How to Use Backups with WhatsApp

Lee Stanton August 8, 2023

Today, mobile phones are people’s best friends because they hold valuable information. Many say they wouldn’t know what to do if they lost their phone. But what if your data is wiped from your device? Luckily, WhatsApp enables you to save and retrieve your information via backup.

Read on to find out how to use backup on WhatsApp.

How to Restore WhatsApp From a Google Drive Backup

You won’t always have the same phone. These devices are constantly replaced, whether it’s because it was lost or for an upgrade. While most people know how to set up a new phone, this process usually means that all your messages on WhatsApp disappear once reinstalling the app. Luckily, WhatsApp lets you restore them using your Google Drive backup.

Follow these steps to restore WhatsApp from Google Drive’s backup:

Install and open WhatsApp.
Verify your number.
WhatsApp will offer you to restore all your messages and media from Google Drive.
Press “Restore.”
When the restore process is done, click on “Next.”

This process will bring back all the chats you backed up on your old phone. They will include both messages and all the media shared in them.

How to Restore WhatsApp From the Most Recent Local Backup

If you don’t wish to back up WhatsApp using Google Drive, there’s another option. You can back up data using an SD card or a local device.

To do so, you’ll need a computer, file explorer, or an SD card:

Download an app like File Manager & Browser for iOS and File Manager+ for Android.
Copy the most recent backup to your phone.
Install WhatsApp on your new phone.
Verify your number.
WhatsApp will show a pop-up offering to restore your old data. Tap “Restore.”

Now you can continue using WhatsApp like there was no break while switching to a new phone.

How to Restore WhatsApp From an Older Local Backup

You may have turned off the backup but still have an old copy saved. You can use that one as well to restore WhatsApp data.

Follow these steps to restore WhatsApp from an older backup:

Download a file manager app.
In the file manager app, go to your backup of WhatsApp.
Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
Click “Restore.”

How to Create a Backup of WhatsApp Using Google Drive

If you haven’t created a backup for your WhatsApp information, now’s a good time to do so.

Follow these steps to create a back for your WhatsApp data, which will be linked to Google Drive:

Open WhatsApp.
Select “Settings.”
Choose “Chats.”
Tap “Chat Backup.”
Select “Back up.”

Now you won’t have to worry that your data could be forever lost if something happens to your phone or you switch to a new one.

How to Turn on End-to-End Encrypted Backup

For those who may worry about security and fear something going wrong, there’s the option to turn on end-to-end encryption when backing up on Google Drive. End-to-end encryption will ensure your backed up data stays private.

These steps will lead you through the process:

Open WhatsApp.
Select “Settings.”
Choose “Chats.”
Tap “Chat Backup.”
Choose “End-to-end Encrypted Backup.”
Click “Turn On.”
Create a password or an encryption key.
Click “Create.”

Doing this will bring peace of mind that your data is safe and protected.

What If I Forget the Password for End-to-end Encryption?

Even though all might seem lost at first, there’s a way to retrieve the password. You can go to WhatsApp’s settings and choose the option that you forgot your password. Doing it sooner rather than later is recommended, as you only have five attempts to enter the password.

Follow these steps:

Open WhatsApp.
Go to “Settings.”
Tap on “Chats.”
Choose “Chat Backup.”
Select “End-to-end Encryption.”
Choose “Change Password.”
Click on “I Forgot My Password.”
Create a new password.

Please note, however, that resetting your password in this way will require your biometrics or your device’s PIN, whichever method is used to unlock your phone.

Reasons Why Your Google Drive Backup of WhatsApp Isn’t Working

It can be frustrating when something doesn’t work, even though you’re sure you followed the required steps.

Here are a few reasons why your backup of WhatsApp on Google Drive won’t cooperate:

You’re not using the same phone number as you did when creating the backup.
You’re not using the same Google account as when you created the backup.
Your battery is running low.
Your network connection is weak.
You need more storage on your phone.
In case you’re using end-to-end encryption, the password you’re typing isn’t correct.

Double-checking points from this list might help you solve the problem. Sometimes the simplest mistakes are the ones that may be causing the issue.

FAQs

What happens if I install WhatsApp without a prior Google Drive backup?

WhatsApp will automatically restore from your local backup file.

How often does WhatsApp do a backup to Google Drive?

You can set a backup to happen as often as you like. It can be daily, monthly, or yearly. It can even be never if you wish for it not to happen.

Can I stop backing up WhatsApp on my iPhone?

Your phone backs up WhatsApp on iCloud automatically. If you wish to stop because you think it’s unnecessary or set up end-to-end encryption, it can quickly be done. Go to your phone’s settings and untick WhatsApp under iCloud backup.

What if I choose not to restore the backup when installing WhatsApp?

Even though you decided not to restore your previous data onto WhatsApp on your new phone, the backup will still be available on the source. So you can use it later when setting up WhatsApp on another device.

Can I recover deleted messages on WhatsApp without backup?

The answer is yes. However, this will require using data recovery software tools. Some users may feel reluctant to use these, however, fearing for the privacy of their data.

Having Your Data Survive Longer Than Your Phones

Phones have become a part of a person’s identity. Everyone carries them around and can’t imagine their lives without them.

Luckily, switching to a new model doesn’t mean all your data will be lost. WhatsApp enables you to back up the chat history and media shared through chats via this channel. You can do it with the help of Google Drive or a local device. Even if you decide not to incorporate it now, the data will be saved on the backup, ready for setting up WhatsApp on another device.

How often do you back up WhatsApp, if you do it at all? Tell us in the comments section below.