How to Restore WhatsApp Messages on PC
Have you ever lost important WhatsApp messages on your PC and wished you could recover them? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Losing messages can be frustrating, but there are several methods you can try to restore them. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of recovering WhatsApp messages on your PC, step by step.
Understanding WhatsApp Backup
Before diving into the recovery process, it’s essential to understand how WhatsApp backups work. WhatsApp stores your messages on your device and also allows you to back them up to Google Drive or iCloud, depending on your device’s operating system.
| Operating System | Backup Location |
|---|---|
| Android | Google Drive |
| iPhone | iCloud |
Once you’ve backed up your messages, you can restore them to your device or PC. However, it’s crucial to note that WhatsApp only keeps backups for a limited period, typically 7 days. If you haven’t backed up your messages within this timeframe, you may not be able to recover them.
Method 1: Restore from Google Drive
If you’ve backed up your WhatsApp messages to Google Drive, follow these steps to restore them on your PC:
- Open WhatsApp on your Android device.
- Go to the menu and select “Settings” > “Chats” > “Chat backup” > “Back up to Google Drive” > “Manage backups” > “Restore” > “Restore from Google Drive”.
- Select the backup file you want to restore and wait for the process to complete.
- Connect your Android device to your PC using a USB cable.
- Open the “WhatsApp” folder on your PC and navigate to the “Databases” folder.
- Copy the “msgstore.db.crypt12” file from your Android device to the “Databases” folder on your PC.
- Open WhatsApp on your PC and wait for it to sync the messages.
Method 2: Restore from iCloud
For iPhone users, follow these steps to restore WhatsApp messages from iCloud:
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
- Go to the menu and select “Settings” > “Chats” > “Chat backup” > “Back up to iCloud” > “Manage backups” > “Restore” > “Restore from iCloud”.
- Select the backup file you want to restore and wait for the process to complete.
- Connect your iPhone to your PC using a USB cable.
- Open the “WhatsApp” folder on your PC and navigate to the “Databases” folder.
- Copy the “msgstore.db.crypt12” file from your iPhone to the “Databases” folder on your PC.
- Open WhatsApp on your PC and wait for it to sync the messages.
Method 3: Use a Third-Party Recovery Tool
If the above methods don’t work for you, you can try using a third-party recovery tool. These tools can help you recover deleted or lost WhatsApp messages from your device or backup. Here’s how to use a third-party recovery tool:
- Download and install a reliable WhatsApp recovery tool on your PC.
- Connect your Android or iPhone device to your PC using a USB cable.
- Run the recovery tool and follow the on-screen instructions to scan your device for lost messages.
- Select the messages you want to recover and save them to your PC.
When choosing a third-party recovery tool, make sure to research and select a reputable and trusted option. Some popular recovery tools include Dr. Fone, iMyFone D-Back, and Wondershare Dr.Fone.
Prevent Future Loss of WhatsApp Messages
Now that you know how to restore WhatsApp messages on your PC, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future loss. Here are some tips to help you keep your messages safe:
- Regularly back up your WhatsApp messages to Google Drive or
