WhatsApp, the global messaging giant, is integral to our everyday communication. With over 2 billion users, it’s no surprise that countless important messages are exchanged daily.
Losing crucial WhatsApp messages can be a nerve-racking experience.
But, are deleted WhatsApp messages gone forever? Well, it’s a yes and a no.
Messages, once deleted, are not retrievable through the app itself, but various methods exist to recover those ‘gone’ messages.
Understanding WhatsApp’s data policy and how it handles data and message deletions can provide more clarity.
Quick Answer
The quick answer to whether deleted WhatsApp messages are forever lost is no.
WhatsApp doesn’t provide a built-in feature to recover deleted messages, but several effective methods exist.
These involve using WhatsApp’s backup features (both cloud and local) and some reliable third-party tools.
However, the extent of successful recovery can depend on factors like when the messages were deleted and whether backups were properly set up.
Understanding WhatsApp’s Data Policy
WhatsApp is a platform committed to safeguarding user privacy, and data retention is crucial to this commitment. The messaging app does not store messages on its servers once they are delivered to the recipient.
However, undelivered messages are stored on WhatsApp’s server for up to 30 days and are then deleted if not delivered.
Moreover, when you delete WhatsApp messages, they are no longer available in your chat history.
But WhatsApp offers backup options – local and cloud-based (Google Drive for Android and iCloud for iPhone) – to allow users to restore their messages.
It’s essential to remember that restoring deleted messages is possible only if the backup was created before the deletion of messages.
How to Recover and Retrieve Back Deleted WhatsApp Messages
Here are the three (3) methods you should use;
Method 1. Restore from Cloud Backup
The first and most common method to recover deleted WhatsApp messages is to restore them from cloud backup.
WhatsApp allows users to back up their chat history to Google Drive on Android and iCloud on iPhones.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from the app store.
- During installation, you’ll be prompted to restore your messages and media from Google Drive (for Android users) or iCloud (for iPhone users).
- After the restoration process, tap ‘Next‘, and your chats will be displayed once initialization is complete.
- WhatsApp will start restoring your media files after your chats are restored.
Please note, this method will only work if you had the backup feature turned on with an account (Google or Apple ID) logged in.
Method 2. Recover Using Local Backup
If you don’t have a cloud backup, worry not! WhatsApp also stores a local backup on your device. It automatically creates a local backup at 2 AM daily and stores it on your phone.
Follow these steps to recover deleted WhatsApp messages from local backup:
- Open the file manager app on your device. If there isn’t one available, you can download one from the Google Play Store.
- In the file manager app, navigate to WhatsApp > Databases. If your data isn’t stored on your device’s internal storage, check the external storage or SD Card.
- Rename the backup file you want to restore from “msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12” to “msgstore.db.crypt12”. This is typically the file with the most recent date before you accidentally lost your WhatsApp messages.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Tap on ‘Restore’ when asked if you want to restore your message history.
Remember, this method is only applicable for Android devices.
Method 3. Use Third-Party Recovery Tools
If the built-in backup methods don’t work, there’s still hope. Many third-party recovery tools are available to help you retrieve your deleted WhatsApp messages.
These tools scan your phone’s memory to recover deleted files, including WhatsApp messages.
Some notable tools include:
- Dr.Fone: This desktop software is available for both Windows and macOS. It can recover deleted WhatsApp messages from your Android or iPhone without a backup.
- Tenorshare UltData: Another powerful tool for both Android and iOS devices, UltData can retrieve lost WhatsApp messages directly from your phone or an iTunes backup.
Please note, while third-party recovery tools can be effective, they often require you to purchase a license. And remember to always verify the trustworthiness of the third-party tool before downloading it.
Preventing Future Data Loss
Having to recover deleted messages can be a hassle, so the best strategy is to prevent the loss of WhatsApp messages in the first place. Here are a few simple but effective measures you can take:
- Regularly Back Up Your Chats: As mentioned earlier, WhatsApp allows automatic cloud service backups. Make sure this feature is turned on and linked to your Google Drive or iCloud account. This will ensure that even if you lose messages, you can retrieve them easily.
- Use ‘Star’ Feature: WhatsApp provides a ‘Star’ feature that allows users to bookmark specific messages. These messages can be quickly accessed later and won’t get deleted even if you clear your chat.
- Export Important Chats: You can use the Export Chat feature for important conversations. This lets you send a copy of the chat history to an email address.
Remember, protecting your WhatsApp data is not just about recovery. It’s about ensuring you have the right measures in place to prevent loss in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are deleted WhatsApp messages gone forever?
No, deleted WhatsApp messages are not gone forever. You can recover them using different methods such as restoring from cloud backup (Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iPhone), using the local backup option available on Android devices, or using third-party recovery tools.
Can WhatsApp messages be traced after deleted?
Yes, but only if you’ve set up a backup before the messages were deleted. WhatsApp does not store messages on its servers once they are delivered, making recovery impossible unless a backup exists.
Where are deleted WhatsApp messages saved?
WhatsApp messages are saved in backups. If cloud backup is enabled, they are saved in Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iPhone.
Additionally, a local backup is created on Android devices. Some third-party tools can also recover messages directly from the device’s memory.
How far back can deleted WhatsApp messages be retrieved?
This depends on your backup settings. If daily backup is enabled, you can retrieve messages up to 7 days old. However, only the most recent backup is stored, so you cannot retrieve messages older than your last backup.
Conclusion
Lost WhatsApp messages are not gone forever. Multiple methods are available to recover those deleted texts, with options for Android and iOS users.
Whether it’s through cloud backup, local backup, or third-party recovery tools, rest assured that you’re not without options.
Don’t forget, prevention is always better than cure. Regularly backing up your chats and utilizing features such as ‘Star’ and ‘Export Chat’ can save you from the panic of losing your important messages.
With WhatsApp being such a critical communication tool, knowing how to protect and recover your data is essential. Stay informed, stay safe, and keep the conversation going!
Explore more on our blog for other fascinating insights and guides into the world of WhatsApp. Discover tips like how to call someone on WhatsApp when blocked or delve into the mechanics of WhatsApp online status.
