Learn how to restore deleted WhatsApp conversations using your Google Drive backup or your phone's local backup.
Before we begin: what backup can do
WhatsApp backups are copies of conversations made at a specific time, usually in the early morning. If a message was deleted after this backup, it will be restored. If it was deleted before, it won't be there.
Restoring replaces the current history with the backup. Messages received after the last backup may be lost, so think carefully before proceeding.
- Check your archived conversations first: sometimes the conversation has only been hidden, not deleted.
- You need the same phone number and Google account used for the backup.
- Keep your phone charged and connected to Wi-Fi.
- Do not click on "Backup before restoring," as this will overwrite the old copy.
Restore via Google Drive
Open WhatsApp, tap the three dots, go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup and check the date and time of the last backup.
If the backup is from before you deleted the message, proceed. If it's from after, the message won't be in it.
Uninstall the app and reinstall it from Google Play. Another option is to clear WhatsApp data in your Android settings, which has the same effect.
Open WhatsApp and confirm the same number you used before. Enter the verification code that arrives via SMS or call. This code is only for you: do not share it with anyone.
WhatsApp searches for the backup in your phone's Google account and displays the date it found. Tap Restore and wait for it to finish, without closing the app.
Then tap Next. Conversations appear first, and photos and videos continue downloading in the background.
Restore from a local copy on Android
In addition to Google Drive, Android devices store backups from the last few days directly on the phone. These are helpful when the cloud backup has been replaced by a newer one.
Using a file manager, open Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp > Databases. The files have the date in their name, such as msgstore-2026-09-20.1.db.crypt14, and end in .crypt14 or .crypt15.
For safety, first copy the entire folder to your computer. Then rename the file for the desired date to msgstore.db.crypt14, keeping the original extension.
Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, confirm your number, and tap Restore when it finds the backup. If there's a backup on Google Drive, the app may prioritize it, and the local backup option may not appear.
Limits you need to know
- Messages deleted before the last backup will not be restored.
- On iPhones, backups are stored in iCloud, and restoration follows the same logic: same number and same account.
- Messages that the other person deleted for everyone will only return if they were in a backup made beforehand.
- Without any backup, there is no reliable method to recover the text of the conversations.
- Photos and videos can remain in the Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp > Media folder or in Google Photos, even if the message has been deleted.
1. WhatsApp
Google Play
The backup restoration option appears during the initial setup, after reinstalling the application and confirming the number.
After recovering, leave daily backups enabled in Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
Download on Google Play
2. Google Photos
Google Play
If the WhatsApp image folder was backed up, the received photos may be saved there.
Look for the date of the conversation and also check the trash.
Download on Google Play
3. DiskDigger
Google Play
This can help you find photos and videos received on WhatsApp that have been deleted from your device.
It doesn't recover the text of conversations, only media files, and without root access the result is partial.
Download on Google PlayFrequently Asked Questions
Can I restore the backup without reinstalling WhatsApp?
No. WhatsApp only offers data reset during initial setup, after reinstalling the app, or after clearing its data.
Will I miss the new messages?
Messages received after the last backup are not included and may be lost during the restore process. If they are important, use the Export conversation option before starting.
Does Google Drive backup expire?
Backups that go too long without being updated can be deleted. Keeping automatic backups enabled prevents this problem.
Is it possible to transfer an Android backup to an iPhone?
Not through the usual backup. To switch systems, WhatsApp has its own chat transfer tool, used in the new device's setup.
Can someone retrieve my messages if I give them the code?
No one needs your verification code to help. Whoever asks for that code wants to take over your account.