How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages

November 4, 2025

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging platforms used worldwide for personal and professional communication. However, accidentally deleting important chats, photos, or documents can be frustrating especially when those messages contain vital information.

There are several effective methods to recover deleted WhatsApp messages on both Android and iPhone devices. WhatsApp’s built-in backup feature, Google Drive, and iCloud backups make it possible to restore lost data easily. Even if you don’t have a recent backup, third-party recovery tools and local storage files can sometimes help retrieve deleted messages.

Understanding WhatsApp Message Deletion and Backup

When you delete a WhatsApp message, it disappears from your chat interface, but it may still exist in your phone’s backup files. WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your settings. These backups can be stored locally on your device or in the cloud.

On Android, backups are usually saved to Google Drive and the device’s internal storage. On iPhones, WhatsApp uses iCloud for backup storage. Knowing where your data is stored is the first step in learning how to recover deleted WhatsApp messages.

Method 1: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages Using Google Drive (Android)

If your WhatsApp is linked to Google Drive, recovering deleted messages becomes simple. Follow these steps to restore your chat history:

Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
Verify your phone number using the same number used previously.
Once WhatsApp detects a backup in Google Drive, it will prompt you to Restore.
Tap Restore to recover deleted WhatsApp messages from your most recent backup.

After the restoration completes, all your chats, media, and documents will reappear as they were during your last backup. Keep in mind that any messages received after the last backup and before deletion won’t be recoverable using this method.

Method 2: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages Using Local Backup (Android)

If you don’t have a Google Drive backup, you can restore deleted WhatsApp messages using a local backup. WhatsApp automatically saves chat backups on your phone every night at 2 AM.

Here’s how you can access and restore them:

Open your File Manager app.
Navigate to Internal Storage → WhatsApp → Databases.
You’ll find files named like msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt14.
Rename the backup file you want to restore to msgstore.db.crypt14.
Uninstall WhatsApp.
Reinstall WhatsApp and verify your number.
Tap Restore when prompted.

This method is useful if your Google Drive backup doesn’t include the deleted messages but your local storage does.

Method 3: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages Using iCloud (iPhone)

If you’re an iPhone user, WhatsApp uses iCloud for backups. To recover deleted messages from iCloud:

Open WhatsApp and go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.
Check if a backup exists and note the date and time.
If a recent backup includes your deleted messages, uninstall WhatsApp.
Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
Verify your phone number.
Tap Restore Chat History when prompted.

Once the process is complete, your deleted chats will be restored from the iCloud backup.

Method 4: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages Without Backup

Sometimes, users forget to enable WhatsApp backups. In that case, recovering deleted messages becomes more challenging but still possible through specialized recovery tools.

Some reliable recovery tools for Android and iPhone include:

Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (Android/iOS)
Tenorshare UltData
iMyFone D-Back
EaseUS MobiSaver

To use these tools:

Install the software on your computer.
Connect your phone using a USB cable.
Allow the tool to scan your device for deleted WhatsApp messages.
Preview and select the messages you want to recover.
Save the recovered data to your computer or directly restore it to your phone.

While these tools can recover deleted WhatsApp messages, it’s important to use only trusted and secure software to protect your data and privacy.

Method 5: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Media Files

If you deleted WhatsApp photos, videos, or documents but not the chat itself, you can often retrieve these files from your phone’s storage or cloud backup.

For Android:

Open your File Manager.
Go to Internal Storage → WhatsApp → Media.
Check folders such as “WhatsApp Images” or “WhatsApp Videos.”

For iPhone:

Check your Photos app and Files app for media saved before deletion.
If you back up with iCloud, media may still be retrievable from iCloud Drive.

Method 6: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages from a Secondary Device

If you recently switched devices, you can recover deleted WhatsApp messages by transferring your backup from your old device.

For Android users:

Copy the WhatsApp/Databases folder from the old phone.
Paste it into the same location on the new device.
Install WhatsApp and choose Restore when prompted.

For iPhone users:

Make sure your iCloud backup on the old device is up to date.
Set up WhatsApp on the new device using the same Apple ID and phone number.
Choose Restore Chat History during setup.

Preventing Future Data Loss

Losing important WhatsApp messages can be stressful, but you can avoid it by enabling automatic backups. Regular backups ensure your data stays safe even if your phone is lost, damaged, or reset.

For Android Users:

Open WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.
Set Google Drive Backup Frequency to Daily.
Select your Google account and enable “Include Videos” if needed.

For iPhone Users:

Go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.
Turn on Auto Backup and choose your preferred frequency.

Additionally, keep your phone’s storage clean and ensure enough space for regular backups.

Common Issues During Recovery

While recovering deleted WhatsApp messages is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues:

Backup Not Detected:
- Ensure you’re using the same phone number and Google/iCloud account as before.
Old Backup Restores Instead of Recent One:
- Check your backup settings and dates. Older backups may overwrite newer messages.
Media Not Restored:
- Verify that media restoration is enabled and that there’s enough space on your phone.
Encrypted Backup Errors:
- Ensure your WhatsApp is updated to the latest version, and never rename or modify backup files unnecessarily.

Best Practices for Safe Recovery

Always verify backup frequency and storage locations.
Avoid third-party apps that ask for excessive permissions or personal data.
Keep your WhatsApp updated for the latest recovery and security features.
Use cloud backups instead of relying solely on local storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover WhatsApp messages after uninstalling the app?

Yes, if a recent backup exists on Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone), reinstalling WhatsApp and restoring the backup will recover your messages. Without a backup, recovery tools may still help.

Where are WhatsApp backups stored on Android devices?

WhatsApp backups are stored in your Google Drive account (cloud backup) and in the WhatsApp/Databases folder in your phone’s internal storage (local backup).

Can I recover deleted WhatsApp photos and videos?

Yes. Media files are often saved separately in your device’s storage under WhatsApp → Media. You can also restore them from a cloud backup or recovery tool.

What happens if I restore an old backup?

Restoring an old backup will bring back older messages, but any newer messages received after that backup date will be lost. Always check the date before restoring.

How often should I back up WhatsApp chats?

It’s best to set WhatsApp to daily automatic backup to avoid losing recent messages. You can customize backup frequency under Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.

Can I recover deleted messages from someone else’s WhatsApp?

No. WhatsApp backups are linked to a specific phone number and account. You can only recover messages from your own verified number and backup files.

Are third-party WhatsApp recovery tools safe to use?

Use only reputable recovery tools from trusted developers. Avoid apps that ask for unnecessary permissions or require access to your WhatsApp account credentials.

Conclusion

Learning how to recover deleted WhatsApp messages can save you from losing valuable conversations and data. Whether you use Google Drive, iCloud, or local backups, WhatsApp provides multiple secure methods to restore deleted messages effortlessly. Even without backups, professional recovery tools can often retrieve lost data safely.

To prevent future issues, make it a habit to enable automatic daily backups and regularly check your backup settings. With these proactive steps, you can ensure your chats, photos, and documents remain protected at all times.