How do I restore contacts from a WhatsApp backup?

How do I restore contacts from a WhatsApp backup - briefly?

To restore contacts from a WhatsApp backup, first ensure that you have backed up your data to Google Drive or iCloud. Then, during the setup process of a new device or reinstalling WhatsApp, choose to restore your chat history when prompted. This will also restore your contacts associated with those chats.

How do I restore contacts from a WhatsApp backup - in detail?

Restoring contacts from a WhatsApp backup can be a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you successfully restore your contacts:

  1. Backup Creation:

    Ensure that you have previously created a backup of your WhatsApp data. WhatsApp automatically creates backups for Android devices on Google Drive and for iOS devices on iCloud. These backups include messages, photos, videos, documents, and settings.

  2. Uninstalling and Reinstalling WhatsApp:

    Before you can restore contacts from a backup, you need to uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp. Here’s how:

    • Android: Go to the Google Play Store, find WhatsApp, and tap ‘Uninstall’. After uninstallation, go back to the Play Store and install WhatsApp again.
    • iOS: Press and hold the WhatsApp icon until it starts wiggling. Tap the ‘x’ that appears on the app icon, then confirm by tapping ‘Delete’. To reinstall, go to the App Store, search for WhatsApp, and tap ‘Get’.
  3. Setting Up WhatsApp:

    Open WhatsApp after reinstalling it. You will be prompted to enter your phone number. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your number.

  4. Restoring the Backup:

    • Android: Once you have verified your phone number, WhatsApp will automatically look for a backup on Google Drive. If a backup is found, you will see an option to ‘Restore’. Tap ‘Restore’ to proceed with restoring your messages and media from the backup.
    • iOS: After verifying your phone number, you will be prompted with a message saying that a backup was found on iCloud. Tap ‘Restore Chat History’ to restore your messages and media from the backup.
  5. Wait for Completion:

    The restoration process may take some time, depending on the size of the backup and your internet connection speed. Ensure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network during this process.

  6. Accessing Restored Contacts:

    Once the restoration is complete, you can access your contacts directly within WhatsApp. Your contact list should now be populated with all the contacts that were saved in your backup.

  7. Updating Contact Information:

    After restoring your contacts, it’s a good idea to check and update any outdated or incorrect information. This will ensure that you have the most current details for all of your WhatsApp contacts.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully restore your contacts from a WhatsApp backup. If you encounter any issues during the process, make sure your device is connected to the internet and that you have enough storage space available.