How to Recover a Deleted SQLite Database

Updated on Oct 19, 2026 | by Qiling

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Identify the Database and Companion Files
Protect the Source Before Recovery
Recover With Qiling Deep Data Recovery
Verify the Recovered Files
Frequently Asked Questions

Many Windows apps store data in SQLite files named .db, .sqlite or .sqlite3. The database may also rely on write-ahead log or shared-memory files, so treat the application folder as a group of related files.

Identify the Database and Companion Files

Stop the application that created the database and record its original folder. Check its export, backup and cloud-sync options before scanning. A copied database from a running app may not contain the latest committed changes.

Look for files ending in -wal and -shm next to an existing database. They are not a substitute for the main database, but may matter when an intact set is restored. Do not rename or combine candidates on the source disk.

In write-ahead logging mode, committed changes can remain in a matching -wal file until they are checkpointed into the main SQLite database. Preserve the database and any matching journal files from the same point in time instead of mixing candidates from different dates.

A -shm file helps coordinate WAL-mode access, but its existence is not proof that the database is complete. Make an offline copy of the recovered set and run the application's normal validation before putting the database back into production.

Protect the Source Before Recovery

Avoid reopening the application if it will create a fresh database with the same name. Copy any surviving files from the folder to a different disk first.

Use a second physical drive for output. If this database belongs to a managed business app, consult its vendor or administrator before replacing production files.

Recover With Qiling Deep Data Recovery

Qiling Deep Data Recovery provides a visual scan of storage that Windows can detect. In this case, scan the stable local disk that actually stored the database, not a cloud-only placeholder or inaccessible server. A listed file is only a candidate until you open and verify its recovered copy.

Step 1. Record the App and Original Path

Identify the app, database name, approximate size and last good date. Check the app's own backup folder and File History before scanning.

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Step 2. Choose a Suitable Scan

For a deleted local file, start with Fast Scan. Use Recycle Bin Scan if the file passed through an emptied bin; use Disk Scan only if the entire source volume disappeared.

Step 3. Select the Database Drive

Choose the underlying physical drive by capacity and model. Keep the app closed and avoid selecting a backup destination as the source.

Step 4. Compare Database and Journal Results

Filter for .db, .sqlite and .sqlite3, then inspect nearby -wal and -shm names. Compare dates and sizes; do not assume the newest-looking fragment is a complete database.

Inspect SQLite database and journal candidates

Step 5. Recover and Test Offline

Save all relevant candidates to another drive. Work on copies and use the application or SQLite integrity checks to verify tables before considering any replacement.

Verify the Recovered Files

If you have a backup plus newer journal files, do not merge them blindly. A database specialist may need to reconstruct the correct transaction state.

Keep the recovered set read-only until the application can open it and key records are verified. Set up consistent backups after the data is secured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a -wal file enough to restore my data?

No. It normally works with its matching main database; preserve all related files for inspection.

Can I copy the database while its app is running?

An ordinary file copy may be inconsistent. Use the app's backup or export feature if it is still available.

Should I overwrite the new empty database?

Not until you have tested a duplicate of the recovered file and backed up the current app folder.