How to delete a conversation from the WhatsApp backup?

How to delete a conversation from the WhatsApp backup - briefly?

To delete a specific conversation from your WhatsApp backup, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
  2. Tap on the conversation you want to delete, then select "Delete" from the options menu.

How to delete a conversation from the WhatsApp backup - in detail?

Deleting a conversation from a WhatsApp backup involves several steps, as WhatsApp backups are stored in a secure manner to protect user data. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

  1. Understand Backup Storage: WhatsApp backups can be stored either locally on your device or in the cloud using services like Google Drive (for Android) and iCloud (for iOS). Knowing where your backup is stored will help you determine the next steps.
  2. Delete Conversation from Device: The first step is to delete the conversation from your WhatsApp application on your device. This does not remove the data from the backup but prevents it from being synced with future backups.

    • Open WhatsApp and go to the chat you want to delete.
    • Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top right corner.
    • Select "More" > "Delete chat".
    • Confirm by tapping "Delete".
  3. Create a New Backup: To ensure that the deleted conversation is not included in future backups, you need to create a new backup after deleting the chat from your device.

  4. Manage Cloud Storage (if applicable): If your backups are stored in the cloud, you might want to manage or delete old backups to free up space and ensure that only the latest backup contains your data.

    • For Google Drive: Open Google Drive on your computer, find the WhatsApp folder, and delete any old backups.
    • For iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups, select your device, and delete the backup.
  5. Delete Local Backup (if applicable): If you have a local backup stored on your device or computer, you can manually delete it.

    • For Android: The backup is saved in the WhatsApp/Databases folder. You can delete the relevant file from this directory.
    • For iOS: Local backups are typically handled through iTunes or Finder. Connect your device to your computer, go to the device settings, and manage your backups.
  6. Restore Backup (if necessary): If you need to restore a backup after deleting the conversation, make sure it’s the most recent one that doesn’t contain the deleted chat.

    • Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
    • Tap on "Backup" and follow the prompts to restore from your latest backup.

By following these steps, you can effectively delete a conversation from your WhatsApp backup, ensuring that it is not included in future backups or restorations.