Recovering deleted photos and videos from WhatsApp can be straightforward if you know the right techniques. Whether you accidentally deleted media or it vanished due to a glitch, there are several methods to try. The key is to check both WhatsApp’s built-in options and your device’s backup features. Here are step-by-step solutions to help you retrieve your lost media files.
-
Check WhatsApp’s ‘Media, Links, and Files’ Section
Open WhatsApp and navigate to the chat where the media was shared. Tap on the contact’s name or group at the top, then select ‘Media, Links, and Files.’ Look through the gallery for your deleted photos and videos. Sometimes, media appears here even if it isn’t visible in your main chat window.
-
Restore from Google Photos or iCloud
If your device automatically backs up media to cloud services like Google Photos or iCloud, you may restore deleted files from there. Open the app and check your trash or recently deleted folder. Select the photos or videos you want and restore them. Ensure that backup sync is enabled regularly to avoid missing out on future recoveries.
-
Recover from File Manager or Gallery App
Most smartphones keep a local copy of received media. Use your device’s file manager or gallery app to browse the ‘WhatsApp’ or ‘Media’ folders. Look for subfolders like ‘WhatsApp Images’ or ‘WhatsApp Videos.’ If the files are still stored locally, you can copy them to a safe location.
-
Use a Data Recovery App
If media files have been deleted from your device, data recovery apps might help retrieve them. Popular options include DiskDigger or Dr.Fone. Install a reputable app, grant necessary permissions, and scan your device. These tools may recover deleted WhatsApp media if it hasn’t been overwritten.
-
Restore from a Backup
WhatsApp offers backup options via Google Drive or iCloud. If you regularly back up your chats and media, uninstall WhatsApp and reinstall it. During setup, choose ‘Restore Chat History’ from your most recent backup. Keep in mind that restoring will replace current chats, so proceed only if you’re comfortable with losing recent messages.
Always remember that time is crucial. The sooner you attempt recovery after deletion, the higher the chance of success. Avoid saving new files to the device until recovery is complete, as this may overwrite erased data. Regular backups are the best defense against losing important photos and videos from WhatsApp in the future.
