How do I restore deleted WhatsApp messages?

Applies to: WhatsApp Messenger (Android, iOS)
Last updated: September 2025

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Problem

You accidentally deleted important WhatsApp messages or entire chats and want to recover them.

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Solution

WhatsApp provides recovery options using local backups (Android), Google Drive (Android), and iCloud (iPhone). Recovery is only possible if backups were enabled before the messages were deleted.

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Step-by-step Instructions

Method 1: Restore from Google Drive (Android)

1. Uninstall WhatsApp from your phone.
2. Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
3. Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
4. When prompted, tap Restore from Google Drive backup.
5. Wait for the process to complete. Your chats and media will be restored.

Method 2: Restore from iCloud (iPhone)

1. Delete WhatsApp from your iPhone.
2. Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
3. Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
4. Tap Restore Chat History when prompted.
5. Wait for the backup to download and apply.

Method 3: Restore from local backup (Android only)

1. Open your phone’s File Manager.
2. Navigate to: Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases.
3. Find the most recent backup file (msgstore.db.crypt12).
   • To restore an older backup, rename it to msgstore.db.crypt12.
4. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
5. During setup, choose Restore when prompted.

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Optional Methods or Tools

• Third-party recovery tools (e.g., Dr.Fone, iMyFone) may work if no backup is available, but results are not guaranteed and may require payment.
• If your messages were very recent, ask the sender to re-send them.

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Best Practices / Tips

• Enable automatic cloud backups in WhatsApp:
  • Android: Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back up to Google Drive.
  • iPhone: Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Auto Backup (iCloud).
• Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi before restoring large backups.
• Note: Deleted messages can only be restored if they were included in a backup.