The Ultimate Guide to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages without Backup [2024]

15 Min Read

Written by

Raneya Selina

Published on

April 18, 2023

Accidentally deleting important WhatsApp messages can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you don’t have a backup. Knowing how to recover deleted WhatsApp messages without backup is essential to avoid losing crucial conversations, whether they’re cherished memories, vital business discussions, or essential information. This comprehensive guide will explore various methods to help you retrieve your deleted messages on Android and iPhone devices.

This blog will cover all possible solutions, from utilizing local backups and Google Drive to leveraging iCloud and third-party software. You’ll gain step-by-step instructions, insights into practical recovery tools, and tips for specific scenarios like recovering from one contact or retrieving messages from a year ago. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any message recovery situation without needing a backup.

How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android without Backup

Losing WhatsApp messages on your Android device can be distressing, especially when you realize there’s no backup available. Fortunately, there are several methods to recover deleted WhatsApp messages without backup. This section will explore all possible ways, including third-party software, to help you retrieve your lost messages.

Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages without Backup via Local Backup

One of the simplest methods to recover deleted WhatsApp messages on Android is through local backups. Android devices automatically create local backups of WhatsApp messages daily at 2 AM and save them to your phone’s internal storage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using this feature:

1. Open File Manager

Start by opening the file manager app on your Android device. This app allows you to browse all the files and folders stored on your phone.

2. Navigate to the Internal Storage

Once in the file manager, navigate to your device’s internal storage. By default, this is where your WhatsApp data is stored.

3. Launch WhatsApp Folder

Inside the internal storage, locate and open the WhatsApp folder. This folder contains all the data related to your WhatsApp account.

3. Click on Database

You will find a subfolder in the WhatsApp folder named “Databases.” Click on this folder to access the backup files.

4. Locate Backup Files

In the Databases folder, you will see several files named in the format msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12. These files are your local backups, created automatically by WhatsApp.

5. Rename the Backup File

Choose a backup file from a date before the messages were deleted. Rename this file from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12. This step ensures that WhatsApp will recognize this file as the primary backup during restoration.

6. Uninstall WhatsApp

Next, you need to uninstall WhatsApp from your device. This can be done by going to your device’s settings, selecting “Apps,” finding WhatsApp, and then selecting “Uninstall.”

7. Reinstall WhatsApp

Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store. Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

8. Restore Backup Messages

Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. WhatsApp will detect the local backup file you renamed earlier during the setup process and prompt you to restore your messages. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration.

Following these steps, you can recover your deleted WhatsApp messages using local backups.

Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages without Backup via Google Drive

Another method involves using Google Drive for message recovery. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open WhatsApp Application

Start by launching the WhatsApp application on your Android device.

2. Click on the Three Dots

In the top right corner of the WhatsApp home screen, click on the three vertical dots to open the menu.

3. Navigate to the Settings

From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.” This will take you to the WhatsApp main settings page.

4. Choose Chat Option

In the settings menu, tap “Chats” to access chat-related settings.

5. Press on Chat Backup Option to Backup WhatsApp Chat

Within the Chats menu, select “Chat backup.” Here, you can see the details of your last backup and options to back up your chats.

6. Uninstall WhatsApp from Device

Once the backup process is complete, uninstall WhatsApp from your device. You can do this by going to your device’s settings, selecting “Apps,” finding WhatsApp, and then choosing “Uninstall.”

7. Again Install It

Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store. Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

8. Tap on the “Restore” Option

Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. WhatsApp will detect the Google Drive backup you created earlier during the setup process and prompt you to restore your messages. Tap the “Restore” option to retrieve your chats and media from Google Drive.

Following these steps, you can recover your deleted WhatsApp messages using a newly created Google Drive backup.

How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone without Backup

Losing essential WhatsApp messages on your iPhone without having a backup can be particularly stressful. However, there are several methods you can use to recover these messages. This section will explore all possible ways to help you retrieve your lost messages effectively, including third-party software.

Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone Using iCloud

One of the most effective ways to recover deleted WhatsApp messages on an iPhone is iCloud. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

1. Open WhatsApp

Launch the WhatsApp application on your iPhone.

2. Go to Settings

Tap the “Settings” icon at the screen’s bottom right corner.

3. Navigate to Chats

In the Settings menu, select “Chats.”

4. Choose Chat Backup

Tap on “Chat Backup” to view your backup options.

5. Uninstall WhatsApp

Delete the WhatsApp application from your iPhone.

6. Reinstall WhatsApp

Download and reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.

7. Verify Your Number

Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.

8. Restore Chat History

When prompted, tap “Restore Chat History” to recover your messages from the iCloud backup.

By following these steps, you can recover your deleted WhatsApp messages using iCloud.

How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android without Backup using Third-Party Software

Third-party software can be a lifesaver when traditional methods fail to recover deleted WhatsApp messages on your Android device. These tools are specifically designed to scan your device for deleted data and restore it efficiently. While many options are available, choosing reliable and reputable software is essential to ensure the best results. This section will discuss some popular third-party software options that can help you recover your deleted WhatsApp messages without a backup.

1. Dr.Fone

One of the most well-known tools in this category is Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (Android). Dr.Fone offers a comprehensive solution for recovering deleted WhatsApp messages, photos, videos, and other data types. The software is user-friendly, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy. With support for a wide range of Android devices, Dr.Fone is a versatile option for anyone recovering lost data.

2. Tenorshare UltData

Another excellent tool is Tenorshare UltData for Android. This software is highly effective in recovering deleted messages without requiring a backup. Tenorshare UltData supports various Android devices and provides a simple interface that guides users through the recovery process step-by-step. It’s a reliable choice for those who need a quick and efficient recovery solution.

3. EaseUS MobiSaver

EaseUS MobiSaver for Android is also a popular choice among users. EaseUS MobiSaver offers a comprehensive recovery solution for WhatsApp messages, contacts, photos, videos, and more. The software is known for its ease of use and efficiency, making it an excellent option for those who want a hassle-free recovery experience.

Using these third-party software options, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted WhatsApp messages on your Android device without a backup. Each tool provides unique features tailored to help you retrieve your lost data effectively.

How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone without Backup using Third-Party Software

Losing WhatsApp messages on your iPhone without a backup can be disheartening. However, like with Android devices, several reliable third-party software options can help you recover these lost messages. These tools are designed to scan your iPhone for deleted data and restore it efficiently. Here, we will discuss some of the popular third-party software solutions that can assist you in recovering your deleted WhatsApp messages without a backup.

1. Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS)

One of the most trusted tools for this purpose is Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS). Dr.Fone provides a robust solution for recovering deleted WhatsApp messages, photos, videos, and more. The software is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. Dr.Fone supports a wide range of iOS devices, offering a versatile option for anyone needing data recovery.

2. Tenorshare UltData for iOS

Another excellent choice is Tenorshare UltData for iOS. Tenorshare UltData is highly effective at recovering deleted messages without requiring a backup. It supports various iOS devices and offers a straightforward interface that guides users through the recovery process step-by-step. This tool is mainly known for its reliability and efficiency, making it a popular choice among users.

3. EaseUS MobiSave (iOS)

EaseUS MobiSaver for iOS is also a top contender in the data recovery space. It offers a comprehensive solution for recovering WhatsApp messages, contacts, photos, videos, and other data types. The software is renowned for its ease of use and effectiveness, providing a seamless recovery experience for users.

Using these third-party software options, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted WhatsApp messages on your iPhone without a backup. Each tool offers unique features and capabilities to help you retrieve your lost data effectively.

How to Restore Deleted WhatsApp Messages of One Contact

Restoring deleted WhatsApp messages from a single contact can be particularly challenging, but it is possible with the correct methods and tools. Whether it’s crucial business conversations or cherished personal messages, targeting the recovery of messages from a specific contact requires a focused approach. This section will explore methods and tools to help you effectively retrieve messages from one contact.

Method 1: Using WhatsApp Chat Export Feature

The simplest way to ensure you have a copy of messages from a single contact is by regularly exporting the chat. While this method won’t recover deleted messages, it can prevent future losses.

1. Open WhatsApp

Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.

2. Navigate to the Chat

Open the chat with the contact whose messages you want to back up.

3. Click on the Three Dots

Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner to open the menu.

4. Select More

From the dropdown menu, select “More.”

5. Choose Export Chat

Tap on “Export Chat” and choose whether to include media files or not.

6. Save the Chat

Select an option to save the chat, such as email or cloud storage.

This method ensures you regularly back up meaningful conversations with specific contacts.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Software

Third-party software can be very effective when recovering deleted messages from a specific contact. These tools are designed to scan your device for deleted data and allow you to filter results by contact. Here are some popular options:

1. Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS/Android)

Dr.Fone allows you to recover deleted messages from specific contacts. By scanning your device, it can locate and restore messages that were deleted. You can filter the recovered messages by contact to find the ones you need.

2. Tenorshare UltData (iOS/Android)

Tenorshare UltData offers a feature to recover deleted messages from specific contacts. It scans and organizes your device for deleted data, allowing you to quickly find messages from a particular contact.

3. EaseUS MobiSaver (iOS/Android)

EaseUS MobiSaver is another reliable tool that supports targeted recovery. It can scan your device and recover messages from a specific contact, making the process efficient and straightforward.

Method 3: Utilizing Local Backups

If you have a local backup of your WhatsApp data, you can restore messages from a specific contact by following these steps:

1. Launch File Manager

Open the file manager application on your Android device. This app allows you to browse all the files and folders stored on your phone.

2. Press Internal Storage

Navigate to the internal storage of your device. This is where your WhatsApp data is stored by default.

3. Click on the Storage

Once in the internal storage, locate the folder named “WhatsApp.” This folder contains all the data related to your WhatsApp account.

4. Choose WhatsApp Database

You will find a subfolder in the WhatsApp folder named “Databases.” Click on this folder to access the backup files. In this folder, you will see several files named in the format msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12.

5. Identify the Appropriate Backup File

Look for a backup file from a date before the messages with the specific contact were deleted. Once you identify the correct file, rename it from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12. This step ensures that WhatsApp will recognize this file as the primary backup during restoration.

6. Uninstall WhatsApp

Next, uninstall WhatsApp from your device. You can do this by going to your device’s settings, selecting “Apps”, finding WhatsApp, and then choosing “Uninstall”.

7. Reinstall WhatsApp

Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store. Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

8. Restore WhatsApp Messages

Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. WhatsApp will detect the local backup file you renamed earlier during the setup process and prompt you to restore your messages. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration. After the restoration, search for the specific contact to find the messages that have been recovered.

Following these steps, you can restore deleted WhatsApp messages from a single contact using local backups. This method ensures you can retrieve essential conversations without needing a previous cloud backup.

How to Recover 1-Year-Old WhatsApp Messages without Backup

Recovering WhatsApp messages deleted a year ago can be challenging, especially without a backup. However, it is still possible with the help of specific tools and methods designed to retrieve long-lost data. This section will explore various techniques and tools that can help you recover old WhatsApp messages without a backup.

Method 1: Using Third-Party Software

Several third-party software tools are designed to recover old WhatsApp messages. These tools can scan your device for deleted data and help you retrieve messages from long ago. Here are three popular options:

1. Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS/Android)

Dr.Fone is a powerful tool for recovering deleted WhatsApp messages, even those deleted long ago. It supports both iOS and Android devices and provides a user-friendly interface. You can scan your device, preview the recoverable messages, and restore them selectively.

2. Tenorshare UltData (iOS/Android)

Tenorshare UltData is another reliable software that can recover old WhatsApp messages. It works by scanning your device’s internal storage for deleted messages and other data. The software supports various file types and provides detailed recovery options.

3. EaseUS MobiSaver (iOS/Android)

EaseUS MobiSaver is known for its efficiency in recovering old WhatsApp messages. It supports iOS and Android devices and offers a step-by-step recovery process. The software can recover messages, contacts, photos, and more, making it a comprehensive solution for data recovery.

Method 2: Utilizing Local Backups

If you have an older local backup stored on your device, you can use it to recover messages from a year ago. Follow these steps:

1. Open File Manager

Start by opening the file manager app on your device.

2. Navigate to Internal Storage

Go to the internal storage of your device.

3. Locate the WhatsApp Folder

Find and open the “WhatsApp” folder.

4. Open the Databases Folder

Inside the WhatsApp folder, open the “Databases” folder. Here, you will find backup files named in the format msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12.

5. Identify the Older Backup

Look for a backup file from a date around a year ago.

6. Rename the Backup File

Rename the selected backup file to msgstore.db.crypt12.

7. Uninstall WhatsApp

Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.

8. Reinstall WhatsApp

Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store or App Store.

9. Restore Messages

Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. Follow the prompts to restore messages from the local backup.

Method 3: Contacting WhatsApp Support

As a last resort, you can contact WhatsApp support for assistance. While they might not always be able to help, explaining your situation and providing details about the lost messages could lead to a solution. Here’s how you can contact WhatsApp support:

1. Open WhatsApp

Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.

2. Go to Settings

Tap on the “Settings” icon.

3. Select Help

Choose the “Help” option.

4. Contact Us

Tap on ” Help Center” and describe your issue in detail.

Using these methods and tools, you can increase your chances of recovering WhatsApp messages deleted a year ago without a backup.

Conclusion

Accidentally losing WhatsApp messages without a backup can be stressful, but this guide provides practical solutions for both Android and iPhone users. We explored methods such as local backups, Google Drive for Android, and iCloud for iPhone. Third-party software like Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData, and EaseUS MobiSaver were recommended for both platforms to increase recovery chances. Additionally, we provided steps to recover messages from a single contact and older messages, even those deleted a year ago. Following these methods, you can recover your deleted WhatsApp messages without a prior backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can recover deleted WhatsApp messages without a backup by using third-party software like Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData, or EaseUS MobiSaver. These tools can scan your device for deleted data and help you retrieve lost messages.

Permanently deleted WhatsApp messages can often be recovered using specialized data recovery tools like Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData, or EaseUS MobiSaver. These tools are designed to scan your device's storage and recover deleted messages, even if they were not backed up.

Yes, you can recover WhatsApp messages that you deleted by yourself using third-party recovery tools or by restoring from a local backup if one exists. The recovery process involves scanning your device for deleted data and restoring the messages.

WhatsApp messages are not necessarily deleted forever. If you have a backup (local or cloud) or use third-party recovery tools, you can often retrieve deleted messages. However, if the storage space has been overwritten, recovery may be more difficult.

To view deleted messages in WhatsApp, you can restore a backup from before the messages were deleted or use third-party software to recover and display the deleted messages. Additionally, certain apps can notify you of deleted messages in real-time.

Yes, deleted WhatsApp chats can be recovered using local backups, cloud backups (Google Drive or iCloud), or third-party recovery tools. The success of recovery depends on how soon after deletion you attempt the recovery and whether the data has been overwritten.

To restore deleted WhatsApp messages without a backup, you can use third-party recovery tools like Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData, or EaseUS MobiSaver. These tools scan your device for deleted data and help you retrieve lost messages.

 

You cannot directly restore a WhatsApp backup without uninstalling the app. WhatsApp requires reinstallation to restore from a backup. However, you can manually back up chats before uninstalling and then restore them during reinstallation.

To recover permanently deleted WhatsApp messages, use third-party recovery tools like Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData, or EaseUS MobiSaver. These tools can scan your device's storage for deleted data and help you recover lost messages.

Recovering 4-year-old WhatsApp messages without a backup is challenging but may be possible with advanced third-party recovery tools like Dr.Fone, Tenorshare UltData, or EaseUS MobiSaver. These tools can scan for deeply buried data, though success rates vary depending on data retention and device usage.

About Author

Raneya Selina

Raneya Selina

Content Marketing Strategist at Chatbot.team

Raneya is a skilled Content Writer with over two years of experience in customer experience. At Chatbot.team, she crafts insightful case studies and analyzes customer data to develop impactful strategies.

Know more about Raneya Selina

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