How to delete an old WhatsApp backup copy - briefly?
To delete an old WhatsApp backup on your iPhone, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and tap on the backup you want to delete. On Android, open the Google Drive app, tap on the three dots next to the backup file, and select "Delete".
How to delete an old WhatsApp backup copy - in detail?
Deleting an old WhatsApp backup copy can be necessary when you need to free up storage space or want to ensure that your backups are current and relevant. Here’s a detailed guide on how to accomplish this task:
On iPhone
- Open Settings: Go to the "Settings" app on your iPhone.
- Navigate to WhatsApp: Scroll down and tap on "WhatsApp".
- Access Storage and Data: In the WhatsApp settings, select "Storage and Data".
- View Backups: Here you will see a list of all your WhatsApp backups.
- Delete Old Backup: Tap on the backup you want to delete. You will see an option to "Delete Backup". Confirm the action when prompted.
On Android
- Open File Manager: Launch a file manager app on your Android device. Many devices come with a pre-installed file manager, or you can download one from the Google Play Store if needed.
- Navigate to Backup Folder: Go to "Internal Storage" > "WhatsApp" > "Backups".
- Identify Backup Files: Look for files named with dates and times (e.g., "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12").
- Delete Old Backup File: Select the backup file you wish to delete and tap on the trash icon or select "Delete". Confirm the deletion when prompted.
On Windows PC (for WhatsApp Web)
- Open File Explorer: Press
Win + E
to open File Explorer. - Navigate to Backup Folder: Go to
C:\Users\YourUsername\AppData\Roaming\WhatsApp\Backups
. - Identify Backup Files: Look for files named with dates and times (e.g., "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12").
- Delete Old Backup File: Select the backup file you wish to delete and press
Delete
on your keyboard. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Important Considerations
- Backup Integrity: Ensure that you do not delete backups that are crucial or have important data. Always check the dates before proceeding with deletion.
- Storage Space: Deleting old backups can free up significant storage space, which is especially beneficial if your device has limited capacity.
- Regular Maintenance: It’s a good practice to periodically review and manage your backup files to keep them organized and relevant.
By following these steps, you can effectively delete old WhatsApp backup copies and maintain an optimal storage environment on your devices.