6 Methods to Recover Deleted WeChat Chat History on iPhone
WeChat stands as a pillar of digital communication, seamlessly integrating a multitude of functions vital for daily interaction and professional conduct. However, users often face the predicament of accidentally erasing crucial messages without prior backing up, leaving them in a quandary. This guide aims to navigate you through the intricacies of retrieving lost WeChat conversations even in the absence of a backup, while ensuring compatibility with a spectrum of iOS versions from the latest iOS 17 through to iOS 12, including iPhone 15 Pro Max/Plus/14/13/12/11 and other iOS devices.
1. Can Deleted WeChat Messages from iPhone Be Recovered?
The digital age brings with it an inherent fear of data loss, especially when it pertains to important conversations we cling onto for personal or professional reasons. A prevalent myth that circles among many WeChat users is the belief that once messages are deleted, they vanish into the digital abyss, never to be retrieved again. However, this notion is far from the truth and understanding the mechanisms at play can illuminate the pathway to data recovery.
At the heart of WeChat's data management lies the SQLite database, a sophisticated storage system employed by numerous applications to organize and maintain data efficiently. When messages are deleted within WeChat, they are not immediately expunged from your device. Instead, the SQLite database transitions these messages from an "Allocated" to an "Unallocated" state. This pivotal action marks the data as available space for new data but does not physically remove it.
This "Unallocated" space is the limbo where your deleted WeChat messages reside. They remain in this purgatory until new data is written over them, a process commonly referred to as data overwriting. Contrary to the common fear, this provides a window of opportunity for recovery. With the appropriate tools, it is feasible to venture into this unallocated space and reclaim messages that were presumed lost. This understanding not only dispels the myth of immediate and irretrievable loss but also sets the stage for the recovery methods we'll explore to bring back what was thought to be gone.
For those who have had the foresight to back up their device using iTunes, iCloud, or even WeChat's desktop options for Windows and Mac, the path to restoration is a walk in familiar territory. You can breathe life into your lost conversations by summoning these backups from their digital vaults to your iPhone. However, a word of caution: resorting to iCloud or iTunes for this digital resurrection may come at the price of current data on your device, much like turning back time erases the present.
Here’s where the finesse of a data recovery tool becomes invaluable. Such a tool serves as a careful archaeologist, allowing you to peer into the past without disrupting the present. It sifts through the layers of digital soil, unveiling both the existing and the seemingly lost WeChat data, and does so while safeguarding your iPhone's current state.
Alongside this, exercising digital patience by halting all usage of your iPhone during the recovery phase is crucial. Consider each new message or file as a potential overwriter, an unwitting eraser of the very data you are striving to retrieve. By putting your iPhone on a temporary hiatus, you are protecting the fragile existence of your deleted data until it can be safely recovered, ensuring that this digital dance of recovery can lead to a triumphant reclaiming of your lost messages.
2. Recover iPhone WeChat History using 6 Methods
2.1 Use the WeChat Built-in Backup Feature
To restore WeChat messages using its built-in backup feature, follow these steps:
Step 1. Launch WeChat on your device.
Step 2. Tap on the 'Me' tab at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 3. Tap on 'Settings'.
Step 4. Look for and select the 'Chats' option.
Step 5. Find and tap on 'Backup and Migration' within the Chats settings.
Step 6. Here, you will see options such as "Restore on a new device" or other similar options for migrating or restoring chat history. If you are restoring to a new device, choose the appropriate option. If you wish to restore a backup on the current device, select the option for chat history migration.
Step 7. You will be prompted if there is an available backup to restore from. If multiple backup files exist, select the one you want to restore.
Step 8. The restoration process may take some time, depending on the size of your chat history. Keep WeChat open and ensure your device has a stable internet connection during this process.
Notes:
Make sure your device has a stable Wi-Fi connection during the backup and restoration to avoid additional charges and ensure the process is uninterrupted.
There may be limitations on the size of data that can be stored or the length of time the backup is kept, so regularly backup important information.
The availability and specifics of these features can vary based on the version of WeChat and the operating system of your device, so ensure WeChat is updated to the latest version.
Using WeChat's built-in backup and restore feature is a convenient way to protect your messages and easily recover them when switching to a new device or after resetting your current device.
2.2 Recover WeChat Without Overwritten Original Data (iOS 17 Supported)
Recovering deleted WeChat messages doesn't need to be a daunting task, especially with specialized tools designed for this very purpose. One such tool is iPhone Data Recovery, a comprehensive data recovery software that delicately handles your iOS data, providing a safe passage for your lost messages back to the land of the living. It's designed to recover a wide range of data types, including text messages, contacts, photos, call logs, and more, lost due to accidental deletions, system issues, or device damage.
Key features About iPhone Data Recovery：
1. 3 Recovery mode: Restore data from iPhone storage, extract iTunes or iCloud backup.
2. Data Extraction from Backups: Users can extract data from their iCloud backups without having to perform a complete restore on their devices.
3. Selective Recovery: Allows you to preview and selectively recover specific files or types of data.
4. Broad Data Recovery Options: Recover various types of data including contacts, messages, call logs, photos, notes, and app data.
5. iOS System Recovery: Fix various iOS system issues like recovery mode, white Apple logo, black screen, looping on start without data loss.
6. Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of iOS devices and iOS versions, including iPhone 15 Pro Max/Plus/14/13/12/11 and more.
Below, we'll walk through the meticulous steps of using iPhone Data Recovery to recover your deleted WeChat messages from your iPhone.
Step-by-Step Recovery Guide:
Step 1. Installation and Launch
Begin by downloading and installing the software onto your computer. Launch the program once the installation is complete. Using a genuine Apple USB cable, connect your iPhone to the computer. Wait for the software to recognize your device. You might need to trust the computer on your iPhone if connecting for the first time.
Step 2. Select Recovery Mode and Scan iPhone
On the main interface of the software, choose "iPhone Data Recovery" feature, the software will go to default recovery mode "Recover from iOS Device", this mode is specifically geared towards direct recovery from iOS devices.
Click on the “Start Scan” button to let the software commence a thorough scan of your iPhone. This process digs deep into your device's storage to find both existing and deleted data, including your lost WeChat messages.
Step 3. Preview and Recover Messages
After the scan concludes, the software will display a categorized list of data on the left pane. Navigate to the “WeChat & Attachments” category and preview the found WeChat messages. This feature allows you to selectively pick which messages you'd like to recover.
Once you have made your selection, click on the “Recover” button. Choose a destination folder on your computer to save the recovered messages. Wait for the recovery process to complete. Once done, you can access the recovered WeChat messages from the specified folder on your computer.
It's paramount to understand that while tools like iPhone data recovery tool offer a beacon of hope in recovering your lost data, success is not guaranteed. The key to maximizing recovery chances lies in acting swiftly before the data is overwritten by new information. Always consider implementing a repetitive backup strategy for the future, leveraging services like iCloud or iTunes, to ensure that your precious data remains immortal in the digital realm.
2.3 How to Restore Backup from iTunes
I. Extracct iTunes Backup for WeChat Messages
If you want to extract WeChat messages from an iTunes backup using iPhone data recovery, you would follow a similar approach as direct recovery, with a few adjustments to cater to the backup extraction process. Here's how you can perform the recovery:
Step 1. Choose recovery mode
Start by opening iPhone data recovery on your computer. Click on the "Recover from iTunes Backup File" option on the main interface. This will direct the software to work on extracting data from your iTunes backup files.
Step 2. Select the iTunes Backup
The software will then display a list of all the iTunes backup files available on your computer. Select the most relevant one that contains your WeChat messages. Click on “Start Scan” to allow the software to analyze the contents of the selected iTunes backup file. This process may take some time depending on the size of the backup.
Step 3. Preview and Restore Messages
After scanning, the program will list all the recoverable data. Navigate through the categories and go to “WeChat Messages & Attachments” to find your WeChat messages. You can preview them to ensure they are the ones you want to retrieve. Once you've located and selected your WeChat messages, click the “Recover” button. You will be prompted to choose a folder on your computer to save the recovered messages. After the recovery process has been completed, you can check the specified folder for your recovered WeChat messages.
II. Restore Whole iTunes Backup for WeChat
Directly recovering WeChat messages using iTunes is done by restoring the entire backup to your device. Note that this will overwrite the current data on your device. Here are the specific steps:
Step 1. First, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes. Then, connect your iOS device to your computer using the appropriate cable.
Step 2. In iTunes, click on the device icon at the top of the window to select the device you wish to restore.
Step 3. Click on the “Summary” tab, then find the “Restore Backup” button in the Backups section.
Step 4. Click “Restore Backup,” and iTunes will prompt you to choose a backup file. Select the most relevant backup that contains the WeChat messages you want to recover.
Step 5. After selecting a backup, click on “Restore” to initiate the recovery. This step may take some time as iTunes will restore the entire selected backup to your device.
Step 6. After the recovery process is complete, your device will restart. Once it restarts, it will contain all the data from the backup, including the WeChat messages.
Please, ensure you understand the risks of overwriting current device data before proceeding with this process. If possible, make a backup of your current data beforehand to prevent any issues during the restoration process. Although this method is effective, it might not be as precise and convenient as using dedicated data recovery software since it allows for selective data recovery without the need to overwrite existing data on the device.
2.4 How to Restore Backup from iCloud
To recover WeChat messages from iCloud, you essentially have two methods. One involves restoring your entire iPhone from an iCloud backup, which can be somewhat drastic since it erases all current data and settings. The second method uses data recovery software that supports iCloud recovery, allowing for more selective retrieval. Here's a guide for both approaches:
I. Restoring iPhone from iCloud Backup
Step 1. First, verify that you have an iCloud backup that includes the WeChat messages. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups on your iPhone to see your latest backups.
Step 2. Since restoring from iCloud backup requires erasing all content and settings, go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to reset your iPhone. Ensure you back up current data if needed.
Step 3. Upon restarting your device and following the initial setup steps, choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” when you reach the “Apps & Data” screen. Sign in to iCloud and select the backup that contains your WeChat messages.
II. Extract iCloud Backup for WeChat Chats
Using the iPhone data recovery tool, you can easy to extract iCloud backup WeChat messages for your iPhone, follow the below steps.
Step 1. Download, install the iPhone data recovery tool on your computer. After installing and opening the iPhone Data Recovery software, Choose "Recover from iCloud Backup" mode, sign in using your Apple ID and password.
Step 2. After logging successfully, tap "iCloud Backup" option, the software will list all available iCloud backups. Select the one that likely contains your WeChat messages and download it. Once the download is complete, scan through the backup file for WeChat messages.
Step 3. After scanning, all data type will list on left sidebar, choose "WeChat Messaeg & Attachments", the software allow you to preview each data in detail, select the specific messages you wish to recover. Click "Recover" to restore them to your computer or device.
2.5 Recover WeChat Chats from Other Devices
To restore WeChat messages on an iPhone from another device, you can use the chat migration feature available within WeChat. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1. Make sure that you have the latest version of WeChat installed on both your old and new iPhones.
Step 2. Sign in to your WeChat account on your new iPhone device.
Access Chat Migration: Tap on 'Me' in the bottom right corner, go to 'Settings', choose 'General', and then find and tap on 'Chat Log Migration'.
Step 3. Click on ‘Migrate Chats to Another Device’ and then select ‘Select Chat History’ to show a QR code on your new iPhone’s screen.
Step 4. On your old device, open WeChat, scan the QR code displayed on your new iPhone.
Step 5. Choose the chat history that you wish to migrate on your old device. You have the option to transfer all history or select specific chats.
Step 6. Tap on 'Migrate' and wait for the process to complete. The time it takes will depend on the amount of chat history you are transferring.
Please note that this method only works for migrating between devices operating on the same system, meaning from iPhone to iPhone. Also, ensure that your WeChat account is not logged in on any other device during the migration process, as that could interrupt the transfer.
2.6 Utilize File Explorer Apps
Restoring WeChat information using a file explorer application typically involves direct manipulation of WeChat's folders within the phone's internal storage. This is usually done in the following situations: when you have a local backup of WeChat which may have been restored to a new phone from a previous phone system backup, or when you directly copy WeChat files from one phone to another. However, please note that this method requires technical knowledge, carries a risk of data corruption, and is not guaranteed to succeed because WeChat may encrypt the data.
Here are the general steps for using a file explorer to restore WeChat information:
1. Preparation:
Make sure you have the WeChat chat history database file, which is usually included in the "Documents" folder of the WeChat installation directory. The backup file is commonly named "MicroMsg".
2. Accessing Files:
Install a suitable file explorer application on the new phone, such as ES File Explorer or any other file management app you prefer.
Use this app to navigate to the WeChat installation directory.
3. Locate the WeChat Folder:
WeChat data is typically stored in the internal storage "WeChat" or "tencent/MicroMsg" folder.
Find the database folder that contains your WeChat chat records, usually named "MicroMsg."
4. Copy Files:
If you have a backup of the MicroMsg folder from the old phone, copy it to the same location on the new phone.
5. Permissions and Login:
Ensure that the WeChat app on the new phone has permission to read storage.
Log in to your WeChat account.
6. Recovery Verification:
If performed correctly, WeChat should automatically detect the backup of the chat records and prompt you to restore them.
Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the process.
Warning:
Before beginning the entire process, make sure that all data is backed up.
Directly manipulating files can lead to data loss, especially if the process is done incorrectly or if an update to the WeChat app changes the way data is handled.
In some cases, WeChat may specifically tie data to the original device or account, and this method may not work.
Therefore, it is recommended to use WeChat's built-in backup and restore functions whenever possible to avoid these risks.
3. How to Backup iPhone WeChat History
Backing up WeChat information on an iPhone can be performed using the following methods:
3.1 WeChat Built-in Backup:
WeChat offers a chat backup feature within the app. To use it, go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup, and then you can back up your WeChat conversations to the server. Be aware that this might not save all types of chat media.
3.2 Transfer WeChat Data to Another Phone using Chat Log Migration
To successfully move your WeChat conversations from one iPhone to another, begin by ensuring you've backed up your chat history. Both iPhones should be connected to the identical Wi-Fi network. Also, make sure you're logged into your WeChat account on both devices before you start.
Step 1. Begin by accessing your WeChat account on your current iPhone. Navigate to the 'Me' section at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2. Once in the 'Me' tab, proceed to hit the 'Settings' option. In the subsequent window that appears, go for the 'General' section.
Step 3. Seek out the 'Chat Log Migration' option and tap it. Following that, select the 'Select Chat Transcript' option to initiate the transfer.
Step 4. On your new device, log into the same WeChat account and prepare to scan the QR code presented on the older iPhone’s screen. As soon as the QR code is successfully scanned, the transfer of data will commence.
Step 5. After the migration concludes, your new iPhone will house all the WeChat chat history from your previous device, completing the transition.
It's a simple procedure to ensure all your messages follow you to your new device, maintaining continuity of your conversations.
3.3 Backup WeChat With the WeChat Desktop Application
Step 1. Start by downloading the WeChat desktop client for Windows. Install the program, then log into your WeChat account by scanning the QR code with the WeChat application on your iPhone.
Step 2. Before proceeding to backup your chats, ensure your iPhone is connected to the same PC.
Step 3. Within your WeChat for Windows, hit the "More" option. Here, you'll find the "Backup and Restore" section - click on it.
Step 4. Choose the "Back up on PC" feature to commence copying your conversations onto your computer, safeguarding your messages.
This process offers a convenient method to securely store your WeChat communications on your computer, creating a safe archivable point which you can access independently of your iPhone.
3.4 iTunes Backup:
Connect your iPhone to your computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later).
Select your iPhone when it appears in iTunes, and click 'Back Up Now'.
This will backup all the data on your iPhone, including WeChat messages, to your computer.
3.5 iCloud Backup:
On your iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
Ensure that iCloud Backup is turned on, and tap 'Back Up Now'.
This backs up your WeChat messages to iCloud along with other data on your phone. However, you need to have enough iCloud storage to complete the backup.
3.6 Third-party Software:
The iPhone data recovery provide you a simply method to back up your iPhone WeChat messages to computer for free, another iPhone transfer tool can also help you to back up iPhone WeChat messages, here is a solution for you: How to Back Up and Transfer iPhone Data to Computer.
In conclusion, accidental deletion of WeChat messages on your iPhone isn't necessarily permanent. As we've explored, there are several viable methods to retrieve lost conversations, ranging from utilizing built-in tools like the WeChat Backup function to employing professional data recovery software. The key is to act swiftly and consider the options available for your specific situation. By following the guidance provided, you can confidently attempt to restore your valuable information and continue your digital interactions without missing a beat. Remember to regularly back up your data to avoid potential data loss in the future. With the right steps, your deleted WeChat messages can often be just a few clicks away from recovery.
