Kapanlagi.com - Losing important photos on WhatsApp can be a frustrating experience. However, don’t worry! There are several ways you can try to recover permanently deleted WhatsApp photos on your Android device. This article will discuss various methods you can use to recover your precious memories.
1. Understanding Photo Deletion on WhatsApp

WhatsApp application (credit: pexels.com)
Photo deletion on WhatsApp can occur either intentionally or unintentionally. When a photo is deleted from the WhatsApp application, the file does not immediately disappear permanently from your device. The Android operating system merely marks the storage space occupied by the file as “available for overwrite”, but the original data remains until that space is used to store new data.
This is why it is sometimes still possible to recover deleted photos, especially if the recovery action is taken soon after deletion. However, the longer the time passes, the greater the likelihood that the storage space has been overwritten by new data, making the recovery process more difficult.
2. Causes of Deleted WhatsApp Photos
There are several reasons why photos on WhatsApp can be accidentally deleted:
- User error: Accidentally pressing the delete button while viewing or managing photos.
- App updates: Sometimes WhatsApp updates can cause the loss of some data, including photos.
- Storage issues: If the device runs out of storage space, the system may automatically delete some files to free up space.
- Malware or virus: Infection of the device by malicious programs can lead to data loss.
- Factory reset: Performing a factory reset on the device will erase all data, including WhatsApp photos.
- Failed synchronization: If the synchronization process between the device and cloud service fails, some data may be lost.
Understanding these causes can help you take appropriate preventive measures to avoid losing important photos in the future.
3. How to Prevent Losing WhatsApp Photos

WhatsApp Application (credit: pexels.com)
Prevention is always better than recovery. Here are some steps you can take to prevent losing important photos on WhatsApp:
- Enable the automatic backup feature: WhatsApp provides an option for automatic backups to Google Drive (for Android) or iCloud (for iOS). Make sure this feature is enabled and set to back up regularly.
- Save important photos to the gallery: Always save important photos from WhatsApp to your device's gallery. This provides an additional layer of security.
- Use cloud storage apps: Take advantage of cloud storage services like Google Photos or Dropbox to back up your photos.
- Check storage space regularly: Ensure your device always has enough storage space to avoid automatic deletion by the system.
- Be cautious when deleting: Always double-check before deleting photos or messages on WhatsApp.
- Maintain device security: Use antivirus software and avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources to prevent malware infections.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing important photos on WhatsApp.
4. Methods to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Photos
If you have lost important photos on WhatsApp, do not panic. There are several methods you can try to recover them:
1. Recovery via Google Drive Backup
If you have enabled automatic backups to Google Drive, this is the first method you should try:
- Uninstall WhatsApp from your device.
- Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- During the setup process, select the option to restore chats from Google Drive.
- Enter the phone number and Google account that you used to create the backup.
- After verification, WhatsApp will restore your chats and media, including the deleted photos.
2. Recovery from Local Storage
WhatsApp also saves local backups on your device. To recover from a local backup:
- Open the File Manager on your Android device.
- Navigate to Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases.
- Look for a backup file with the format “msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12”.
- Rename the file to “msgstore.db.crypt12”.
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- During setup, select the option to restore from local backup.
3. Using Data Recovery Apps
There are various third-party apps that can help recover deleted photos. Some popular options include:
- DiskDigger
- Dr.Fone
- EaseUS MobiSaver
However, keep in mind that these apps may require root access on your device and are not always 100% effective.
4. Recovery from WhatsApp Media Folder
Sometimes, photos that are "deleted" from WhatsApp are still stored in the WhatsApp media folder on your device:
- Open File Manager.
- Navigate to Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Media > WhatsApp Images.
- Check if the photo you are looking for is still here.
5.Requesting Photos from Contacts
If the above methods do not work, the last option is to request the photo from the contact who sent it to you. Although this is not a technical solution, sometimes it is the easiest way to retrieve a lost photo.
5. Best Data Recovery Applications

WhatsApp Application (credit: pexels.com)
Here are some of the best data recovery applications that can help you restore deleted WhatsApp photos:
1.DiskDigger Photo Recovery
DiskDigger is a popular app that can scan your Android device to find deleted photos. Its features include:
- Quick and deep scanning
- No root required for basic scanning
- Can recover various file formats
- Option to upload recovered files directly to the cloud
2.Dr.Fone – Data Recovery
Dr.Fone is a comprehensive data recovery suite that offers various features:
- Recovery of various types of data including photos, videos, and documents
- Compatible with various brands of Android devices
- Preview option before recovery
- User-friendly interface
3.EaseUS MobiSaver
EaseUS MobiSaver is a powerful data recovery tool with the following features:
- Quick and deep scanning
- Can recover data from SD cards
- Supports various file formats
- Option to select specific items to recover
4.Dumpster
Dumpster acts as a "recycle bin" for your Android device, storing deleted files for easy recovery:
- Automatically saves deleted files
- File encryption for added security
- Automatic cleaning feature to save space
- Integration with cloud storage
5.PhotoRec
PhotoRec is a powerful open-source data recovery tool:
- Supports various file systems and file formats
- Can recover files from various types of storage media
- Does not write on the scanned device, reducing the risk of data overwriting
- Available for various operating systems
When using these applications, be sure to read user reviews and understand the potential risks involved. Some applications may require root access, which can void your device's warranty.
6. Additional Tips for Recovering WhatsApp Photos
In addition to the methods mentioned earlier, here are some additional tips that can increase your chances of recovering deleted WhatsApp photos:
1. Act Quickly
The sooner you try to recover the deleted photo, the greater the chances of success. This is because the deleted data has not yet been overwritten by new data.
2. Avoid Excessive Use of the Device
Once you realize that the photo has been deleted, avoid using your device for other activities, especially those involving the storage of new data. This will reduce the risk of the deleted data being overwritten.
3. Check Hidden Folders
Sometimes, files that are “deleted” may just be hidden. Use a file manager that can display hidden files and check relevant folders.
4. Use Computer for Recovery
Some data recovery software for computers may be more powerful than mobile applications. Connect your Android device to the computer and use software like Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.
5.Check Google Photos Account
If you use Google Photos for automatic backup, your WhatsApp photos may be stored there even if they have been deleted from the device.
6.Consider Professional Help
If the photos are very important and the methods above do not work, consider using professional data recovery services. Although more expensive, they have more advanced tools and expertise.
7.Learn from Experience
After successfully recovering your photos (or even if not successful), use this experience as a lesson to improve your data management practices in the future. Consider implementing a more comprehensive backup strategy.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

WhatsApp Application (credit: pexels.com)
Is it possible to recover deleted WhatsApp photos without a backup?
Yes, although it is more difficult, there is still a chance to recover deleted WhatsApp photos without a backup. You can try using third-party data recovery apps or check the WhatsApp media folder in your device's internal storage.
How long can deleted photos still be recovered?
There is no definite timeframe, as it depends on several factors such as device usage and available storage space. However, the sooner you try to recover, the higher the chances of success.
Are data recovery apps safe to use?
Most popular and trusted data recovery apps are generally safe. However, always be cautious and only download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store. Read user reviews and the app's privacy policy before using it.
Can I recover deleted WhatsApp photos after performing a factory reset?
After performing a factory reset, it is very difficult to recover data without a previous backup. In this case, professional recovery may be the only option, although the chances of success remain low.
Is rooting required to recover deleted WhatsApp photos?
Not always. Some methods and apps can work without rooting. However, root access can increase the likelihood of successful recovery because it provides deeper access to the device's file system.
How to prevent losing WhatsApp photos in the future?
The best way to prevent photo loss is to perform regular backups. Enable automatic WhatsApp backup to Google Drive, use additional cloud storage services, and manually save important photos to your device's gallery.
8. Conclusion
Losing important photos on WhatsApp can be very frustrating, but with the right methods and tools, it is often still possible to recover them. From utilizing WhatsApp's built-in backup feature to using third-party data recovery applications, there are various options you can try.
The most important thing is to act quickly and be careful not to overwrite the deleted data. Always remember that prevention is key – regularly back up your data and manage it wisely to avoid similar situations in the future.
By following this guide and applying good data management practices, you can maximize your chances of saving your precious memories and minimize the risk of data loss in the future.
(kpl/dhm)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.