How to Retrieve Old WhatsApp Messages

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This wikiHow shows you how to retrieve deleted messages on iPhone and Android devices. Unfortunately, since the WhatsApp messaging service does not save your chat logs, once a message is deleted from your device you won't be able to retrieve it unless you've already set up a backup. Luckily, it's fairly easy to set up your WhatsApp messages to backup to your phone, so that you can easily restore a backup to view any old or deleted messages.

Things You Should Know

  • It's not possible to retrieve old messages unless you already have a backup set up.
  • Retrieve backed up messages on iOS by deleting and reinstalling the app. Then open the app and follow set up. When prompted, choose Restore Chat History .
  • 'Retrieve backed up messages on Android, delete and reinstall the app. Then, open the App, hit Restore , and follow the prompts.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Setting Up a WhatsApp Message Backup on iOS

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    The icon looks like a white phone inside a speech bubble on a green background. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-2.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is in the bottom right corner of the screen. [2]
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    [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-4.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [4]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-5.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Choose whether you want to back up your messages daily, weekly, or monthly.
    • If you haven't previously set up your iCloud account, you'll be prompted to do so here before continuing with the backup. Open the iPhone's Settings app, tap your name, tap iCloud , make sure the iCloud Drive toggle is set to On, and make sure the WhatsApp toggle is also set to On.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Retrieving Old WhatsApp Messages on iOS

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    The other apps on the screen will begin to shake as well.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-7.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This brings up a dialog window asking you to confirm that you wish to delete WhatsApp.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-8.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The app is deleted from your iPhone.
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    Reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store .
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-10.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The Open icon replaces the Get icon once the app has completed downloading.
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    This determines whether the app can send you notifications.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-13.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure the phone number is the same one you used with the previous installation of WhatsApp.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-14.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This retrieves any chat messages that were previously backed up to your iCloud account. This includes messages that were deleted from WhatsApp, so long as those messages existed when the last backup was made. [5]
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-15.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This brings you to the Chats page.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e3\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-16.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so brings up all restored chats associated with that contact.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Setting Up a WhatsApp Message Backup on Android

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    The icon looks like a white phone inside a speech bubble on a green background. [6]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-18.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This icon looks like three white dots in a vertical line and is in the upper right corner of your screen.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-19.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is in the bottom right of your screen. [7]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-20.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [8]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-21.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [9]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-22.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-22.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-22.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-22.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Choose whether you want to back up your messages daily, weekly, or monthly. [10]
    • If you haven't previously set up your Google account, you'll be prompted to do here so before continuing with the backup.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-23.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d2\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-23.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-23.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Choose the network you wish to use to back up your data.
    • If possible, it's best to use a Wi-Fi network to avoid any data charges associated with your cellular network.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Retrieving Old WhatsApp Messages on Android

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    Tap the Play Store icon
    Android Google Play
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/1\/1e\/Androidgoogleplay.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Androidgoogleplay.png\/26px-Androidgoogleplay.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":531,"bigWidth":26,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of an Android icon\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    .
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    [11]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-28.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-28.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-28.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-28.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This retrieves any chat messages that were previously backed up to your Google account. This includes messages that were deleted from WhatsApp, so long as those messages existed when the last backup was made. [12]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-29.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-29.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-29.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-29.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-30.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-30.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-30.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-30.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This brings you to the Chats page.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-31.jpg\/v4-460px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-31.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-31.jpg\/aid10988821-v4-728px-Retrieve-Old-WhatsApp-Messages-Step-31.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so brings up all restored chats associated with that contact.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/618575946635920/?cms_platform=iphone
      2. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/618575946635920/?cms_platform=iphone
      3. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/618575946635920/?cms_platform=iphone
      4. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/618575946635920/?cms_platform=iphone
      5. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/618575946635920/?cms_platform=iphone
      6. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/481135090640375/?cms_platform=android
      7. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/481135090640375/?cms_platform=android
      8. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/481135090640375/?cms_platform=android
      9. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/481135090640375/?cms_platform=android
      1. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/481135090640375/?cms_platform=android
      2. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/618575946635920/?cms_platform=android
      3. ↑ https://faq.whatsapp.com/618575946635920/?cms_platform=android

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open WhatsApp and tap Settings > Chats > Chat Backup .
      2. Tap Auto Backup .
      3. Uninstall WhatsApp.
      4. Re-download WhatsApp from your device's store.
      5. Open WhatsApp and walk through the setup process.
      6. Tap Restore Chat History when prompted at the end of setup.

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