How to restore a copy from Google Drive to WhatsApp - briefly?
To restore a backup from Google Drive to WhatsApp, first ensure that your phone number is verified in the app. Then, tap on "Restore" when prompted during the setup process.
How to restore a copy from Google Drive to WhatsApp - in detail?
Restoring a backup of your WhatsApp data from Google Drive can be essential if you've lost your chat history or are switching devices. Here’s a detailed guide on how to accomplish this:
- Ensure Compatibility: First, make sure that both your old and new phones run compatible versions of the operating system required by WhatsApp. Currently, WhatsApp supports Android 4.0.3 or higher and iOS 9 or later.
- Verify Backup Availability: Check if you have a recent backup on Google Drive. WhatsApp automatically backs up your chats to Google Drive every day at 2 AM. Ensure that the backup exists by going to your phone's settings, navigating to "Accounts and Backup," and verifying the last backup date.
- Install WhatsApp: If you haven’t already installed WhatsApp on your new device, download it from the Google Play Store (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS).
- Initial Setup: Open WhatsApp on your new phone and follow the initial setup prompts. When prompted to verify your number, enter your phone number in international format, including the country code. For example, for a US number, you would enter +1 followed by the area code and then your number.
- Restore from Backup: After verifying your number, WhatsApp will automatically search for backups on Google Drive associated with that phone number. If it finds one, you’ll see an option to restore your messages and media from the backup. Tap "Restore" to start the process.
- Wait for Completion: The restoration process can take some time depending on the size of your backup and your internet connection speed. Ensure that your phone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network during this period to avoid interruptions.
- Finalize Setup: Once the restoration is complete, WhatsApp will prompt you to set up your profile picture and name if needed. After that, you can start using WhatsApp with all your restored chats and media.
- Check for Missing Data: In some cases, certain data might not be restored due to various reasons such as incompatibility or corruption of the backup file. If this happens, consider checking the integrity of your Google Drive storage or contacting WhatsApp support for further assistance.
By following these steps meticulously, you should be able to successfully restore your WhatsApp data from a Google Drive backup and continue your conversations seamlessly on your new device.