Recover WhatsApp messages

Message accidentally deleted? Here's the right solution for your situation.

Backup is key

WhatsApp saves a copy of your conversations on Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone) if backup is enabled. To restore your messages, simply reinstall the app with the same number and tap Restore.

Before reinstalling, check the date of the last backup in Settings > Chats > Chat backup. If it's from before the deleted message, it will be restored.

No cloud backup

On Android, WhatsApp also saves local copies of the last 7 days in the phone's memory. You can restore one of them by replacing the most recent file with the one from the correct date, before reinstalling the app.

On many Android phones, the notification history shows the text of received messages, if it was turned on previously. Look in Settings > Notifications.

On iPhone

On iPhones, restoration is done through iCloud. The iCloud account needs to be the same and have free space for the backup.

How not to lose again

Leave automatic daily backups turned on and check from time to time to see if it's working. WhatsApp photos and videos can also be backed up if that option is selected.

Is it possible to recover deleted messages without a backup?

In most cases, not completely. On Android, local backups of the last 7 days and notification history help.

Do I need to pay for any app?

No. The official WhatsApp methods (backup and local copies) are free.

Is it possible to recover messages from another person?

No. The methods only work for your own account and your own mobile phone.