be patient.
- Once the scan is finished, you’ll see a list of recoverable photos and videos. Select the ones you want to recover and click on the “Recover” button.
- Choose a location on your computer where you want to save the recovered files.
- After the recovery is complete, you can transfer the photos and videos back to your device and view them using any media player or gallery app.
Prevention is Better Than Cure: Enable WhatsApp Auto Backup
While it’s great to know how to recover deleted photos and videos on WhatsApp, it’s always better to be proactive in protecting your valuable memories. To reduce the risk of losing your media files permanently, make sure to enable WhatsApp’s automatic backup feature. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp and go to “Settings.”
- Select “Chats” and then “Chat backup.”
- Choose how frequently you want your chats and media to be backed up – daily, weekly, monthly, or manually.
- Select the Google Drive or iCloud account where you want to store your backups.
- Tap on the “Back Up” button to start the backup process.
By enabling this feature, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your photos and videos are regularly backed up, and you can easily restore them when needed.
Accidentally deleting photos and videos on WhatsApp can be a distressing experience. However, with the right knowledge and tools, recovery is often possible. Remember to back up your data regularly and consider using third-party recovery tools as a last resort. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your cherished memories are always safe and sound!