Learn how to restore deleted conversations using a Google Drive backup and what to do when one doesn't exist.
First, confirm that the conversation has actually disappeared
Before reinstalling anything, rule out the simplest scenarios:
- If you just deleted something, tap Undo on the notification that appears for a few seconds at the bottom of the screen.
- Find the conversation in Archived, at the top of the conversation list.
- Use WhatsApp's search function with a word from the message or the contact's name.
- Ask the other person to resend the message or export the conversation if they still have a copy.
Check your Google Drive backup
WhatsApp backups are copies made periodically, usually overnight. They only contain the data that existed at the time the backup was created.
In WhatsApp, tap the three dots and go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup. Note the date and time of the last backup and which Google account was used.
If the message was deleted after the last backup, it's in that backup. If it was deleted before, that backup won't help.
Each backup replaces the previous one. If automatic backups are set daily, restore before the next scheduled time.
Reinstall and restore
Restoring replaces the current history with what's in the backup. Messages that arrived after the backup may be lost, so export any important recent conversations first.
Remove the app and reinstall it from Google Play. Keep the same Google account on your phone where the backup was saved.
Enter the same number used before and the code that arrives via SMS or call. This code is personal and should not be shared with anyone.
WhatsApp shows the backup found and its date. Tap Restore, leave your phone on Wi-Fi and charging, and don't close the app until it's finished. Photos and videos will continue downloading after the conversations appear.
Where notification apps help
Features that save notifications don't restore what has already been deleted. They only record what arrives after they are activated, and only the text that appears in the notification.
Starting with Android 11, go to Settings > Notifications > Notification history and enable the option. On some devices, it's located within Advanced settings.
The system saves notifications from the last 24 hours, including messages that the sender later deleted for everyone.
Long messages appear truncated, photos are not saved, and if the conversation was open on the screen, there is no notification to register it.
Third-party apps that promise to show deleted messages request access to all phone notifications, including bank codes and temporary passwords. Read the permissions and privacy policy before installing.
If there is no backup
Without a backup, there is no reliable method to recover text messages from conversations. Be wary of websites and programs that promise otherwise, especially if they charge before showing any results.
However, photos and videos from the conversation can remain saved in the WhatsApp media folder.
Step-by-step guide to recovering videos and photos →
1. WhatsApp
Google Play
The restore option appears during the initial setup, after reinstalling the app and confirming the number.
After recovering, leave daily backups enabled to always have a recent copy.
Download on Google Play
2. Files by Google
Google Play
Allows you to open the WhatsApp folder on your phone and view local backups and media files.
Copy the folder to your computer or to the cloud before modifying any files.
Download on Google Play
3. Google Photos
Google Play
If WhatsApp image folder backup was enabled, chat photos may be saved there.
Search by the date of the conversation and also check the trash.
Download on Google PlayFrequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to restore without losing the new messages?
There's no way to merge the two histories. Before restoring, open the important recent conversations and use More > Export conversation to save a copy.
Does backup take up space in my Google account?
Yes. WhatsApp backups count towards your Google account storage. If you run out of space, new backups may stop being created.
Can I use an older backup?
On Android, WhatsApp also saves local copies of the last few days in the folder Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp > Databases. Using one of these requires renaming the file and reinstalling the application, and the process requires care.
And on the iPhone?
The backup is stored in iCloud. Check the date in Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and, to restore, reinstall WhatsApp with the same number and Apple ID.
Can a message deleted for everyone be recovered?
It can only be if it was in a previous backup or if the text was recorded in the Android notification history.