I accidentally deleted some important WhatsApp messages and I don’t have a backup. Is there any way to get them back? I’m really in need of those messages for work purposes. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Recovering deleted WhatsApp messages without a backup is definitely tricky but not impossible. There are a few approaches you can try that have helped some users in the past.
That’s great you realize the importance of what’s removed and you haven’t delayed. Let’s break this down into a few steps and methods.
Check Your Device Storage
Firstly, some of the deleted messages might still be on your device but not visible. When WhatsApp messages are deleted, they’re often only flagged for deletion and not immediately erased from storage. Although this isn’t a foolproof solution, it’s worth checking:
-
File Managers and System Folders: Some file managers can display hidden or system directories at
/WhatsApp/Databases/
or/Internal Storage/WhatsApp/Media/
. Look for.crypt12
files or older versions if you somehow didn’t make a backup manually. -
Notification Log (Android only): If you’re using Android, the notification log sometimes keeps a record of incoming messages, including WhatsApp. To check the notification log:
- Long press on your home screen
- Select “Widgets”
- Navigate to “Settings shortcut” > “Notification log”
- You can now check notifications that came in, though this only works for recent messages.
Data Recovery Software
If the basic methods don’t pan out, you might need to turn to specialized data recovery software. A robust tool in this category is Disk Drill
Data Recovery Software. I’ve seen many users get back lost data using tools like this.What Disk Drill does is sift through your device’s storage to find any tidbits that linger after a deletion event. Here’s how you can go about it:
-
Download and Install Disk Drill: Download Disk Drill and install it on your computer. It’s crucial to install it on a computer instead of your mobile device to prevent any data from being overwritten.
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Connect Your Device: Ensure that your phone is connected to your computer where Disk Drill can access its storage.
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Run a Scan: Launch Disk Drill and select the device connected. Start a scan which will search for recoverable data. This might take some time depending on the size of your storage and the amount of data.
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Recover Files: Browse through the recoverable files listed. Look for WhatsApp data that might have been flagged for deletion but still resides on your device.
Additional Considerations
Be mindful of the fact that time is an essential factor. The sooner you perform these actions, the higher the chances of successful recovery. The longer the delay, the more the device writes new data, possibly overwriting the previously deleted information.
Make sure you proceed with caution. Rooted devices might have a bit more flexibility, but it’s worth noting that rooting your device carries risks and could void warranties. However, non-rooted devices also have good chances if you follow the steps accurately.
Why Not Backup for The Future?
While this might not help you immediately, it’s always good practice to turn on WhatsApp’s built-in cloud backup feature to avoid situations like these in the future. Set it up to back up your messages to Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iPhone regularly, and ensure it’s doing so automatically.
-
On Android:
- Go to WhatsApp > Menu Button > Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Back up to Google Drive.
-
On iPhone:
- Navigate to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now or set up Auto Backup with iCloud.
In conclusion, while there isn’t a 100% guarantee method without prior backups, using a powerful recovery tool like Disk Drill could be your best bet. If you’re diligent and quick, you might be able to recover your important WhatsApp messages without undue hassle. Good luck!
I’ve read @byteguru’s take, and it’s mostly spot-on, but let me throw in my two cents.
You could also try to check if there’s a local backup saved on your device itself. WHatsApp usually keeps several local backups in your phone’s internal storage. IF you’re lucky, you might retrieve messages from one of these:
- Open
My Files
or any File Manager app. - Navigate to WhatsApp → Databases.
- If you see any files like
msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12
, these are your local backups.
Since byteguru already mentioned file manager and data recovery software, let’s dive into a few other options.
Disk Drill + Other Software
While Disk Drill is worth a shot, it’s not the only game in town. Tenorshare UltData and Dr.Fone are some alternatives if Disk Drill doesn’t cut it. Pros for Disk Drill: easy UI, extensive file recovery types. Cons: Premium features can get pricy.
Rooted Devices?
For Android users willing to take a risk, rooting your device gives you MUCH deeper access. Try apps like Undeleter or Dumpster for rooted devices. Just know that rooting can void warranties and may brick your phone if done wrong.
Professional Help
Another angle: contact a data recovery specialist. Yeah, pricy but sometimes DIY just isn’t enough and pros might pull off miracles when software can’t.
Prepare for next time
After all this, don’t forget to set up automatic backups. Takes a couple of minutes but saves future heartbreaks.
So, everyone, check local files first, consider alternatives to Disk Drill, and weigh rooting risks if all else fails. Time’s of the essence. An hour delay might make a difference!
@techchizkid and @byteguru have laid down some strong suggestions. I agree with checking local backups first and using data recovery software like Disk Drill. However, let’s explore some additional possibilities and angles.
SQL Database Method
If you’re familiar with SQL databases, you can try extracting information from WhatsApp’s database files. This is more technical but can be effective if you haven’t had luck with simpler methods. You’d need a SQLite browser to view these databases.
- Access databases: Open
My Files
or any File Manager app. - Navigate to Databases: Go to WhatsApp → Databases.
- Copy .crypt12 files to computer: Download DB Browser for SQLite and open your database file.
- Decrypt database: You might need tools or scripts to decrypt .crypt12 files – find one compatible with your encryption version.
Recovery Through WhatsApp Web
Sometimes, messages deleted on your phone might still be cached or retrievable from other WhatsApp clients like WhatsApp Web.
- Open WhatsApp Web: Link through your computer by scanning the QR code.
- Check Chat History: See if any of the messages appear here, especially older deleted messages that haven’t synced their status.
Under-The-Hood Tricks With iCloud (iPhone Specific)
For those using iPhones who haven’t found success in previous methods and are skeptical about using Disk Drill or Tenorshare, consider this workaround:
- Check iCloud Storage: Sometimes even if backups aren’t explicitly made, incremental syncing might store chats temporarily.
- Partial Restore: Restore a partially old iCloud backup but beware – this might risk overwriting current data.
Social Engineering (Collaboration with Other Participants)
Sometimes, reaching out to contacts from the deleted chats may help:
- Ask colleagues: If the conversation was crucial for work, perhaps someone else has the messages archived.
- Screenshot Sharing: Request a screen capture or forwarded chat from their thread.
Hardware Retrieval Techniques
If you’re comfortable taking a technical plunge:
- MicroSD Recovery: Sometimes data stored in external memory, like microSD cards, can be retrieved with tools specific to that media.
- Hardware Connectors: Connect your phone’s storage directly to a computer – more reliable but riskier and complex.
Non-Root Alternative Tools
Discussed above, Disk Drill is solid, and you can explore alternatives like MiniTool Mobile Recovery, which also works efficiently.
For more information on Disk Drill: https://www.cleverfiles.com
In the end, quick action is paramount. The longer you delay potentially recovering, the greater the chance of data overwrite. Also, remember, device rooting might void warranties but offers deeper recovery capabilities. Use trusted sources for all software and don’t skip regular backups moving forward.