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WhatsApp is one of the most popular communication apps all over the world. It allows users to share various types of media content, including images, videos, GIFs, PDFs, and many more. WhatsApp attachments can be precious memories, documents, or essential information. However, it can be frustrating when we accidently delete important WhatsApp attachments like photos, videos, audio files, documents, or voice messages.
Fortunately, there are ways to recover lost or deleted WhatsApp attachments from iPhone. This blog will discuss the various methods to recover deleted WhatsApp attachments from iPhone, their pros and cons, and some bonus tips.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenges of Recovering Deleted WhatsApp Attachments from iPhone
Recovering lost files on iPhone has always been challenging. Apple’s iOS is designed with high-security features, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access private data. Besides, recovering WhatsApp attachments specifically further complicates the process. WhatsApp does not offer its own backup and restore platform for attachments. Moreover, frequent deletions result in the overwritten of WhatsApp data with new information, making it tough to retrieve old files.
Method 1: Recover WhatsApp Attachments from iCloud backup
iCloud is a cloud-based storage system provided by Apple for users to backup data. WhatsApp attachments are included in the iCloud backup. Here’s how you can recover deleted WhatsApp attachments from an iCloud backup.
1. Log in to your iCloud account on your iPhone.
2. Go to Settings and select General, then tap on Reset.
3. Click on Erase All Settings and Content.
4. Once completed, your iPhone will restart.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device and select the option to restore from an iCloud backup.
6. Choose the backup that contains your desired WhatsApp attachments and click on “Restore”.
Pros: iCloud Backup is a convenient and reliable option to restore all data and WhatsApp attachments in one go.
Cons: This method requires the user to erase all current settings and content from their iPhone. As such, you may lose some new data if it has not been backed up to iCloud.
Method 2: Recover WhatsApp Attachments from iTunes Backup
iTunes is a built-in software application that allows you to sync media files and applications between your iPhone, computer, and iOS device. Here’s how you can use it to recover deleted WhatsApp attachments from an iTunes backup.
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer, then open iTunes.
2. Click on the icon of your iPhone device on the iTunes interface.
3. Tap on “Restore Backup…” under the “Manually Back Up and Restore” section.
4. Choose the latest iTunes backup that contains your deleted WhatsApp attachments.
5. Click on “Restore” to initiate the restoration process.
Pros: This method is convenient and easily accessible since iTunes is readily accessible on most computers.
Cons: You must have backed up your iPhone to iTunes at least once before the data loss. iTunes backup cannot selectively restore only the WhatsApp attachments.
Method 3: Retrieve Lost WhatsApp Attachments from Tenorshare UltData
Tenorshare UltData is a powerful data recovery tool that can recover deleted data from all iOS devices, including WhatsApp attachments. Here are the steps to recover WhatsApp attachments using Tenorshare UltData.
1. Download and install the UltData software on your computer, then connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB connection.
2. From the UltData interface, choose “WhatsApp Attachments” as your desired file type to recover.
3. Click on “Scan”, and the software will display a list of your scanned data, including WhatsApp attachments.
4. Select the WhatsApp Attachments you wish to recover and click on “Recover”.
5. Choose a destination path on your computer to save recovered WhatsApp Attachments.
Pros: Tenorshare UltData can recover accidentally deleted files from a wide range of formats.
Cons: Tenorshare UltData is a paid software, and it may not recover all lost Whatsapp attachments.
Why Can’t I recover all Deleted WhatsApp Attachments?
Many factors can make it difficult to recover deleted WhatsApp attachments from iPhone. Here are some possible reasons for incomplete recovery and how to fix them:
1. Overwritten data: Frequent deletions and additions in the device can result in the overwriting of old data and make it difficult to retrieve deleted attachments. One solution is to back up your Whatsapp data regularly to avoid data loss.
2. Unsecured third-party software: While many data recovery apps are effective in restoring deleted data, they’re not always safe, and some can even infect your device with malware. Always do your research before downloading any software from the internet.
3. Outdated phone software: Old versions of iOS might not be compatible with data-recovery software. Always ensure you have the updated version of your phone’s OS for high-compatibility with most data recovery software.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to prevent data loss and aid in recovering lost Whatsapp Attachments.
1. The easiest way to backup WhatsApp attachments is by selecting the option to include media when creating backups through WhatsApp.
2. Never use the device after losing data because it can overwrite the data.
3. Regularly update your iPhone’s Operating System to avoid compatibility issues with data recovery software.
FAQs
Q1. Can I recover old WhatsApp attachments using the cloud?
A1. Yes, you can recover deleted or lost WhatsApp attachments from iCloud.
Q2. Can i recover WhatsApp attachments without backup?
A2. It is difficult to recover deleted WhatsApp attachments on iPhone without backup.
Q3. Can I recover deleted WhatsApp videos?
A3. Yes, you can recover deleted WhatsApp videos from your iPhone.
Q4. Can I recover deleted WhatsApp attachments from years ago?
A4. Recovering deleted WhatsApp attachments depends on several factors, including the age of the file, the availability of backup, and the effectiveness of the recovery tool you use.
Conclusion
Losing important WhatsApp attachments can be disastrous, but there is hope. With proper knowledge and software applications such as Tenorshare UltData, iCloud, and iTunes backup, you can recover deleted WhatsApp attachments from iPhone. Be sure to back up your WhatsApp data regularly and upgrade your device OS to ensure high compatibility with data recovery tools. Always remember to do your research before downloading any data recovery software to avoid infecting your device.