If you didn’t backup your WhatsApp messages and lost access to them, there are a few options you can try to restore your chats and media. The best way is to restore from your latest WhatsApp backup if you have one. However, if you don’t have a backup, you may be able to recover deleted WhatsApp messages from your phone’s internal storage or SD card. There are also a few third-party apps that claim to restore WhatsApp data without a backup. While risky, they may work as a last resort if you’ve lost irreplaceable WhatsApp data.
Check for WhatsApp Backups
Before trying other recovery methods, check to see if WhatsApp created any automatic backups you can restore from. WhatsApp backs up your messages and media to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS) by default. Here’s how to check for backups on each platform:
Android
- Open WhatsApp and tap the three-dot menu in the top-right.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
- Look under “Back up to Google Drive.” If there’s a date, tap it to view available backups.
- Tap “Restore” to restore that backup.
iPhone
- Open WhatsApp and tap Settings.
- Tap Chats > Chat Backup.
- Under “Back Up to iCloud,” look for the most recent backup date.
- Tap that backup, then tap “Restore” to restore it.
If you see backup dates, you’re in luck! Just restore the most recent backup and you should get your WhatsApp data back. Backups may not happen daily, so restore a recent one even if it’s not the most recent.
Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages from Phone Storage
If you don’t have any WhatsApp backups to restore, your next option is trying to recover deleted messages and files directly from your phone’s storage or SD card. When you delete WhatsApp messages, the app doesn’t immediately remove them from your device. The data stays in storage for a while until being overwritten by new data.
If you act quickly, you can use Android or iPhone data recovery software to scan your phone storage and restore deleted WhatsApp messages that haven’t been overwritten yet. Here are the basic steps:
Android Data Recovery
- Download and install a data recovery app like DiskDigger or EaseUS on your Android device.
- Allow the app to scan your internal storage and SD card.
- Preview found files and select the WhatsApp messages and media you want to recover.
- Recover the selected WhatsApp data to your device storage or SD card.
iPhone Data Recovery
- Download iPhone data recovery software like EaseUS MobiSaver to your computer.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch the software.
- Scan your iPhone for deleted WhatsApp files that can be recovered.
- Preview found data and select the messages and files to restore.
- Recover the data to your computer or back to the iPhone.
The key is to not overwrite the deleted data you want to recover by adding new files and apps to your phone. Avoid using your device until you can run a data recovery scan. This gives you the best chance of getting back deleted WhatsApp messages and media.
Extract WhatsApp Messages from Local Databases
Another way to retrieve deleted WhatsApp data is to directly access the app’s local databases on your phone and extract messages from there. WhatsApp stores your conversations in encrypted databases named msgstore.db.crypt12 (iOS) or msgstore.db.crypt14 (Android).
You need root (Android) or a jailbreak (iPhone) to access these databases. Then you can copy them from your phone to a computer and use parsing tools like SQLite Database Browser to open them and view messages. This method is complex and risks damaging your databases if not done properly.
Access WhatsApp Database on iPhone
- Jailbreak your iPhone using Unc0ver or checkra1n.
- Install file browser like Filza to access root directories.
- Navigate to /private/var/mobile/Containers/Shared/AppGroup/*/chat.sqlite* to find database.
- Copy msgstore.db.crypt12 file to your computer.
- Use SQLite browser to open the database read-only and browse messages.
Access WhatsApp Database on Android
- Root your Android device using Magisk or SuperSU.
- Install a file manager with root access like Amaze File Manager.
- Navigate to /data/data/com.whatsapp/databases to find the crypt14 file.
- Copy the msgstore.db.crypt14 file to your computer.
- Use SQLite Database Browser to open the database read-only.
While risky, this method lets you directly access deleted WhatsApp messages as long as they still exist in your databases. Make sure to only open the databases read-only to avoid data corruption.
Use WhatsApp Message Recovery Apps
If the above options don’t work, your last resort may be to try one of several apps that claim to restore WhatsApp data without a backup. These include tools like Yomatech WhatsApp Recovery, UltData – WhatsApp Recovery, and Fonelab WhatsApp Recovery.
Many work by scanning your phone’s storage or connected cloud drive for WhatsApp file residue that can be reconstructed into messages. Others claim they can extract messages directly from the app’s databases. Some notable apps to try include:
| App | Supported Platform | Recovery Method |
|---|---|---|
| Yomatech WhatsApp Recovery | Android, iPhone | Scans phone and cloud storage for WhatsApp file residue |
| UltData – WhatsApp Recovery | iPhone | Direct WhatsApp database access (requires jailbreak) |
| Fonelab WhatsApp Recovery | Android, iPhone | Scans local storage and iCloud/Google Drive |
The effectiveness of these apps varies, so shop around for the best rated ones. Make sure to only download apps from reputable developers. Also be cautious of free trial versions that require paid upgrades to fully restore data.
Risks and Warnings
While appealing, directly accessing WhatsApp databases or using third-party recovery apps has serious risks:
- Modifying WhatsApp databases directly can cause corruption.
- Unreputable apps may steal your data instead of recovering it.
- Apps that require root or jailbreak access open security holes.
- Recovered messages may be incomplete or out of order.
Only use these methods as a last resort when backups and phone data recovery fails. Thoroughly research apps and only use trustworthy ones with good reviews. Proceed carefully!
Prevent Future WhatsApp Data Loss
To avoid this situation in the future, be sure to regularly backup your WhatsApp messages. Here are some tips:
- Enable auto-backup to Google Drive or iCloud so backups happen automatically.
- Manually back up to local storage for another layer of protection.
- Back up important media like photos outside WhatsApp to cloud storage or a computer.
- Export very important chat history to PDF to retain copies.
- Avoid deleting messages and media if possible until backed up.
Regular backups give you peace of mind if you ever lose access to WhatsApp. Back up at least weekly, especially before updating software or making device changes.
Third-Party Backup Tools
For more flexibility, consider using third-party tools like:
- WhatsApp+: Adds local chat backups and export options to WhatsApp.
- SMS Backup & Restore: Backs up WhatsApp chats along with text messages.
- Wondershare MobileGo: Provides phone-to-PC WhatsApp message transfer and backup.
These give you more ways to get WhatsApp data off your phone for safekeeping. Set reminders to do regular backups so you never lose your chat history again.
Contact WhatsApp Support
If all else fails, contact WhatsApp support for help recovering your account and messages. Reach out to WhatsApp via:
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: @WhatsApp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsApp/
- Webform: https://www.whatsapp.com/contact/?subject=Lost/Stolen+Phone
WhatsApp may be able to help restore your account and messages on a new device, especially if you lost access due to a lost or stolen phone. Have your phone number ready along with any other details about your case. Don’t forget to enable backups once your account is restored!
Conclusion
Losing WhatsApp messages can be frustrating, especially when irreplaceable photos, videos, and conversations are gone. Fortunately, there are ways to try recovering WhatsApp data even without a backup.
Check for backups first, then use phone data recovery software to extract deleted files from storage before they’re overwritten. You can also try accessing the WhatsApp databases directly using technical methods. As a last resort, specialized third-party apps may help, but carry risks.
Moving forward, be sure to create regular WhatsApp backups to prevent this situation. Enable auto-backup, do manual backups, and use tools that give you more flexibility like scheduled backups and chat exports. With caution and the right tools, you can get your precious WhatsApp messages back.