How to recover deleted WhatsApp messages (what’s actually possible)

How to recover deleted WhatsApp messages (what’s actually possible)

The truth is simple: WhatsApp does not provide a “magic button” to recover deleted messages. In most cases, recovery is only possible if you have a backup (Google Drive on Android or iCloud on iPhone) or if the messages still exist in notifications or on another linked device.

This guide explains what recovery options actually work, what doesn’t work, and how to avoid scams claiming they can “restore your deleted chats.”

First: check if you have a WhatsApp backup

Recovery usually depends on whether WhatsApp backed up your chats before the messages were deleted.

On Android: WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat backup

On iPhone: WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup

Look for the Last backup date and time. If the backup is from before the deletion happened, you may be able to restore those messages. If the last backup is from after the deletion, the deleted messages may already be overwritten.

Method 1: Restore from backup (the main method that works)

If your last backup was made before the messages were deleted, follow these steps carefully.

What you must know before restoring:

• Restoring replaces your current chats with what’s inside the backup.
• Messages received after that backup may be lost unless they’re included in a newer backup.
• You must use the same phone number and (usually) the same Google/Apple account used for backups.

Steps (Android / Google Drive):

1. Confirm you’re signed into the correct Google account on your phone.
2. Confirm WhatsApp backup exists: WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat backup.
3. Uninstall WhatsApp.
4. Reinstall WhatsApp from Google Play.
5. Verify your phone number.
6. When prompted, tap Restore.

Steps (iPhone / iCloud):

1. Confirm you’re signed into the correct Apple ID and iCloud Drive is enabled.
2. Confirm WhatsApp backup exists: WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.
3. Delete WhatsApp.
4. Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store.
5. Verify your phone number.
6. Tap Restore Chat History when prompted.

Method 2: Recover from notification history (sometimes works on Android)

If message notifications were displayed on your phone, parts of messages may still exist in notification history. This is not guaranteed and usually only captures short previews.

• Some Android phones have built-in notification history.
• It works only if notifications were enabled and the message appeared before deletion.
• Media (photos/videos) usually won’t be recoverable this way.

Method 3: Check WhatsApp Web / linked devices (sometimes)

If you use WhatsApp Web or have WhatsApp linked to other devices, a message may still be visible there if it hasn’t synced the deletion yet. This is rare, but it’s worth checking immediately.

• Open WhatsApp on the linked device and check the chat.
• If the message is still there, take a screenshot or copy important text.
• Do this quickly—sync can remove it.

Method 4: Media recovery (photos/videos) is different

Sometimes messages are gone, but media files remain:

• Android: Check your Gallery/Files app → WhatsApp/Media folders (if media auto-download was enabled).
• iPhone: Check Photos → Recents/Albums (if “Save to Camera Roll” was enabled in older setups, or if you saved media manually).

If you previously backed up your phone to Google Photos/iCloud Photos, your media may still exist there too.

What is NOT possible (and common myths)

• You usually cannot recover deleted WhatsApp messages without any backup.
• “WhatsApp recovery apps” that ask for your code, password, or money are often scams.
• No legitimate service needs your WhatsApp verification code or asks you to “verify” by entering a code on a website.

Scam warning: avoid “recovery” services

Be careful of people claiming they can recover deleted WhatsApp messages if you:

• Pay a fee
• Share your WhatsApp verification code
• Install a random app/APK
• Provide remote access to your phone

These are common methods scammers use to hijack accounts or steal personal data.

How to prevent losing messages again

• Turn on automatic chat backups (daily is best).
• Make sure backups are connected to the right Google/Apple account.
• Keep enough storage for backups to complete.
• Enable 2-step verification in WhatsApp for extra security.

Quick decision guide

• You have a backup from before deletion: restore from backup (best chance).
• You have no backup: try notification history / linked devices (limited chance).
• You only need photos/videos: check phone storage and cloud photos.