How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages without Backup: A Complete Guide [2024]

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 stressful, especially if you don’t have a backup. Fortunately, several methods can help you recover deleted WhatsApp messages without a backup. This guide explores all the possible solutions, including local backups, Google Drive and third-party software, to retrieve your lost messages.

Method 1: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android without Backup using Local Backup

One of the easiest ways to recover deleted WhatsApp messages on Android is through local backups. Android devices automatically save local backups of WhatsApp messages daily at 2 AM in your internal storage. Here’s how to use this feature:

Open File Manager

Launch the file manager app on your Android device to browse through your phone’s storage.

Navigate to Internal Storage

Go to your device’s “Internal Storage,” where WhatsApp stores its data by default.

Open WhatsApp Folder

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

Access the Database Folder

In the WhatsApp folder, you’ll find a subfolder named “Databases.” Open it to view your local backup files.

Locate Backup Files

Backup files are named in the format msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12. These are daily backups created by WhatsApp.

Rename the Backup File

Choose a backup file from a date before the messages were deleted. Rename it from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12 to make it the primary backup.

Uninstall WhatsApp

Go to your device’s settings, select “Apps,” find WhatsApp, and uninstall the app.

Reinstall WhatsApp

Download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.

Restore Backup Messages

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

By following these steps, you can recover deleted WhatsApp messages on Android using local backups without the need for a cloud backup.

Method 2: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android without Backup using Google Drive

If you’ve previously set up Google Drive backups, you can recover your deleted WhatsApp messages through this method:

Open WhatsApp Application

Launch WhatsApp on your Android device.

Click on the Three Dots

Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the WhatsApp home screen to open the menu.

Navigate to Settings

From the dropdown menu, choose “Settings.”

Select Chats

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

Select Chat Backup

Within the Chats menu, select “Chat Backup” to view your backup settings. You can check the details of your last Google Drive backup here.

Uninstall WhatsApp

Once the backup process is complete, uninstall WhatsApp from your device.

Reinstall WhatsApp

Download and reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.

Tap on Restore

After verifying your phone number, WhatsApp will detect the Google Drive backup. Tap “Restore” to retrieve your chats and media.

Using this method, you can easily recover your deleted WhatsApp messages with a Google Drive backup.

Method 3: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on Android without Backup using Third-Party Softwares

When traditional recovery methods fail, third-party software can help you recover deleted WhatsApp messages on your Android device, even without a backup. These specialized tools are designed to scan your phone for lost data and restore it efficiently. Below, we explore some popular and reliable third-party options to help you recover your lost WhatsApp messages.

1. Dr.Fone

Dr.Fone is one of the most well-known tools for data recovery on Android. It offers a comprehensive solution for retrieving deleted WhatsApp messages, photos, videos, and more. Dr.Fone is a versatile and trusted option for recovering lost data on Android devices.

2. Tenorshare UltData

Another highly effective tool is Tenorshare UltData. This software specializes in recovering WhatsApp messages without needing a backup. Its simple, intuitive interface makes it easy for users to navigate through the recovery process. Tenorshare UltData is a reliable option for users who need to quickly and efficiently recover lost messages.

3. EaseUS MobiSaver

EaseUS MobiSaver is another popular choice for recovering deleted WhatsApp messages. This software is known for its simplicity and efficiency, offering a complete solution for WhatsApp message recovery, as well as other types of data like photos and contacts. Using EaseUS MobiSaver ensures a hassle-free recovery experience.

How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone without Backup

Accidentally losing WhatsApp messages on your iPhone can be stressful, especially without a backup. Luckily, it’s still possible to retrieve those deleted messages. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you recover deleted WhatsApp messages on your iPhone using iCloud:

Method 1: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages Using iCloud (Without Prior Backup)

Open WhatsApp

Launch WhatsApp on your iPhone.

Access Settings

Tap on the “Settings” icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.

Navigate to Chats

In the Settings menu, select “Chats.”

Select Chat Backup

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

Uninstall WhatsApp

Remove the WhatsApp app from your iPhone.

Reinstall WhatsApp

Download WhatsApp again from the App Store.

Verify Your Phone Number

After reinstalling, open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.

Restore Chat History

When prompted, select “Restore Chat History” to recover your messages from iCloud.

By following this method, you can recover your WhatsApp messages from iCloud, even if a manual backup wasn’t previously created.

Method 2: Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone without Backup using Third-Party Software

If recovering messages via iCloud isn’t possible or your iCloud backup doesn’t have the data you need, several trusted third-party software solutions can help. These tools are designed to scan your iPhone for deleted data and efficiently restore it, even without a backup.

1. Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (iOS)

Dr.Fone is one of the most popular data recovery tools for iPhone users. With Dr.Fone, you can easily recover deleted WhatsApp messages, photos, videos, and more. It has an intuitive interface that makes it accessible even to users without technical expertise.

2. Tenorshare UltData for iOS

Tenorshare UltData for iOS is another top-rated software for recovering WhatsApp messages without a backup. This tool is known for its speed and efficiency, and it’s compatible with a variety of iPhone models.

3. EaseUS MobiSave (iOS)

EaseUS MobiSaver for iOS is a highly trusted data recovery tool that specializes in recovering WhatsApp messages, as well as other types of data like contacts, photos, and videos. EaseUS MobiSaver provides a smooth and easy-to-use experience, making data recovery hassle-free.

Using the above methods, you can significantly increase your chances of recovering deleted WhatsApp messages on your iPhone without a backup. Whether you choose to use iCloud or a third-party recovery tool, each option provides a robust solution for retrieving lost messages and data.

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.

5 Benefits of Recovering Deleted Messages on WhatsApp

Recovering deleted messages on WhatsApp can be incredibly useful, especially when critical information is lost or mistakenly erased. Here are five benefits of restoring WhatsApp messages to help you stay connected, informed, and secure.

1. Retrieve Important Information and Conversations

Deleted messages often contain valuable details, such as addresses, contacts, or meeting times. Recovering these conversations can save time and effort, eliminating the need to reach out and request details again. This can be particularly beneficial for work or personal conversations where accuracy and timeliness matter. Restoring messages ensures you won’t miss out on essential information, reducing misunderstandings and miscommunications.

2. Prevent Loss of Memorable Moments

Many people use WhatsApp to share memorable photos, videos, and conversations with friends and family. Recovering deleted messages means you can preserve these precious moments for future viewing. Whether it’s a memorable chat, a shared joke, or a photo that brings a smile, restoring these messages can be emotionally fulfilling. This feature ensures you have access to your digital memories, allowing you to revisit happy moments whenever you wish.

3. Recover Business-Related Data and Documents

Message recovery can be a lifesaver for professionals using WhatsApp for business communications. Important documents, client information, or project details can be accidentally deleted, causing disruptions. Recovering messages allows you to retrieve this valuable data without scrambling for other solutions, ensuring business continuity. It helps professionals stay organized, minimizes potential errors, and allows them to operate efficiently without losing track of critical information.

4. Maintain Evidence in Disputes or Conflicts

In cases where a dispute arises, having a record of conversations can be essential. Whether it’s a personal misunderstanding or a professional disagreement, recovered messages can provide clarity and act as evidence. This is especially useful when individuals need to verify commitments, agreements, or previously discussed terms. Recovering deleted messages ensures that you retain a complete and accurate record, which can be crucial for resolving conflicts effectively.

5. Peace of Mind with Secure Communication

Knowing you can recover lost messages provides a sense of security and peace of mind. Whether due to accidental deletion, app malfunctions, or even device changes, the assurance that your messages are not permanently lost can ease concerns. This feature allows users to focus on meaningful conversations without worrying about losing essential data. It enhances the overall user experience, making WhatsApp a more reliable communication platform.

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.