WhatsApp deleted chats can be recovered only if a backup exists before the deletion occurred. Recovery depends entirely on pre-existing backups stored in iCloud (iOS) or Google Drive (Android). This guide provides platform-specific instructions for both restoration methods.
iOS Recovery Method
Step 1: Verify iCloud Backup Status
Open WhatsApp and navigate to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup. Check the Last Backup timestamp. If it shows a date/time before you deleted the chat, recovery is possible. If the backup was created after deletion, the deleted chat will not be in that backup.
Critical Requirements:
- Same Apple ID used for the original backup
- Same phone number registered to WhatsApp
- Sufficient iCloud storage available (check in iPhone Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud)
- Stable Wi-Fi connection for restoration
Step 2: Document Important Information
Before proceeding, note down:
- Your registered phone number
- The exact backup date and time
- Your Apple ID email address
Step 3: Uninstall WhatsApp
Press and hold the WhatsApp icon on your home screen until it jiggles, then tap the × (or − on newer iOS versions). Select Delete App and confirm by tapping Delete. This completely removes WhatsApp from your device but does not delete iCloud backups.
Warning: Do not delete chats individually before uninstalling. Uninstalling with chats intact ensures you can restore everything from backup.
Step 4: Reinstall WhatsApp from App Store
Open the App Store, search for “WhatsApp Messenger,” and tap Get to download and install. Wait for installation to complete.
Step 5: Restore Chat History
Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. WhatsApp will automatically detect your iCloud backup and display: Backup Found – [Date] at [Time]
.
Tap Restore Chat History. The restoration process typically takes 5-30 minutes depending on backup size. Do not close the app or turn off your phone during this process. Once complete, you’ll see your chats exactly as they were at the backup timestamp.
Troubleshooting: If no backup is detected, verify you’re signed into the correct Apple ID in Settings → [Your Name]. Also confirm iCloud Drive is enabled in Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Drive.
Android Recovery Method
Step 1: Verify Google Drive Backup Status
Open WhatsApp and go to Settings (three dots in top-right) → Chats → Chat backup. Check the Last backup timestamp. Confirm you’re signed into the correct Google account by tapping Google Account in this menu.
Critical Requirements:
- Same Google account used for the original backup
- Same phone number registered to WhatsApp
- Google Play Services installed and updated
- Sufficient Google Drive storage (backups don’t count toward the 15GB free tier, but you need space for the restore process)
Step 2: Check Local Backup Files (Advanced Option)
Android stores local backups in /sdcard/Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Databases/ or /Internal Storage/WhatsApp/Databases/. These files are named msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt15 with the most recent being msgstore.db.crypt15.
If you have a file manager app (like Files by Google or Solid Explorer), you can verify these exist. They serve as a secondary recovery option if Google Drive backup fails.
Step 3: Uninstall WhatsApp
Open Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Uninstall. Confirm deletion. This removes the app but preserves local backup files in storage.
Important: Do not clear app data before uninstalling, as this deletes local backups.
Step 4: Reinstall WhatsApp from Google Play Store
Open Google Play Store, search for “WhatsApp,” and tap Install. Wait for installation to complete before opening.
Step 5: Restore from Google Drive
Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. When prompted, tap Restore to restore from Google Drive backup. The app will download your backup and restore messages. This process can take 10-45 minutes for large backups.
After restoration completes, tap Next and your chats will load with all messages up to the backup date.
Step 6: Alternative – Restore from Local Backup (If Google Drive Fails)
If Google Drive restoration doesn’t work or the backup is too recent, you can use an older local backup:
- Uninstall WhatsApp again
- Use a file manager to navigate to
/Internal Storage/WhatsApp/Databases/ - Find the backup file dated before your deletion (e.g.,
msgstore-2026-02-05.1.db.crypt15) - Rename the current
msgstore.db.crypt15tomsgstore-backup.db.crypt15 - Rename your chosen older backup to
msgstore.db.crypt15 - Reinstall WhatsApp and skip the Google Drive restore when prompted
- WhatsApp will automatically detect and restore from the renamed local file
Technical Note: The .crypt15 extension indicates WhatsApp’s encryption format. Older backups may use .crypt14 or .crypt12. All versions are compatible with current WhatsApp.
Prevention: Enable Automatic Backups
For iOS: In settings, go to Chats → Chat Backup and set Auto Backup to Daily. Enable Include Videos if you want media backed up (requires more iCloud storage).
For Android: Go to Settings → Chats → Chat backup and tap Back up to Google Drive, then select Daily. Choose whether to include videos and select Only when connected to Wi-Fi to avoid mobile data charges.
Important Limitations
- No Backup = No Recovery: WhatsApp does not store messages on its servers. Without a backup, messages cannot be recovered.
- Backup Timing: You can only restore messages that existed when the backup was created. Anything deleted before the last backup is unrecoverable.
- Third-Party Tools: Avoid apps claiming to recover WhatsApp messages without backups. These often require root/jailbreak access, violate WhatsApp’s terms of service, and pose security risks. The official backup method is the only secure recovery option, as confirmed in the WhatsApp Help Center.
- Cross-Platform Transfers: Backups are not transferable between iOS and Android without using WhatsApp’s official Move Chats to Android/iOS feature found in settings.
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