How to Backup WhatsApp? A Complete Guide for iOS & Android Users
WhatsApp is home to countless chats, photos, and videos we can’t afford to lose. Whether you’re switching phones or want peace of mind, backing up your WhatsApp makes sure your data is always safe.
More than 100 billion messages are sent daily on WhatsApp, highlighting the vast amount of data users might want to back up. While it might seem complicated, data backup in WhatsApp is actually an easy process.
However, knowing the steps for both iOS and Android is key to keeping everything secure. In this blog, we will discuss how to back up your WhatsApp on both platforms. So, are you ready to keep your data safe? If so, let’s get started!
How to Backup WhatsApp on Android Devices
Backing up WhatsApp on Android is straightforward. Whether you prefer to use Google Drive for cloud storage or a local backup to your phone’s internal memory, you have options to keep your chats and media secure. Let’s go through both methods step by step.
How to Backup WhatsApp on Android Devices
Step-by-Step Guide to Backup WhatsApp to Google Drive
Backing up to Google Drive guarantees your data is always safe, even if you switch phones. Here is how to do it:
- Open WhatsApp on your Android device.
- Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner to access the Settings.
- Select Chats, then tap Chat Backup.
- Under the Google Drive settings, choose how often you want to back up (Daily, Weekly, or Monthly). You can also opt for Manual Backup.
- Tap Back up to Google Drive and select the Google account where you want to save the backup.
- Choose to include videos in the backup by toggling the Include videos option.
- Finally, tap Back Up, and WhatsApp will start backing up your data to Google Drive.
Your backup will be stored in Google Drive and linked to your Google account, ready to restore whenever needed.
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How to Backup WhatsApp Locally on Android
A local backup is a good alternative if you prefer to keep your data offline. Here's how you can save a local backup:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
- Tap Chats, then select Chat Backup.
- In the Local Backup section, tap Back Up. WhatsApp will automatically create a backup and save it to your phone’s internal storage or SD card.
WhatsApp Chat Backup Option for Locally On Android
To access this backup, navigate to File Manager on your phone and find the WhatsApp folder. The backup will be stored under Databases.
Local backups are great for quick restores, but keep in mind that you may need to transfer them manually if you change phones.
How to Backup WhatsApp on iPhone
For iPhone users, keeping WhatsApp data safe is just as important. With iCloud as your primary backup option, you can make sure your chats and media are stored securely in the cloud.
While local backups aren’t as straightforward on iOS, we will explore the options you do have. Let’s break it down.
Step-by-Step Guide to Backup WhatsApp to iCloud
Backing up to iCloud is a quick and reliable way to save your WhatsApp data. You can quickly set it up by following these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
- Tap Settings at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Select Chats, then tap Chat Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now to immediately back up your data to iCloud.
- Enable the Auto Backup option to automate future backups and choose how often you'd like the backup to occur (Daily, Weekly, or Monthly).
- Toggle the Include Videos option to include media in your backups.
- How to Backup WhatsApp Locally on iPhone
Unlike Android, iPhones don’t allow for easy local backups due to how iOS handles app data. However, you can still manually transfer WhatsApp data through iTunes or Finder by creating a full phone backup. Here is a simple way to save your data locally:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Open iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on newer macOS).
- Select your iPhone when it appears.
- Choose Back Up Now to create a complete backup of your iPhone, including WhatsApp data.
Restoring WhatsApp from Backup
When switching phones or recovering lost data, restoring WhatsApp from a backup prevents you from losing important chats, photos, and videos.
Whether you're using an Android or iPhone, restoring your WhatsApp backup is a smooth process when done correctly.
WhatsApp Application For Restoring Backup
How to Restore WhatsApp Backup on Android
Restoring WhatsApp on Android from Google Drive or a local backup is simple. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Install WhatsApp on your new Android device or after resetting the app.
- Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- Once verified, WhatsApp will automatically search for a backup. If you’ve backed up to Google Drive, it will prompt you to restore it.
- Tap Restore when prompted. WhatsApp will begin downloading your chat history and media from Google Drive.
- If you’ve only backed up locally, WhatsApp will restore the local backup stored in your phone’s internal storage.
- Once restored, your chats will reappear, and media files will download in the background.
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How to Restore WhatsApp Backup on iPhone
If you're switching iPhones or reinstalling WhatsApp, restoring from an iCloud backup is seamless. Follow these steps to get your data back:
- Install WhatsApp from the App Store.
- Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number.
- After verification, WhatsApp will detect your iCloud backup, provided you’ve already created one.
- Tap Restore Chat History and allow WhatsApp to download your chats and media from iCloud.
- Once restored, your messages will appear, and your media will start downloading.
|
Backup Method |
Pros |
Cons |
Best For |
|
Google Drive (Android) |
Accessible from any device with Google account |
Limited storage based on Google Drive quota |
Users who switch devices frequently or need cloud access |
|
Local Backup (Android) |
Faster restore process |
Manual transfer is needed for new devices |
Users who prefer offline storage or have limited internet access |
|
iCloud (iOS) |
Automatic backups available |
Requires sufficient iCloud storage |
iPhone users who want an easy, integrated backup solution |
|
iTunes/Finder Backup (iOS) |
Full device backup including all app data |
Time-consuming process |
Users who want a complete backup of their iPhone, including WhatsApp data |
|
Third-Party Tools |
May offer additional features like selective backup |
Not officially supported by WhatsApp |
Users looking to transfer data between Android and iPhone |
Closing Words
Backing up your WhatsApp account protects valuable conversations, photos, and videos. Whether you're using Android or iPhone, the process is simple and makes sure you never lose your data, even when switching devices.
With options like Google Drive for Android and iCloud for iPhone, you can choose the backup method that best fits your needs. Plus, being able to restore those backups keeps your WhatsApp experience stress-free. For more information, trust DigiPix Inc. to have your back.
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Improve your local search rankings, appear in Google Maps results & build credibility with campaigns designed to maximize your reach.
See measurable growth with enhanced visibility, more website visits from local customers & a strategy focused on dominating local searches.
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FAQs
How often should I back up my WhatsApp chats?
It depends on how often you use WhatsApp and how important your conversations are. You can choose to back up daily, weekly, or monthly. For frequent users, a daily backup ensures your most recent chats are always saved.
Can I back up WhatsApp without using cloud storage?
Yes, you can create local backups on Android that save directly to your phone’s internal storage or SD card. However, on the iPhone, cloud backups through iCloud are the primary option unless you manually back up through iTunes or Finder.
Does WhatsApp backup include my media files?
Yes, both cloud and local backups include your photos, videos, and voice messages. However, you can exclude media in your backup settings to save space.
Can I restore a WhatsApp backup from Android to iPhone or vice versa?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not allow direct backup transfers between Android and iPhone due to the difference in backup methods (Google Drive vs. iCloud). However, third-party tools can help with this, though they may not be officially supported.
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Written By: Khurram Qureshi
Founder & consultant of DigiPix Inc.
Call or text: 416-900-5825
Email: info@digipixinc.com
About The Author
In 2005, Khurram Qureshi started DigiPix Inc. which started off as a design agency offering video editing to professional photography, video production & post production, website designs and 3D Animations and has now expanded towards online marketing and business consultancy. Khurram Qureshi also is a motivational figure and participates in local and international platforms. He also play a role in the local community development, helping local young minds get ready to enter the job market.