How to delete WhatsApp backup copies of messages - briefly?
Deleting WhatsApp backup copies of messages can be done through the settings menu on both iOS and Android devices. For iOS users, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and tap 'Delete Backup'. On Android, navigate to Settings > Chats > Backup and select 'Delete All Backups'. This process ensures that your WhatsApp data is no longer stored in the cloud, freeing up space and enhancing privacy.
How to delete WhatsApp backup copies of messages - in detail?
Deleting WhatsApp backup copies of messages is a process that can be essential for users who wish to free up storage space, protect their privacy, or simply manage their data more effectively. Here's a detailed guide on how to achieve this:
Google Drive Backup
WhatsApp allows you to back up your chats and media to Google Drive. To delete these backups, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your device.
- Navigate to Settings: Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner (or the gear icon on iOS) to access the menu. Select "Settings".
- Access Chats: In the settings menu, tap on "Chats".
- Backup: Under the "Chat Backup" section, you will see an option for Google Drive. Here, you can view the last backup date and size.
- Delete Backup: To delete the backup, you need to go directly to your Google Drive account:
- Open the Google Drive app or visit drive.google.com on a web browser.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner to open the menu.
- Select "Backup". Here you will see all of your WhatsApp backups listed.
- To delete, simply tap on the backup and select the trash can icon or choose "Delete Forever" from the options.
iCloud Backup (iOS Users)
For iOS users, WhatsApp backs up data to iCloud:
- Open Settings: Go to your iPhone's main settings by tapping on the gear icon.
- Access Storage: Scroll down and tap on "General". Then select "iPhone Storage".
- Manage Storage: Here you will see a list of apps using iCloud storage. Select WhatsApp from the list.
- Delete Backup: You will see options to manage your backups. Tap on "Delete Backup" and confirm your choice.
Local Backup (Android Users)
WhatsApp also creates local backups on Android devices, which are stored in the internal storage:
- Open File Manager: Use a file manager app to navigate to the WhatsApp backup folder. The default location is typically:
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases. - Delete Files: Find files with names like "msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.db.crypt12" and delete them. These are your local backups.
Additional Tips
- Automatic Backup: Ensure that automatic backup is turned off if you do not want future backups to be created. In WhatsApp settings, go to "Chats" > "Chat Backup", and turn off the auto-backup toggle.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly check and delete old backups to prevent unnecessary storage usage.
- Privacy Considerations: Be mindful of what data you are deleting, as this process is irreversible. Ensure that any important messages or media have been saved elsewhere before deletion.
By following these detailed steps, users can effectively manage and delete their WhatsApp backup copies, ensuring optimal storage usage and enhanced privacy control.