While WhatsApp is one of the most widely used social media messaging platforms, many users struggle to understand the difference between uninstalling and deleting the app. What happens when you uninstall WhatsApp? Follow along with the article to get the answer. We have also provided a step-by-step guide for backing up your WhatsApp data and what happens when you reinstall WhatsApp.
In this article
Difference Between Uninstalling and Deleting WhatsApp
Are you wondering what happens when you uninstall WhatsApp? Right off the bat, uninstalling and deleting WhatsApp from your device are two different things. One will remove your application from the device while retaining the user profile details, and the other will delete the user account, removing all contact details from the server. Read the rest of the article to find out more.
What Happens When You Uninstall WhatsApp
When you uninstall WhatsApp from your device, you only remove the app from your phone. However, your user account will not be affected and will remain on the WhatsApp server. Your contacts can still send your messages, but since you have uninstalled the app from your device, you will not be able to receive them. However, when you reinstall WhatsApp on your device with the same account number, you will receive previous undelivered messages.
![uninstall whatsapp option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2024/uninstall-whatsapp-02.jpg)
What Happens When You Delete WhatsApp
When you delete WhatsApp from your phone, it implies that you have deleted your WhatsApp account, resulting in removing all your contact information from the server. You will also erase all your messages, contacts, media, and other information from WhatsApp when you delete it. However, this time, when you reinstall WhatsApp on your device and log in with the same account number, you will not retrieve previous messages. The WhatsApp account will be completely new and start fresh.
![delete whatsapp option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2024/uninstall-whatsapp-03.jpg)
Here is a brief table to show the difference between uninstalling and deleting WhatsApp:
Uninstalling WhatsApp |
Deleting WhatsApp |
|
Messages |
People can still message you. However, only after reinstalling WhatsApp will you receive new messages. |
You will no longer receive messages sent from that account. |
Groups |
You will remain a member or the administrator of your group. |
You will be removed from all groups. |
User Profile |
Depending on your privacy settings, your contacts can see your last profile picture and details. |
Your profile picture and information will also be deleted. |
User Settings |
Account and privacy settings will stay. |
When you delete and reinstall, all account and privacy settings are reset and deleted. |
Last Seen |
If the last seen function was enabled before uninstalling WhatsApp, your friends will see when you were last active. |
Your contacts will still see your last-seen status. |
Contact List |
WhatsApp will not remove you from your friends' chat or contacts list. |
Deleting the account would remove you from your friends' contact list. |
Thus, if you are undecided between uninstalling or deleting WhatsApp from your device, think about whether you would like to retain the previous information or start fresh.
How to Backup & Uninstall WhatsApp App Safely
Now you know the difference between uninstalling and deleting WhatsApp from your device. Before you begin the uninstall process, you should make sure your WhatsApp data is safely backed up. However, depending on your device OS, you can back up your WhatsApp data.
Here are the following backup options for your WhatsApp data for both iOS and Android devices:
Best Option 1: Backup WhatsApp Data Using MobileTrans
Depending on whether your device runs Android or iOS, you can back up your WhatsApp data to cloud storage. However, you may need consistent internet access and more cloud storage capacity. As a result, we strongly suggest applying third-party WhatsApp apps like MobileTrans—Backup & Recovery to create a local backup on your PC.
It has a user-friendly interface and a number of features that make backing up and restoring WhatsApp data a breeze. With this program, you can ensure that all of your WhatsApp data, including chat histories, media files, and attachments, is securely backed up and instantly available whenever you need to restore it.
Wondershare MobileTrans
Back Up Your Data to Computer Easily
- • Back up All WhatsApp contacts, chats history, and media in 1-click.
- • No data loss. No data leaks.
- • Compatible with thousands of device types acorss Android and iOS.
![5 stars](https://images.wondershare.com/images2020/stars-5.png)
Here are steps to back up your WhatsApp data using MobileTrans before uninstalling:
Step 1: First, download and install the MobileTrans - WhatsApp Transfer program from the official website on your computer.
Step 2: Connect your phone to the computer through a USB cable. Launch the app and click the "Backup & Restore" option on the main screen.
![backup and restore option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2019/whatsapp-transfer-home.jpg)
Step 3: Click the "Backup" button under the "App Backup & Restore" section.
![backup button option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2019/restore-home.jpg)
Step 4: Select "WhatsApp" from the list of options.
![whatsapp option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2019/whatsapp-backup-home.jpg)
Step 5: Select all the data types you want to back up of your WhatsApp and click on the "Start" button to start the process.
![date types options](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2019/whatsapp-backup-android-01.jpg)
Option 2: Backup WhatsApp Data Using iCloud
If you prefer to use iCloud to backup your WhatsApp data from your iOS device, follow the below steps to create a WhatsApp backup before uninstalling the app from your device:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and tap on the "Settings" tab option.
Step 2: Next, tap the "Chats" option and select "Chat Backup".
![chat backup option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2024/uninstall-whatsapp-04.jpg)
Step 3: Tap the "Back Up Now" option to create a backup. If you have not linked to iCloud, you will be prompted to log in with your Apple ID.
![back up now option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2024/uninstall-whatsapp-05.jpg)
Option 3: Backup With WhatsApp On Android
Similarly, if you prefer to create a backup of your WhatsApp data in cloud storage from your Android phone, follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your Android device and click the "three-dot" menu button to select the "Settings" option.
Step 2: Tap on the "Chats" from the list and select the "Chat backup" option.
![chats option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2024/uninstall-whatsapp-06.jpg)
Step 3: Tap on the "Back up" button to create a backup and make sure you have connected to a stable WiFi connection.
![chat backup and backup options](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2024/uninstall-whatsapp-07.jpg)
How to Uninstall WhatsApp app From Your Device
Now that you have successfully created a backup of your WhatsApp data, you can uninstall it. Follow the below steps to uninstall WhatsApp from your device:
Here are the steps to follow to uninstall WhatsApp on your device:
For Android phones:
Step 1: Open your device's "Settings" app and select the "Applications" option from the list.
Step 2: Tap on the "WhatsApp" from the list of applications.
Step 3: Tap the "Uninstall" option to remove WhatsApp from your device.
![uninstall option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2024/uninstall-whatsapp-08.jpg)
For iPhone devices:
Step 1: Seach and locate the WhatsApp icon on your iPhone home screen.
Step 2: Tap and hold the app icon for a long press until the options are displayed.
Step 3: Tap the "Remove App" option and confirm the uninstallation process to proceed.
![remove app option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2024/uninstall-whatsapp-09.jpg)
How to Reinstall & Restore WhatsApp App
If you are wondering what happens when you reinstall WhatsApp, here we have provided you with the information along with the procedure.
Best Option 1: Reinstall And Restore With MobileTrans WhatsApp Backup
After uninstalling WhatsApp, restart your device before installing it again. Now, you can easily restore your WhatsApp data from your system using MobileTrans.
Here are the steps to reinstall and restore WhatsApp backup using MobileTrans:
Step 1: First, open the "App Store" or Google Play Store" app on your device and search for "WhatsApp" from the search bar. Tap on the "install" button to reinstall WhatsApp on your device.
Step 2: Connect your phone to your system using a USB cable and launch the MobileTrans application.
Step 3: On the main screen, click the "Backup & Restore" option and select the "Restore" button under the "App Backup & Restore" section.
![app backup and restore option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2019/backup-home.jpg)
Step 4: On the next screen, select the "WhatsApp" option and select all the data you want to restore to your device.
![whatsapp option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2019/retrieve-whatsapp-message-1.jpg)
Step 5: Start the restore process by clicking the "Restore" button.
![restore option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2019/retrieve-whatsapp-message-6.jpg)
Option 2: Reinstall From App Store and Restore From iCloud
Here are the steps to install WhatsApp on iOS and restore data from iCloud:
Step 1: Open the "App Store" app on your iOS device and search for "WhatsApp". Tap on the "Get" option to download and install the app.
Step 2: Open "WhatsApp" and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up until the "Restore from iCloud" screen.
Step 3: Once you log in to WhatsApp with the same number, it will automatically detect the available backup. Tap the "Restore Chat History" option to restore your WhatsApp data from iCloud.
![restore chat history option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2024/uninstall-whatsapp-10.jpg)
Option 3: Reinstall From Google Play Store and Restore From WhatsApp Backup
Here are the steps to reinstall WhatsApp and restore WhatsApp data on Android device:
Step 1: Open the Play Store app on your Android phone and search for "WhatsApp" in the search bar. Tap the "install" button to reinstall WhatsApp on your device.
Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions to log in to your WhatsApp account until the "Restore backup" screen.
Step 3: Tap the "Restore" option at the bottom and wait until WhatsApp restores all your data from cloud storage.
![restore option](https://mobiletrans.wondershare.com/images/images2024/uninstall-whatsapp-11.jpg)
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between uninstalling and deleting WhatsApp, you can make an informed decision whether to uninstall or delete the app. However, irrespective of your choice, it is important to back up your enormous WhatsApp data to avoid data loss in the future. Follow the steps mentioned above to back up and restore your WhatsApp data for both Android and iOS devices. Use the MobileTrans - Backup & Restore tool for a comprehensive solution for both Android and iOS devices to easily backup and restore your WhatsApp data.