Q:" How do I retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages on my iPhone?" – From Quora
Needless to say, as a communication tool, WhatsApp occupies a significant position in our daily lives. It builds a bridge that brings people closer together. You as well consequently dependent much on it. Almost all data files, such as valuable files, chat logs, shared videos, etc., are tied to your WhatsApp account saved on your iPhone. If one day you accidentally delete or lose your messages, what a disaster it would be. Lest you get overwhelmed, assuming this terrible situation happens to you, we're going to show you how to retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages on iPhone in different ways.
- Part 1. How to Restore Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone without Backup
- Solution 1. Use Professional Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery
- Solution 2. Recover Deleted Messages from a WhatsApp Chat Friend
- Part 2. How to Get Back Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone with Backup
- Solution 1. Restore Deleted WhatsApp Messages from WhatsApp Backup
- Solution 2. Retrieve Deleted WhatsApp Messages from iTunes Backup
- Solution 3. Regain Deleted WhatsApp Messages from iCloud Backup
- Part 3. How to Back Up and Restore WhatsApp Messages on iPhone [Tips]
- Part 4. The Bottom Line
Part 1. How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages without Backup on iPhone
Don't worry if you cannot find desired messages in your WhatsApp but unluckily have no accessible backup. You can resort to dedicated WhatsApp data recovery or your chat friends here.
Solution 1. Use Professional Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery
Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery is an all-purpose WhatsApp data recovery tool that performs as a medium to protect your data files from being overwritten and damaged during the data recovery process. Using it, there is no need to erase device or reinstall WhatsApp. You are even entitled to preview all found files and selectively choose the designated one to recover.
This capable data recovery tool can work well in what it does, helping you recover deleted WhatsApp messages on your iPhone, from iTunes and iCloud backup. Its real-time decryption & preview ability can analyze your data files at a fast speed without exporting all temporary files at a time to take up much storage space. Best of all, you can recover any deleted or lost data from all possible data loss scenarios with a high success rate and security.
- Recover deleted WhatsApp photos, messages, etc. from iPhone
- Fully compatible with the latest iOS and iPadOS version
- Preview data files and selectively recover given data
- Retrieve 20+ types of data from iDevice, iTunes and iCloud backups
- Rescue designated data in different situations with high success rate
Step 1 Connect iPhone with Computer
Download and install Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery in advance. To get started, open the program, choose "Recover from iDevice" mode at the top and connect your iPhone to your computer.
Step 2 Select File Type to Scan
Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery can finish device detection and display device information. You can then check "WhatsApp & Attachments" data type on the right side and proceed with Scan button.
Step 3 Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone
After scanning data files, you will be led to see all definite messages and attachments. You can look through all contents from the left panel and tick desired WhatsApp messages you want to recover. Click the "Recover" button to save all of them locally.
Solution 2. Recover Deleted Messages from a WhatsApp Chat Friend
The most straightforward and efficient workaround to get your deleted WhatsApp messages back is to ask your chat friends for help. If you accidentally lose or delete just a few messages, you can ask a friend (sender or receiver) to forward them. However, if the number of messages required is large, it is necessary to export the entire chat history. Here you can see how it works.
- Step 1: Open WhatsApp app on iPhone, tap Chats and find target WhatsApp friend in the list.
- Step 2: Open the chat dialog and click the contact's profile picture at the top.
- Step 3: Scroll down and find "Export chat" option.
- Step 4: Based on actual need, choose "Attach media" or "Without media".
- Step 5: WhatsApp will finish exporting chat as a zip file for further sharing. Now you can get your deleted messages from your friend or family.
Part 2. How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages on iPhone with Backup
Your issue can be resolved easily if you have at least one backup file that contains your deleted iPhone WhatsApp messages. Here you can have a close look at how to recover messages from WhatsApp backup, iTunes backup and iCloud backup.
Solution 1. Restore Deleted WhatsApp Messages from WhatsApp Backup
Actually, WhatsApp cannot give you a hand to recover your deleted messages as it will not save your daily data on its servers. In spite of this, you can back up your WhatsApp chat history and media to iCloud by setting up chat backup via its settings.
Step 1. First of all, you should guarantee that you have backed up your WhatsApp messages in iCloud and turned on the "Auto backup" option in "Chat backup" before. To verify and check it, go ahead to "WhatsApp" → "Settings" → "Chats" → "Chat backup".
Step 2. On the condition that you have backups in iCloud, you can uninstall WhatsApp and reinstall it from the App store. Having finished phone number verification, a notice will be shown, asking you to Restore Chat History. Do it so that you can availably retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages on your iPhone.
Note: By using this approach, you have to delete and reinstall your WhatsApp. At the same time, it's virtually a bit time-consuming to download and restore all backup files at a time. You might also get some recent WhatsApp messages lost in the process of recovering backup due to network outages or unexpected system crashes.
Solution 2. Retrieve Deleted WhatsApp Messages from iTunes Backup
Both Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery and iTunes can help you find your deleted WhatsApp messages from iTunes backup. Here you can check out detailed instructions.
Method 1. Selectively Recover WhatsApp Messages from iTunes Backup
Supposing you have synced your iPhone data with iTunes regularly, your deleted files can be fetched from it as well. Now let's have a look at how to recover deleted WhatsApp messages on iPhone with iTunes backup using Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery.
Step 1Choose Recovery Mode
This time, when Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery is launched completely, you are supposed to go forward to the top menu bar and access the "Recover from iTunes" option.
Step 2Start Scanning iTunes Backup
All iTunes backups will be presented in a list with detailed info attached, like the model, file size, backup data, etc. Choose the one you want and click the "Scan" button.
Step 3 Preview and Retrieve Selected WhatsApp Messages
Once the scanning task comes to end, you can preview the found data files to figure out whichever you prepare to choose for further retrieval. Confirm your selection and and click on "Recover" in the lower right corner.
Method 2. Fully Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages from iTunes Backup
In case you've backed up your data with iTunes, either manually or automatically, your WhatsApp messages suppose to store in the iTunes backup file as well. To get back your deleted WhatsApp messages through Apple's iTunes, follow the steps below:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to the Mac or computer where you have your backup.
Step 2. Run iTunes and click on Files → Devices → Restore Backup orderly.
Step 3. Click on Restore after you have verified the size and date of each backup.
Solution 3. Regain Deleted WhatsApp Messages from iCloud Backup
Similar to iTunes backup, an accessible iCloud backup can salvage you from data loss. It's practical to select whatever you want with Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery or directly restore the whole backup using official Apple solution. Let's delve into details now.
Method 1. Selectively Find Deleted WhatsApp Messages from iCloud Backup
With the help of Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery, you have a chance to extract iCloud backup files and find your deleted WhatsApp messages. Compared to directly iCloud recovery from iPhone, this solution is relatively more reliable with a 100% safe guarantee.
Step 1 Select Recovery Type
Simply open Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery and head to the option "Recover from iCloud". Use your iCloud ID and password to sign in to your account. No worries; your private info will not be recorded.
Step 2 Download and Scan iCloud Backup
No sooner than you successfully log into your iCloud account, a list of iCloud backups will be displayed. Select the one you need and click the "Download" icon. Wait for a short time and press "Scan" until the downloading process ends.
Step 3 Retrieve Deleted WhatsApp Messages
It's time to go through all scanned data files and preview them one by one. Tick the messages you delete before and click "Recover" to initiate a recovery assignment.
Method 2. Fully Retrieve Deleted WhatsApp Messages from iCloud
Apart from WhatsApp chat history backup recovery, another feasible local support in iPhone is to factory reset your iPhone and then reinstate deleted WhatsApp messages from iCloud backup if you regularly sync your data files previously.
Step 1. Go for "Settings" → "General" → "Transfer or Reset iPhone" → "Erase All Content and Settings". Afterwards, it's required to enter your Apple ID and password. Next, all data and media will be deleted and all settings will be reset when you click "Erase iPhone".
Step 2. According to the operating guide reinstall your iPhone until you reach the "Apps & Data" interface. Tap on "Restore from iCloud Backup" and sign in to your iCloud account.
Step 3. A list of iCloud backups will be displayed in your sight. Choose whichever you need to recover and after a while, the specific backup can be downloaded.
Step 4. All restored data files will keep updated and saved in the background. You can access your iPhone and connect to the Internet. Access your WhatsApp to wait for all messages including the deleted ones to come back.
Note: Keep in mind that this way is risky and you ought to erase all content and settings on your iPhone. It gives no preview entrance for you before downloading and recovering data. Meanwhile, you have no right to selectively confirm your WhatsApp messages for later recovery. The most important thing is that you're likely to lose other key information and data in your iPhone.
Part 3. How to Back Up and Restore WhatsApp on iPhone
Admittedly, the possibility of data loss in daily life is high. To avoid this situation, it's essential to develop a good habit of data backup. By doing this, you can restore important WhatsApp messages, pictures, videos, audios and more from backup to your iPhone. Here, Joyoshare WhatsApp Transfer is an excellent tool to safeguard data inside WhatsApp. It allows you to free back up WhatsApp data and ensures you real-time preview to quickly find whatever you want in a backup.
- Free back up WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business data
- Restore deleted WhatsApp messages, photos and more to iPhone
- Preview WhatsApp data in real time and export to computer
- Transfer WhatsApp data across different mobile devices
Step 1 Connect iPhone to Computer
Plug your iPhone into the computer first. Then open Joyoshare WhatsApp Transfer and choose "Backup" in the left column. The program will detect your connected device and display related information.
Step 2 Back Up WhatsApp Data from iPhone to Computer
Simply click on "Start Backup" button in Joyoshare WhatsApp Transfer and the backup process will start soon. Ensure your device is always unlocked and connected.
If your iPhone is suffering from WhatsApp messages loss and you can ensure an available backup out there, it's time to restore WhatsApp data from computer to your iPhone. Here're complete steps to follow.
Step 1 Select a Backup File
Get Joyoshare WhatsApp Transfer launched on your computer and go to "Restore" section. All available backup files can be listed in the program for you to check. Now pick up a backup and click on Restore to Device button.
Step 2 Restore WhatsApp Messages to iPhone
You can now hook up your iPhone to the computer. Soon after, the device information will be displayed in your sight. Simply click on "Start Restore" button. Be sure to turn off Find My iPhone feature and log into your WhatsApp account so that the restoration process can go without a hitch.
Part 4. The Bottom Line
This post shows you how to retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages on iPhone. Backing up the data at regular intervals at the beginning has proved more effective than trying to recover it later on. It makes data recovery much easier and faster as well. But it doesn't matter if you don't back up in advance. Compare with other ways, Joyoshare iPhone Data Recovery offers 3 modes for you to preview specific data and finish the repair process with or without backup in simple steps.