Accidental deletion of a chat, clearing history or a technical failure in Viber on Android instantly hides access to correspondence containing critical addresses, passwords or agreements. Since the messenger does not provide a built-in “recycle bin” function for temporarily storing erased content, in order to check and return lost data, the user must perform specific steps to restore information on the device.
There are several main ways to solve this problem, each of which depends on whether the automatic backup function has been configured in advance. If you used standard tools Android or the settings of the application itself, the chances of getting your data back are high. However, if a backup has not been created, the task becomes much more difficult, and third-party methods of analyzing the device's file system will be required. In this article, we will analyze in detail each available method and explain the nuances of their use.
Checking backup settings before restoring
Before taking active steps to return data, you need to make sure that there are saved archives. Messenger Viber allows you to create backup copies of chats both to cloud storage Google Driveand locally to the internal memory of your smartphone. Without such a file, restoring correspondence is almost impossible using standard means.
To check the settings, open the application and go to the menu More → Settings → Account → Viber backup. Here you will see the date of the last save and the size of the archive. If the date is current and precedes the moment the messages were deleted, you can safely proceed with the recovery procedure. Otherwise, if the file is missing or too old, the information could be lost forever.
It is important to understand the difference between local and cloud storage. A local copy is saved in the phone's memory and can be deleted when clearing the cache or resetting settings. The cloud copy is tied to your Google account and remains accessible even when you change device. Make sure that the same account is installed on your phone that was used to create the backup.
⚠️ Attention: The process of restoring from a backup copy will completely replace the current correspondence history with the one that was at the time the archive was created. All messages received after the backup date will be permanently deleted.
Before starting the recovery procedure, be sure to take a screenshot of important contacts or copy new phone numbers to your address book so as not to lose fresh data.
Restoring correspondence through the official Viber application
The most reliable and secure way to check and recover deleted messages is to use the built-in recovery mechanism. This method requires a complete reinstallation of the application, since the data return function is activated only when setting up an account on the device for the first time.
First, you need to delete the current application Viber from your smartphone. After deleting, go to the store Google Play and download the messenger again. When you start the app, you will be asked to enter your phone number and go through the verification procedure via SMS code. Once login is successful, the system will automatically detect an available backup.
A prompt will appear on the screen to restore chat history from the found archive. You need to press the button Restore and wait for the process to complete. The download time depends on the file size and Internet connection speed. After completion, all messages, photos and voice notes that were present at the time the backup was created will appear in the list of chats.
- 📱 Remove the Viber application from the device through the settings or long press on the icon.
- 🔄 Download and install the latest version of the messenger from the official store.
- ✅ Enter your phone number and wait for an SMS with a confirmation code.
- 💾 Press the restore button when the corresponding notification appears.
☑️ Preparing for recovery
Analysis of local backup files on Android
If automatic recovery via the cloud did not work or you want to check the availability of local archives manually, you can use a file manager. On devices Android backups Viber are often saved in hidden system folders, access to which requires care.
Open any file manager, for example Files by Google or the built-in explorer. You need to follow the path Internal memory → Android → media → com.viber.voip → viber_backup. This directory can store files with the extension .zip or .vbkcontaining an encrypted correspondence history. The presence of such files indicates that local copying has been enabled.
Sometimes the files may be located in the root folder Viber or in a directory Downloadif the user has previously manually exported the chat. Once you find a file, you can try to rename it or move it to the desired directory before reinstalling the application so that the messenger recognizes it as a valid data source.
| Copy type | Location | File extension | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive | Cloud storage | Hidden in the service | If you have an account |
| Local | /Android/media/com.viber.voip | .zip / .vbk | Before resetting the settings |
| Manual | Downloads / Documents folder | .zip | Depends on the user |
What to do if the Android/media folder is hidden?
In some versions of Android, access to the Android folder is limited. You will need to give the file manager special permission to access all files in the system settings or use a computer to view the content via a USB cable.
Using third-party data recovery software
When standard methods do not help, users often turn to specialized data recovery software. There are many utilities, such as Dr.Fone, Tenorecovery or DiskDiggerthat scan the device’s internal memory in search of deleted pieces of information.
The principle of operation of such apps is based on searching for “traces” of deleted files that have not yet been overwritten by new data. Most of these tools require root access (superuser rights) to perform deep scanning. Obtaining such rights may void the device warranty and increase security vulnerability.
The process usually looks like this: you connect the phone to the computer via a USB cable, launch the app on the PC and select the type of data to search (in this case, instant messenger messages). The app analyzes and produces a list of found elements that can be previewed before recovery.
⚠️ Attention: Using third-party software carries the risk of leaking personal data. Never enter your account passwords into suspicious apps and download software only from official developer sites.
The effectiveness of third-party apps directly depends on the time that has passed since deletion: the more new data recorded on the phone, the less chance of success.
Checking notifications and system log Android
Sometimes the text of a deleted message can be found not in the messenger itself, but in the system notification log Android. If the screen was locked when you received the message or you simply did not open the chat, the text could be saved in the notification history, even if the message itself was later deleted by the sender or you. On modern versions (starting from version 11), there is a built-in “Notification History” function. To check it, go to
On modern versions Android (starting from version 11) there is a built-in “Notification Log” function. To check it, go to Settings → Notifications → Notification log. The history of all alerts for the last 24 hours is stored here. Scroll through the list to find the icon Viber and check the contents.
This method will not allow you to restore the full history of correspondence or attachments, but it can help you find out the essence of an important message, phone number or short code. If there is no built-in log, you can use applications like Notification History Log, which intercept and save all incoming alerts in real time.
- 🔔 Go to your smartphone settings and find the notifications section.
- 📜 Open the history log (if available on your model).
- 🔍 Look for posts with the Viber logo for the desired date.
- 💬 Read the text of the message preview, if it is saved.
ℹ️ Note: The Android settings interface may differ depending on the smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel). If you did not find the notification log, check the exact name of the section in the instructions for your model or on the manufacturer's official website.
Preventing future data loss
To avoid stress and loss of important information in the future, it is recommended to set up automatic backup right now. This will only take a few minutes, but will save hours of recovery attempts in the event of an emergency. The frequency of creating copies can be configured in the application itself.
Go to Viber Settings → Account → Backup. Select the frequency of creating archives: daily, weekly or monthly. It is best to choose daily copying if you actively use the messenger for work or communication. Also make sure that you have selected the right cloud storage and have enough free space.
Additionally, you can use the “Send Chat by Email” feature to save critical conversations. This option allows you to export your correspondence history in text format and send it to yourself by email or save it in a safe place. Thus, you will always have access to the archive even without installing the application.
Path to export chat:
Open chat → Menu (three dots) → Send chat log → Email
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore messages if a backup was not created?
Without a backup, the chances are extremely low. You can try using third-party apps for deep memory scanning, but this requires root access and does not guarantee results. It's also worth checking the Android notification log.
Will the other person see that I recovered the deleted message?
No, the recovery process happens locally on your device. The interlocutor will not receive any notifications that you have returned the deleted correspondence. The status of his messages will remain the same.
Are deleted photos and videos saved during recovery?
Yes, if they were included in the backup at the time of its creation. However, if media files were deleted from the phone gallery separately from the chat, they may not be restored along with the text of the messages.
How long do Google Drive backups last?
Backups are stored in your Google Drive account and take up space in your storage quota. They are not deleted automatically over time until you delete them yourself or exceed the space limit, although old copies may be replaced with new ones depending on the rotation settings.
Does changing your phone number affect the ability to restore?
Yes, the backup copy is tied to a specific phone number. If you changed your number and created a new account, the old copy will not work. You need to log in under the old number, restore the data, and then change the number within the application settings.