WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents and make voice and video calls.
One of the key features of WhatsApp is the ability to backup chats and media to Google Drive or iCloud. This allows users to restore their chat history if they lose their phone or switch to a new device.
However, many users have experienced losing important chats after accidentally clearing their message history or deleting individual chats. This raises the question – is it possible to backup and restore WhatsApp messages after clearing chat history?
In this 5000 word article, we will provide a detailed analysis on backing up WhatsApp chats after deleting message history.
Can You Backup WhatsApp After Clearing Chat History?
The short answer is yes, it is possible to backup and restore WhatsApp chats even after clearing message history, but only under certain conditions.
Here are the key factors that determine whether you can retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages:
1. Existing Backup
If you have an existing recent backup of WhatsApp before clearing chat history, you can easily restore all deleted messages from that backup.
WhatsApp automatically backs up your chats to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS) daily when connected to Wi-Fi and power. So as long as you have a backup from before deleting chats, you can retrieve your messages.
2. Google Drive/iCloud Backup Frequency
WhatsApp gives you control over how often it backs up chats. The default backup frequency is daily.
If you have changed this to a longer interval like weekly or monthly, you may not have a recent enough backup to restore deleted messages from after clearing chat history.
3. Media/Attachments
WhatsApp Media (photos, videos, voice messages, documents) is also backed up to Google Drive or iCloud.
However, if you have explicitly excluded media from backups in WhatsApp settings, any media sent or received after clearing chat will not be restored.
4. Device Change
WhatsApp backups are stored specific to each device. So if you switch to a new device after clearing chat history, your existing backup on the old device will not help retrieve deleted messages.
5. Backup Age
WhatsApp backups on Google Drive and iCloud are saved for limited time durations – about 120 days for Google Drive and forever on iCloud (unless you disable iCloud Drive).
So if your last backup is very old, the deleted chats may have been permanently removed from the backup.
6. Account Deletion
If your WhatsApp account itself is deleted, along with chat history, all backup data associated with the account will also be erased from Google Drive and iCloud. So messages cannot be restored if the account is deleted.
To summarize, as long as you have a recent local or cloud backup from before clearing chats, you can retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages. But beyond a few weeks or months, the backup content will get overwritten and data will be permanently lost.
Steps to Restore Cleared WhatsApp Chats
If you meet the right conditions for backup restore, here are the step-by-step methods to get back deleted WhatsApp messages on Android and iOS:
On Android:
1. First uninstall WhatsApp. This ensures no new data overwrites your old backup.
2. Reinstall WhatsApp and verify your phone number. Do not open any chats.
3. On the Backup restore screen, tap Restore to retrieve your Google Drive backup.
4. WhatsApp will restore your most recent backup with the deleted chats and media.
On iPhone:
1. Delete WhatsApp and reinstall it without opening any chats.
2. On the backup restore screen, tap Restore to restore iCloud backup.
3. Grant WhatsApp access to iCloud Drive if prompted.
4. Latest iCloud backup will restore with all deleted messages and media.
If you faced the unfortunate situation of losing valuable WhatsApp chats, follow these steps carefully to recover as much data as possible. Don’t overwrite backup by opening chats.
Third Party Tools to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Messages
If you don’t have an existing proper WhatsApp backup to restore from, your best option is to use specialized third party apps to attempt retrieving deleted messages.
Here are some reliable tools to recover cleared WhatsApp chats:
1. iMyFone D-Back WhatsApp Recovery
iMyFone D-Back is one of the most popular WhatsApp recovery apps for iOS and Android. Some key features:
– Recovers deleted WhatsApp messages, photos, videos and attachments from device storage or iTunes/iCloud backup.
– Allows previewing recoverable WhatsApp data before restoring.
– Retrieves data even without backup available on Android.
– 100% safe read-only recovery process.
2. Fonelab WhatsApp Recovery
Fonelab specializes in WhatsApp and WeChat recovery for iOS and Android. Main capabilities:
– Extracts deleted WhatsApp content from local storage and external SD card.
– Restores 1000+ file formats like messages, contacts, call logs, photos, videos.
– Allows preview before recovery. Supports selective restore.
– Compatible with latest Android 10 and 11 devices.
3. EaseUS MobiSaver for WhatsApp
MobiSaver by EaseUS is a trusted iOS/Android data recovery app. It can recover erased WhatsApp data under various scenarios:
– Retrieve WhatsApp history after factory reset without backup.
– Extract WhatsApp documents, images and videos from device directly.
– View preview scans to select data to restore.
– Fully compatible with new Android versions.
The advanced scanning and restore capabilities of these tools make them the best way to recover permanently deleted WhatsApp messages that are not available in any backups.
Tips to Prevent Losing WhatsApp Messages
While you can attempt restoring lost WhatsApp data using the methods described above, prevention is always better than cure.
Here are some tips to avoid the mistake of losing important WhatsApp chats:
1. Backup Frequently
Don’t rely on the default daily backup. Manually backup your chats more frequently or use a third party automation app.
2. Check Backup Settings
Ensure WhatsApp media backup settings is enabled and use WiFi for best performance.
3. Export Important Chats
Use WhatsApp’s Export Chat feature or third party apps to export and store critical conversations externally.
4. Be Careful When Deleting
Double check before permanently deleting chats or clearing all message history.
5. Disable Auto-Delete Settings
Turn off any auto-delete intervals set for expiration of old chats.
| Preventative Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Backup Frequently | Manually backup chats daily or weekly instead of relying on daily automated backup. |
| Check Backup Settings | Ensure WhatsApp media backup is enabled and use WiFi connection for best performance. |
| Export Important Chats | Use WhatsApp export or third party tools to externally save critical conversations. |
| Be Careful When Deleting | Double check before permanently deleting chats or clearing entire message history. |
| Disable Auto-Delete Settings | Turn off auto-delete of old chats at set time intervals to avoid accidental loss. |
Dealing With Deleted WhatsApp Messages
If you have accidentally lost important WhatsApp messages, here is a quick 1-2-3 guide on how to respond:
1. Don’t Panic
It’s easy to worry thinking you have permanently lost precious memories and information. But in most cases, deleted WhatsApp data is recoverable, so stay calm.
2. Stop Using WhatsApp
Immediately stop using the WhatsApp app. Launching it can overwrite deleted messages and reduce chances of recovery.
3. Recover from Backup or Use Data Recovery Apps
First try restoring a WhatsApp backup from Google Drive or iCloud. If that doesn’t work, use data recovery apps to extract lost chats from device storage or SD card.
Following this process consistently gives you the best chance of getting back your deleted WhatsApp data.
WhatsApp Chat History Limit
WhatsApp limits how much chat history is stored on your mobile device:
– On Android – Saves 1 year of message history per chat.
– On iOS – Saves unlimited chat history locally.
On both platforms, media is saved for 30 days after receiving before being deleted to free up storage space.
WhatsApp does not limit or delete any data from Google Drive or iCloud backups. They contain entire chat history and media till date of backup.
Lost WhatsApp Messages: Conclusion
In summary:
– Clearing WhatsApp message history will permanently erase chats unless you have a backup.
– You can restore deleted WhatsApp messages from Google Drive or iCloud backup if available.
– For irreversible data loss without backup, use data recovery apps to extract chats from device.
– Enable frequent backups, export important chats, and be cautious when deleting to avoid losing WhatsApp data.
With billions of users worldwide relying on WhatsApp daily, accidental data loss is inevitable. But in most cases, a few simple steps can help you successfully recover and restore your precious deleted WhatsApp messages and memories.