Losing WhatsApp chats can be stressful. Messages often include personal conversations, important work details, or memories you don’t want to lose. Chat loss usually happens after a phone reset, device change, accidental deletion, or app reinstallation.
The good news is that WhatsApp offers several ways to restore messages. Some methods rely on backups, while others work even when no cloud backup is available. The recovery process is different for Android and iPhone users, so it’s important to follow the right steps for your device.
Also read: How to Link WhatsApp with Your Facebook Page for Better Business Results
Recover WhatsApp Chats Using Backup (Best and Safest Method)
Using a backup is the easiest and most reliable way to get your chats back. WhatsApp automatically saves chat data to the cloud if backup is enabled.
- Android uses Google Drive
- iPhone uses iCloud
The backup must exist before the messages were deleted. If no backup is available, recovery options become limited.
Regular backups protect your chats when:
- You reset your phone
- You switch to a new device
- Your phone gets damaged or lost
Turning on automatic backups greatly reduces the risk of permanent data loss.
Why WhatsApp Backup Is Important
A backup keeps your chats safe in cloud storage. If your phone is reset or WhatsApp is reinstalled, the backup allows you to restore messages easily.
Without a backup:
- Deleted chats are hard to recover
- You may lose messages permanently
- Recovery options become complicated
Daily backups are highly recommended to avoid future problems.
How to Back Up WhatsApp Chats on Android
Android users need to set up Google Drive backup manually.
Steps to enable backup on Android:
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap the three dots in the top corner
- Go to Settings
- Open Chats
- Tap Chat backup
- Add your Google account
- Choose backup frequency
- Tap Back Up
Your chats and media will be saved to Google Drive. For large backups, using Wi-Fi is recommended.
How to Back Up WhatsApp Chats on iPhone
iPhone backups depend on iCloud and available storage.
Steps to enable backup on iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp
- Go to Settings
- Tap Chats
- Select Chat Backup
- Tap Back Up Now
- Make sure iCloud is enabled on your phone
Chats will be stored securely in iCloud and updated based on your backup settings.
Restore WhatsApp Chats on the Same or a New Phone
To restore chats successfully:
- Use the same phone number
- Use the same Google or iCloud account
- Ensure a stable internet connection
If the account does not match, WhatsApp will not detect the backup.
Restore WhatsApp Chats on a New Phone
This method works during the first login on a new device.
Steps:
- Install WhatsApp on the new phone
- Open the app
- Verify your old phone number
- WhatsApp will find the backup automatically
- Tap Restore
- Wait for the process to finish
Text messages are restored first. Photos and videos may take longer. Do not close the app during restoration.
Restore WhatsApp Chats on the Same Phone
This option is useful after accidental deletion.
Steps:
- Uninstall WhatsApp
- Reinstall it from the app store
- Open WhatsApp
- Verify your number
- Tap Restore when prompted
Only messages saved in the last backup will return. Messages deleted after the backup cannot be recovered this way.
Important Things to Know Before Restoring
Keep these points in mind:
- Android backups cannot restore on iPhone
- iPhone backups cannot restore on Android
- Enough storage space is required
- A strong internet connection is necessary
- Restore may fail on unstable networks
Always check backup time before proceeding.
Restore WhatsApp Chats Without Cloud Backup
If cloud backup is unavailable, recovery options still exist.
- Android supports local backups
- iPhone requires third-party recovery tools
Restore WhatsApp Chats on Android Using Local Backup
Android phones automatically create local backups daily, usually during early morning hours. These backups are stored inside the phone’s internal storage and do not require Google Drive.
Local backups are helpful when:
- Google Drive backup is missing
- Cloud restore fails
- Messages were deleted recently
How to Find Local Backup Files on Android
You will need a File Manager app.
File path for Android 10 and newer:
Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp > Databases
File path for older Android versions:
WhatsApp > Databases
You will see multiple backup files with different dates.
Understanding Backup File Names
Common backup files include:
- msgstore.db.cryptXX – latest backup
- msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.cryptXX – older backups
The date helps you identify when the backup was created.
Restore Deleted Chats Using the Rename Method (Android)
Important: Current chats will be replaced. Export important chats before starting.
Steps:
- Locate msgstore.db.cryptXX
- Rename it to msgstore.db.cryptXX.OLD
- Choose a dated backup from before deletion
- Rename it to msgstore.db.cryptXX
- Keep the crypt number unchanged
- Uninstall WhatsApp
- Reinstall WhatsApp
- Verify your phone number
- Tap Restore
WhatsApp will restore chats from the local backup file.
Restore WhatsApp Chats on iPhone Without iCloud
iPhone does not allow manual access to backup files. Without iCloud, recovery becomes difficult. In such cases, specialized recovery software is required.
Recover WhatsApp Chats on iPhone Using Gbyte Data Recovery
Gbyte Data Recovery helps iPhone users recover WhatsApp data safely. It does not require jailbreak or factory reset.
Benefits of Gbyte:
- No existing data is erased
- Deep scan for deleted messages
- Free scan and preview option
- Restore only selected chats
Unlike official restore methods, it does not overwrite the entire phone.
Steps to Recover WhatsApp Chats Using Gbyte
Step 1: Install and Sign In
- Download Gbyte Recovery
- Open the app or website
- Sign in with Apple ID
- Connection remains read-only
Step 2: Scan WhatsApp Data
- Select WhatsApp
- Start scanning
- Preview deleted messages
Step 3: Restore Selected Chats
- Choose required chats
- Restore selected data
- Save chats separately
- Current WhatsApp data stays safe
Why iTunes Backup Is Not a Good Option
iTunes restore has major drawbacks:
- Entire phone data is overwritten
- No preview of messages
- New data gets erased
- Restore happens blindly
Using data extraction tools is a safer alternative.
Alternative Ways to Recover WhatsApp Messages
These methods depend on timing and availability.
Ask a Friend to Export the Chat
If the chat still exists on the other person’s phone:
- Ask them to open the chat
- Tap contact name
- Select Export Chat
- Share via email or messaging app
You will receive the chat as a text file. It cannot be imported back into WhatsApp.
Check WhatsApp Web or Desktop Cache
Sometimes deleted chats still appear on WhatsApp Web before syncing.
Try this quickly:
- Disconnect your computer from the internet
- Open WhatsApp Web
- Do not refresh the page
- Search for the deleted chat
- Copy text or take screenshots
This works only for a short time.
Always Check Backup Time Before Restoring
Restoring the wrong backup can permanently erase messages.
Check Backup Time on Android:
- Open WhatsApp Settings
- Go to Chats
- Tap Chat Backup
- Check local backup time
If the backup is before deletion, it is safe to restore.
Check Backup Time on iPhone:
- Open WhatsApp Settings
- Go to Chats
- Tap Chat Backup
- Check last backup time
If the backup is after deletion, do not restore it.
Know More: WhatsApp Chat Backup Encryption
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp chat recovery is possible if you follow the right method. Cloud backup remains the safest option. Android users get extra protection through local backups. iPhone users may need recovery tools when iCloud backup is missing.
Always verify backup timing before restoring. Enable daily backups to avoid future data loss and unnecessary stress.
Jatin Rajput (Tech Golu) — Tech blogger & YouTuber with 6+ years of experience in WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and mobile guides. Founder of TechGolu.in.