How do I back up and restore WhatsApp chats?
Applies to: WhatsApp Messenger (Android, iOS)
Last updated: September 2025
Problem
You want to secure your WhatsApp chat history in case of phone loss, damage, or upgrade. Without a backup, messages and media can’t be restored if WhatsApp is reinstalled.
Solution
WhatsApp allows you to back up chats to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone). Local backups are also created daily on Android devices. Restoring is only possible if backups were created before data loss.
Step-by-step Instructions
Part 1: Backing up WhatsApp chats
On Android (Google Drive):
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap Back Up for a manual backup.
- To enable automatic backups, select Back up to Google Drive (daily, weekly, or monthly).
- Choose the Google account to store the backup.
- Enable Include Videos if you want video backups (uses more storage).
On iPhone (iCloud):
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now for an immediate backup.
- Turn on Auto Backup and choose Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.
- Toggle Include Videos if desired.
Part 2: Restoring WhatsApp chats
On Android (Google Drive):
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- Tap Restore when prompted.
- Wait for chat history and media to load.
On iPhone (iCloud):
- Delete and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Open the app and verify your number.
- Tap Restore Chat History.
- Allow the process to complete.
Using local backup (Android only):
- Locate backup file:
Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Databases. - Rename the backup file you want to restore to
msgstore.db.crypt12. - Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
- Tap Restore during setup.
Optional Methods or Tools
- Third-party transfer apps (e.g., MobileTrans, iTransor for WhatsApp) can help when switching between Android and iPhone, since Google Drive and iCloud backups are not cross-compatible.
Best Practices / Tips
- Ensure your Google Drive or iCloud account has enough space.
- Connect to Wi-Fi before starting a backup or restore to avoid high data usage.
- Set backups to run daily for minimal data loss in emergencies.
- Remember: you must use the same phone number and same Google/iCloud account to restore.
