How to delete a backup copy in WhatsApp on Android?

How to delete a backup copy in WhatsApp on Android - briefly?

To delete a backup copy in WhatsApp on an Android device, follow these steps:

  1. Open the WhatsApp application and go to "Settings."
  2. Navigate to "Chats" > "Backups," and then click on "Delete all local backups."

How to delete a backup copy in WhatsApp on Android - in detail?

Deleting a backup copy of your WhatsApp data on an Android device can be a necessary step for various reasons, such as freeing up storage space or resolving issues related to the app's performance. Below is a detailed guide on how to delete a backup copy in WhatsApp on Android:

Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting a Backup Copy in WhatsApp on Android

1. Locate the Backup Files

  • Google Drive Backups: WhatsApp backups stored on Google Drive are automatically deleted if you uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp without restoring from a backup. However, manually deleting these files requires access to your Google Drive account.

    • Open the Google Drive app or go to drive.google.com.
    • Navigate to "Backup" folder (this is usually created by WhatsApp).
    • Delete the unwanted backup files.

  • Local Backups: WhatsApp also creates local backups on your device's internal storage. These can be found in the following directory:

     /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/

    You will see files named msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 where YYYY-MM-DD is the date of the backup.

2. Delete Local Backup Files

  • To delete local backup files, you need to use a file manager app that has root access if your device is rooted. For non-rooted devices, you can use a standard file manager but may not have permission to delete certain files.
    • Open the File Manager app on your Android device.
    • Navigate to /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/.
    • Select the backup files you want to delete and tap "Delete".

3. Clear WhatsApp Cache

  • After deleting the backup files, it is a good idea to clear the cache of the WhatsApp application to ensure that any residual data is removed.
    • Go to your device's Settings.
    • Navigate to "Apps" or "Application Manager".
    • Find and tap on "WhatsApp".
    • Tap on "Storage & Cache".
    • Click on "Clear Cache".

4. Reinstall WhatsApp (Optional)

  • If you want to ensure that all traces of the backup are removed, you can uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp.
    • Go to your device's Settings.
    • Navigate to "Apps" or "Application Manager".
    • Find and tap on "WhatsApp".
    • Tap on "Uninstall".
    • After the app is uninstalled, go to the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp, and tap "Install".

Important Notes:

  • Backup Importance: Before deleting any backup files, ensure that you have no important data in them that you might need later. Deleting backups is irreversible.
  • Google Drive Sync: If you are using Google Drive for WhatsApp backups, make sure to check the sync status and ensure that your backups are not set to auto-sync if you do not want them stored online.

By following these steps, you can effectively delete a backup copy in WhatsApp on your Android device, freeing up valuable storage space and maintaining optimal app performance.