Deleted messages on smartphones Viber on smartphones Samsung Galaxy is a problem that thousands of users face every day. The reasons for data loss can be different: an accidental click, a reset, a virus attack, or even a bug in the messenger itself. Fortunately, in most cases, correspondence can be returned - if you act quickly and correctly.

Samsung with its proprietary shell One UI and built-in backup tools offers unique recovery options. However, not everyone knows that standard methods (for example, via Google Drive) work differently here than on “pure” Android. This article is for owners of exclusive methods for owners Galaxy S23, A54, Note 20 and other models, including those that do not require root access.

It is important to understand: the success of recovery depends on three factors:

  1. The availability of backup copies (even if you did not know about them - Samsung and Viber can create them automatically).
  2. Time elapsed since deletion (the sooner you start, the higher the chances).
  3. Phone models and Android versions (with Galaxy With One UI 5.0+ additional tools available).

If you deleted messages less than a week ago, the chances of success exceed 70% —provided that you did not clear the messenger cache or reinstall it. For old correspondence (more than 30 days), advanced methods will be required, including working with ADB or specialized apps.

1. Restoring through the built-in Viber backup

The simplest and most official way is to use automatic backupswhich Viber creates once a week. This method works on all models Samsung, including Galaxy S24 Ultra and budget Galaxy M34if the backup function is enabled.

To restore messages:

  1. Delete Viber from the phone via Settings → Applications → Viber → Delete.
  2. Install the messenger again from Google Play.
  3. When you first start, the system will offer to restore data from a backup - (agree).
  4. Select the most recent copy (the date of creation is displayed in the list).

⚠️ Attention: If you not deleted messenger before restoring, but simply reinstalled it over the old version, the backup may not be picked up. In this case, clear the application data through Settings → Applications → Viber → Memory → Clear data and repeat the procedure.

List of conditions under which this method will work:

  • 📱 There is enough free space on the phone (at least 500 MB on the system partition).
  • 🔄 Automatic backup to Viber has been enabled (Settings → Account → Backup).
  • 🕒 No more than 30 days have passed since deletion (old copies may overwritten).
  • 📵 No apps were used to clear the cache (for example, CCleaner or Samsung Optimizer).
📊 Do you regularly make backup copies of instant messengers?
Yes, automatically
Yes, manually
No, but I want to start
No and I don’t plan to

2. Using Samsung Cloud for recovery

Owners Samsung have a unique advantage - proprietary cloud storage Samsung Cloud, which can save application data, including Viber. This method works even if you did not set up backup manually: the system sometimes creates copies automatically when updating. One UI.

Recovery instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Accounts and backup copying → Samsung Cloud.
  2. Select Restore data and log in to your account Samsung.
  3. In the list of available copies, find the one where it is indicated Viber (may be displayed as "Data applications").
  4. Click Restore and wait for the process to complete (may take up to 10 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Recovery from Samsung Cloud will overwrite the current data in Viber. If you had new conversations after deleting messages, they will be lost. We recommend that you first export important chats manually via Viber Settings → Account → Export history.

Model Samsung Samsung Cloud support Max. free storage volume Automatic Viber backup
Galaxy S22/S23/S24 Yes 15 GB Yes (with synchronization enabled)
Galaxy A53/A54 Yes 5 GB Only manually
Galaxy Note 20 Yes 15 GB Yes (if updated to One UI 5.0+)
Galaxy M33/M53 Partially 5 GB No

If Samsung Cloud there is no necessary copy, check Google Drive:

  1. Open Google Drive in a browser.
  2. In the search bar, enter Viber.
  3. If you find a file with the extension .vcb (Viber Backup), download it to your PC.
💡

On phones Samsung s One UI 6.0 backups Samsung Cloud can be created on a schedule. Go to Settings → Accounts and backup → Data backup and enable the "Automatic backup" option.

3. Restoring without backup: analyzing the Viber cache

If there are no backups, the only way left is through messenger. This method only works if: retrieving data from the cache messenger. This method only works if:

  • You did not clear the cache Viber after deleting messages.
  • No more than 7 days from the moment of data loss.
  • On the phone encryption is not enabled (on Samsung this can be checked in Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security settings → Encryption).

For recovery you will need a PC and a app Android Data Recovery (for example, Dr.Fone or Tenorshare UltData). Step-by-step guide:

  1. Connect Samsung to your computer via USB (turn on USB debugging to Settings → About phone → Software information → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → Developer mode).
  2. Run the recovery app and select mode Android data recovery.
  3. Select the data type - Messages and attachments (or Viber, if there is such an option).
  4. Follow the app instructions to scan the device (root access may be required).
  5. After scanning, find the folder /data/data/com.viber.voip/databases —it stores the database files Viber (viber_messages, viber_data).
  6. Export the files to a PC and use SQLite Browser to view messages.

Critical detail: on phones Samsung c One UI 4.0 and later path to the database may differ - look for files in /data/user/0/com.viber.voip/databases. If the app does not find the folder, try using Root Browser directly on the phone.

⚠️ Attention: When restoring via cache do not install new versions of Viber before the process is completed, updating the messenger may overwrite old database files.

Disable Wi-Fi and mobile data|Charge phone at least 50%|Install Samsung drivers on PC|Download the recovery app (Dr.Fone/Tenorshare)|Prepare a USB cable (original!)

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4. Recovery using ADB (for advanced users)

If the previous methods did not work, you can try to extract data via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires command line skills, but gives access to hidden files Viberthat are not visible through standard managers.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB Tools and drivers Samsung.
  • 📱 Phone with USB debugging enabled USB debugging.
  • 🔌 Original USB cable (not wireless charging!).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
  2. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    If the device is displayed, proceed further.

  3. Create a backup copy of the data Viber: 
    adb backup -f viber_backup.ab com.viber.voip

    A confirmation request will appear on the phone - agree.

  4. After the copying is complete, turn off the phone and extract file viber_backup.ab.
  5. Use Android Backup Extractor to extract data from the archive.

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung s Android 11+ command adb backup may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, try an alternative method: 

adb shell

su


cp -r /data/data/com.viber.voip /sdcard/viber_backup

(required root access).

If you receive an error adb: unable to open file, check:

  • Are the drivers installed correctly? developer Samsung (download them from official website).
  • Is USB debugging enabled (Settings → System → Developer Mode).
  • Is the antivirus (for example, Kaspersky or Avast) blocking the ADB connection.
What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Try another USB cable (preferably original from Samsung).

2. Switch the connection mode on your phone from “Charging” to “File Transfer” (MTP).

3. Update ADB to the latest version using the command:

adb kill-server && adb start-server

4. If you are using Windows, check Device Manager for an exclamation mark next to "Samsung ADB Interface".

5. Restore via Google Drive (if synchronization was enabled)

Many users Samsung do not know that Viber can automatically synchronize with Google Drive —even if you did not set it up manually. This method works if: Google Drive data-i="238">No more than 60 days have passed since the last synchronization.

  • An account has been added to the phone Google.
  • In settings Viber option was enabled Backup to Google Drive.
  • No more than 60 days have passed since the last synchronization.

How to restore messages:

  1. Delete Viber from your phone.
  2. Install the messenger again and log in to your account.
  3. On the welcome screen, select Recover from Google Drive.
  4. Select the most recent copy (pay attention to the creation date).

If the restore option does not appear:

  • 🔍 Check if there are backups manually:
    1. Open Google Drive.
    2. In the search, enter Viber backup.
    3. If you find files with the extension .vcb, download them.
  • 📁 Move the downloaded file to the folder Download on your phone.
  • 🔄 Reinstall Viber —on first startup, the system should detect a local copy.

    • ⚠️ Attention: On phones Samsung s One UI 5.0+ you may need to additionally allow access to files manually. To do this:

    1. Open My file (standard file manager Samsung).
    2. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Show hidden files.
    3. Find the folder Android → data → com.viber.voip and copy the backup file there.

    6. Alternative methods: contacting support and third-party services

    If none of the methods worked, there are two left. option:

    1. Contact Viber support —they can restore messages from their servers if:
      • You have a phone number and email attached.
      • The messages were deleted no more than 30 days ago.
      • You can confirm account ownership (via SMS or backup email).

    To do this, write to support@viber.com with the subject "Recovery of deleted messages" and indicate:

    • Phone number associated with the account.
    • The approximate date of message deletion.
    • Chat ID (if you remember).
    • Use professional services —for example, Oxygen Forensics or CellebriteThese companies. specialize in data recovery from Android devices, including Samsung. The cost of the service is from 5,000 20,000 rubles, but the chances of success are up to 90% even for old messages.

    ⚠️ Attention: Be careful with “free” recovery services on the Internet. Many of them:

    • 🕵️‍♂️ They steal data (logins, passwords, correspondence).
    • 💣 Install malware on the phone.
    • 🚫 Do not return money if unsuccessful.

    Before using, check reviews on independent sites (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

    If you decide to contact specialists, prepare:

    • 📱 The phone itself (it is advisable not to use it for new correspondence).
    • 📄 Receipts or warranty documents (if the device is under warranty).
    • 🔐 Account passwords Google i Samsung (they may be needed to access cloud copies).
    💡

    The most reliable way to avoid losing messages is to set up automatic backup in Viber (Settings → Account → Backup copying) and enable synchronization with Samsung Cloud.

    7. How to prevent message loss in the future

    To no longer encounter the problem of deleted correspondence, follow these recommendations:

    • 🔄 Enable automatic backup in Viber:
      1. Open Viber and go to More → Settings → Account → Backup.
      2. Select Google Drive or Local storage.
      3. Set copy frequency (recommended weekly).
    • 📱 Set up Samsung Cloud:
      1. Login in Settings → Accounts and backup → Samsung Cloud.
      2. Enable Automatic backup.
      3. Add Viber to the list of applications for synchronization.
  • 📂 Export important chats manually:
    1. Open the desired chat in Viber.
    2. Click on the name of the interlocutor → Export history.
    3. Select the format (.txt or .zip) and save the file to your phone or to the cloud.
  • 🛡️ Use third-party backup managers, for example:
    • Swift Backup (requires root).
    • Titanium Backup (for advanced users).
    • Samsung Smart Switch (built-in backup solution).

      • ⚠️ Attention: On phones Samsung s Android 13+ some backup features may be limited due to privacy policies. To get around this:

      1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Permission Manager.
      2. Find Viber and allow access to storage and contacts.
      3. Enable the option Allow changes to system settings (if available).

      If you often clear the cache or use optimizer apps (for example, Samsung Optimizer or CCleaner), add Viber to exceptions:

      1. Open the optimizer.
      2. Find the section Exceptions or Ignored applications.
      3. Add Viber to the list.

      1. Open My file.

      2. Go to Internal storage.

      3. Click Create folder and name it, for example, .ViberBackup (a dot at the beginning will make the folder hidden).

      4. Transfer all backups there.-->

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about restoring messages in Viber

      Is it possible to restore messages if Viber was deleted along with the account?

      If the account Viber was deleted (not just deactivated), restore messages impossible. Servers Viber store data only for active accounts. The only chance is if you have a local backup on your phone or in the cloud (Google Drive/Samsung Cloud).

      If the account is simply deactivated (for example, due to a change of number), try:

      1. Install Viber to another phone with the same number.
      2. Login to your account - the system may offer to restore data.
      Will recovery work if the phone was reset to factory settings?

      When full reset (via Settings → General → Reset) the chances of recovery are minimal, but they exist if:

      • You made backups in Google Drive or Samsung Cloud.
      • Used Samsung Smart Switch to create a backup.
      • The phone was turned on encryption —in this case, the data could be saved in encrypted form.

      If the reset was done via Recovery Mode (using a combination of buttons), restore data without backup impossible —this method erases everything, including hidden files.

      Is it possible to restore messages on a new Samsung phone if the old one is broken?

      Yes, but only if the following conditions are met:

      1. On the old phone, synchronization with Google Drive was enabled or Samsung Cloud.
      2. Do you remember the login and password for the account that was linked to Viber.
      3. New phone Samsung works under the same account Google/Samsung.

      Instructions:

      1. Install Viber on a new phone.
      2. Login to the same account (by phone number).
      3. On the welcome screen select Recover from the cloud.

      If the old phone is not available, but it turns on, connect it to the PC and make a backup via Samsung Smart Switch or ADB.

      Why, when restoring, old messages are not shown, but only new ones?

      This is a typical problem when:

      • You restored wrong backup (check the file creation date).
      • Viber updated to a new version and the database structure has changed.
      • On the phone there is not enough space for a full recovery (free up at least 1 GB).
      • You interrupted the process recovery (for example, turned off the phone or closed the application).

      Solution:

      1. Delete Viber and install same versionthat was at the time the backup was created.
      2. Repeat the restoration by selecting another backup copy (if any).
      3. Check if the antivirus is blocking access to files Viber.
      Is it possible to restore only individual messages, and not all correspondence?

      No, standard recovery methods (via backups or cache) return the entire story. However, there are workarounds:

      1. Export chat to file:
        1. Open the desired chat in Viber.
        2. Click on the name of the interlocutor → Export history.
        3. Select format .txt and save the file.
        4. Open the file in a text editor and manually find the messages you need.
      2. Using the SQLite editor (for advanced users):
        1. Make a backup copy of the file viber_messages (see the section on ADB).
        2. Open it in SQLite Browser.
        3. Run the query: 
          SELECT * FROM messages WHERE chat_id ='CHAT_ID' AND date BETWEEN'START_DATE' AND'END_DATE'

          (replace CHAT_ID and dates with the desired values).

      ⚠️ Attention: Editing the database Viber manually can lead to losing all messages. Do this only if you have a full backup!