On Android, WhatsApp automatically backs up to Google Drive based on your chosen schedule. To restore, you need to uninstall WhatsApp from your phone.
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Losing WhatsApp photos or videos can be frustrating. One moment they are on your phone, and the next they are gone because of an accidental delete, a phone reset, or a failed update. In 2026, WhatsApp still remains one of the most used messaging apps in the world, and people rely on it to store important memories, work files, and personal media. The good news is that in many cases, deleted WhatsApp photos and videos can be restored if you act correctly and on time. This guide explains the latest and most reliable ways to recover your WhatsApp media using simple steps and clear explanations.
Understanding how WhatsApp stores media
Before trying to recover anything, it helps to understand how WhatsApp works. WhatsApp does not store your chats and media on its own servers for long periods. Instead, it relies on backups stored on your device and in cloud services. On Android, backups are usually saved to Google Drive and also locally on the phone. On iPhone, backups are stored in iCloud. Photos and videos are also saved in your phone’s internal storage or gallery unless you have disabled auto-download.
This means recovery is possible mainly through backups or local storage. If no backup exists, recovery becomes more difficult but not always impossible.
Restoring WhatsApp photos and videos using cloud backup
The most reliable method in 2026 is restoring from a cloud backup. This works best if you had backups enabled before the media was deleted.
On Android, WhatsApp automatically backs up to Google Drive based on your chosen schedule. To restore, you need to uninstall WhatsApp from your phone. After reinstalling it from the Play Store, verify your phone number. WhatsApp will then detect an existing Google Drive backup and ask if you want to restore it. Once you confirm, your chats and media, including deleted photos and videos, will be downloaded again.
On iPhone, the process is similar but uses iCloud. After uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp, sign in with the same Apple ID and phone number. When prompted, tap restore from iCloud backup. Make sure you have enough iCloud storage and a stable internet connection, as videos can take time to download.
Keep in mind that restoring a backup will replace your current WhatsApp data with the data from the backup date. Any messages or media received after that backup will be lost.
Recovering from local backups on Android
Android users have an extra advantage. Even if Google Drive backup is disabled or outdated, WhatsApp creates local backups on the phone. These are stored in the WhatsApp folder in internal storage.
To use a local backup, you need to open your file manager and locate the WhatsApp Databases folder. You will see files with names that include dates. Choose a backup from a date before the photos or videos were deleted. Rename that file to the default backup name. After that, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, verify your number, and allow it to restore from the local backup.
This method does not require internet access, but it only works if the backup file still exists and has not been overwritten.
Checking phone gallery and file manager
Sometimes WhatsApp photos and videos are not fully deleted. They may only be removed from the WhatsApp chat but still exist in your phone’s storage. Open your gallery app and check folders like WhatsApp Images or WhatsApp Video. Also, use a file manager to search for these folders.
In 2026, many phones use smart gallery features that hide or archive files. Check trash, recycle bin, or archived sections. Some gallery apps keep deleted files for up to 30 days, giving you a simple way to restore them.
Using third-party recovery tools
If no backup is available, third-party data recovery tools may help. These tools scan your phone’s storage for deleted media files. Some popular tools in 2026 support both Android and iOS and can recover photos and videos without a backup.
However, success is not guaranteed. Once data is overwritten, recovery becomes impossible. Also, always choose trusted software, read reviews, and avoid tools that ask for unnecessary permissions. Never share sensitive personal information during recovery.
Preventing future data loss
The best recovery method is prevention. Always keep WhatsApp backups enabled and set them to run daily if your data is important. Make sure your Google Drive or iCloud storage has enough free space. You can also regularly copy important photos and videos to another cloud service or an external drive.
In 2026, WhatsApp also allows better media management options, so reviewing your settings and storage permissions can help avoid accidental deletions.
Final thoughts
Restoring deleted WhatsApp photos and videos in 2026 is often possible if you act quickly and use the right method. Cloud backups remain the safest and easiest solution, while local backups and recovery tools provide additional options. By understanding how WhatsApp stores data and keeping backups active, you can protect your memories and avoid stress in the future.
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