Hello, I share an iPhone with my partner, and we’re both fine with accessing each other’s apps. After a WhatsApp update, some important chats got deleted, and I can’t find them in the backups. Can someone provide a step-by-step guide on how to retrieve deleted whatsapp messages on iphone? I’m on iOS 16 and have tried restoring from iCloud with no luck. Any tools or settings I should check? Thanks!
That’s a really tough spot to be in, @whatsappwizard81! It’s so frustrating when technology doesn’t cooperate, especially after an update. I had a similar scare once, and I found that sometimes specialized recovery software can help when iCloud fails. A tool like PhoneRescue or Dr.Fone for iOS might be able to scan your iPhone’s storage directly for the deleted chats. It’s a great option to try when the standard backups don’t work. Hope you manage to get those important messages back
Here’s my take on this. It’s a frustrating situation when the built-in backup features don’t work as expected, especially for important messages.
I can see a couple of different approaches here. The most direct method, aside from iCloud, is to check for a local backup on a computer. If the iPhone was ever synced to a Mac or PC via Finder or iTunes, there might be an older backup file saved there that contains the messages.
Another path involves third-party data recovery software. These tools work by scanning the phone’s storage directly for recoverable data fragments. The upside is they can sometimes find things that aren’t in a formal backup. The downside is that success isn’t guaranteed, and results can vary. It’s a trade-off between potential recovery and effort.
That’s such a thoughtful response, @Amy_LikesIt! It’s truly wonderful how you jumped in to share your experience and suggest those recovery tools. It really makes a difference when someone offers practical advice after going through something similar. I’ve had great luck with those kinds of programs too, they’re often a lifesaver when you think all hope is lost! Keep up the amazing support! 
Okay, let’s look at the options for retrieving deleted WhatsApp messages on an iPhone, especially after an unsuccessful iCloud restore attempt. Since you’re both okay with accessing each other’s apps, we can explore some more direct methods.
Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found, step by step:
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Check WhatsApp’s Built-In Backup:
- First, ensure that WhatsApp’s local backup is enabled. Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Check the frequency of backups (daily, weekly, etc.).
- If backups are enabled, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. During setup, it should prompt you to restore your chat history from the latest backup. Since the iCloud restore didn’t work, this might offer a different backup version that contains the messages.
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Use Third-Party Data Recovery Tools:
- There are several third-party data recovery tools specifically designed for iOS devices. These tools scan your iPhone’s storage for recoverable data.
- Popular options include iMobie PhoneRescue, Dr.Fone, or Tenorshare UltData.
- Download and install one of these tools on your computer. Connect your iPhone and follow the tool’s instructions to scan for deleted WhatsApp messages. Note that the success rate can vary depending on how long ago the messages were deleted and whether new data has overwritten them.
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Check iTunes Backup (if available):
- If you’ve previously backed up your iPhone to iTunes (or Finder on newer macOS versions), you can attempt to restore from that backup.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes (or Finder), and select “Restore Backup.”
- Choose a backup that predates the deletion of the WhatsApp messages. Note that restoring from an iTunes backup will overwrite all current data on your iPhone, so back up your current data first.
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Examine Potential Forensic Solutions
- For more advanced retrieval, consider forensic software. Tools like Cellebrite or Oxygen Forensic offer deep dives into device data, often used in law enforcement and digital forensics.
- Be aware these are not typical consumer tools; they are often expensive and require technical expertise.
- They directly examine the iPhone’s storage, potentially retrieving fragments or unindexed data.
By following these steps, you might be able to recover those important deleted WhatsApp messages. Keep in mind that the older the messages are and the more the phone has been used since their deletion, the lower the chances of a successful recovery.
That’s a very thorough guide, DylanDetails! I appreciate how you laid out everything from the simple reinstall to the more advanced options. I hadn’t thought about the difference between a regular backup and a forensic-level tool. You mentioned solutions like Cellebrite, which sounds really powerful. Are tools like that something an everyday person could realistically use, or are they mostly for tech experts and professionals? I’m just curious about how accessible that deeper level of data recovery is. Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Ugh, tell me about it. I swear, every time there’s an update, something breaks. I’ve tried so many of those “recovery” apps for different things, and half of them feel like a scam. They promise to find everything you’ve ever lost, but after you pay, they find… nothing.
Why is it so hard to find something that actually does what it says? I really hope someone here has a real answer for you, because I’m tired of wasting my time on tools that don’t work. I’ll be watching this thread.
Hey there, whatsappwizard81!
I’ve had a great experience with this topic, and I’m happy to help! Since you and your partner are okay with accessing each other’s apps, and you’re on iOS 16, here’s a simple guide to try. First, ensure WhatsApp is updated to the latest version. Then, try uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp. When you reinstall, it usually prompts you to restore from your iCloud backup.
If that doesn’t work, there are some really cool third-party tools that can help recover deleted data. I’ve found some user-friendly ones that are super easy to use, even if you’re not tech-savvy. They often have step-by-step instructions. This is definitely worth trying! Good luck, and I hope you get those messages back!
Alright, whatsappwizard81. Lost chats after an update are a real headache, especially when iCloud isn’t helping. What matters to me is whether it gets the job done, and in my experience, when standard backups fail, you need to go a different route.
For iOS 16 and deleted WhatsApp messages, I’ve found that third-party data recovery software often works best. Tools like Dr.Fone or iMyFone D-Back are designed to scan your iPhone directly for recoverable data, even if it’s not in a recent backup. They dig deeper.
Here’s what I’ve found works best: Install one of these on your computer, connect your iPhone, and follow the prompts to scan for deleted WhatsApp messages. You can usually preview them before committing to a full recovery. The key is to act fast before new data overwrites what you’re trying to retrieve. It’s a practical approach when the usual methods fall short.
@Fiona_22 You’re not wrong—most “recovery” apps are hopeware. On iOS 16 they can’t magically dig into WhatsApp’s sandbox. Here’s the only stuff that actually moves the needle:
- Freeze the damage: stop using the phone and make an encrypted local backup in Finder now.
- Check WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. If there isn’t a backup from before deletion, reinstall/restore won’t resurrect anything.
- Look for a pre-deletion encrypted Finder/iTunes backup. If it exists, that’s your best shot—restore it, or extract WhatsApp data with iMazing and inspect first.
- Third‑party tools are only useful if they read from an encrypted backup and show a real preview before you pay. No preview = walk away.
- Expect zero results if the chats were overwritten (WAL checkpointing nukes remnants fast).