---
title: "I reinstalled WhatsApp and skipped restore. I lost all chats. How do I restore it again?"  
description: "I reinstalled WhatsApp and skipped restore. I lost all chats. How do I restore it again?"  
author: "Lily Chitlangiya"  
published: 2021-12-14  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94559/i-reinstalled-whatsapp-and-skipped-restore-i-lost-all-chats-how-do-i-restore-it-again  
category: "troubleshooting"  
tags: ["whatsapp", "troubleshooting"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# I reinstalled WhatsApp and skipped restore. I lost all chats. How do I restore it again?

I reinstalled WhatsApp and skipped [restore](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/239/how-to-back-up-and-restore-a-mysql-database). I lost all chats. How do I restore it again?

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## Answers

### Answer by Harshal Vispute

**You'll need to do the following if you wish to restore a local backup that isn't the most recent:**

- Install a **file manager** application.
- Navigate to your local storage or **sd card** > **[WhatsApp](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94560/how-do-i-recover-a-whatsapp-chat-without-a-backup)** > **[Databases](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94560/how-do-i-recover-a-whatsapp-chat-without-a-backup)** in the **file management** app. You can see '**internal storage**' or '**main storage**' instead of '**SD card**' if your data isn't saved on the **SD card**.
- Change the backup copy you wish to recover from **msgstore**-**YYYY**-**MM**-**DD**.**1**.**db**.**crypt12** into **msgstore**.**db**.**crypt12**.
- A previous backup may have utilized multiple protocols, like **crypt9** and **crypt10**.
- WhatsApp should be uninstalled and reinstalled.
- When prompted, press **RESTORE**.

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You'll need to transfer the data to the phone using a computer, file explorer, or an **SD card** if you wish to use a local backup.

To get your backup back, follow these steps.\

- A file manager app should be downloaded.
- In the file management app, go to your local storage or **SD card** > **[WhatsApp](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94560/how-do-i-recover-a-whatsapp-chat-without-a-backup)** > **Databases**. You can see '**internal storage**' or '**primary storage**' instead of '**SD card**' if your data isn't stored on one.
- Copy the most recent backup to the **[Databases folder](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94560/how-do-i-recover-a-whatsapp-chat-without-a-backup)** on your new device's local storage.
- After that, verify your phone number by installing and opening **WhatsApp**.
- To restore your chats and media from the local backup, tap **RESTORE** when requested.

Note:

- Local backup files from the previous seven days will be stored on your phone.\
- Every day at 2:00 a.m., a local backup will be produced and saved as a file on your phone.
- You might notice '**internal storage**' or '**primary storage**' directories if your data isn't stored in the /**sd card**/**WhatsApp**/ **area**.


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94559/i-reinstalled-whatsapp-and-skipped-restore-i-lost-all-chats-how-do-i-restore-it-again

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