How to restore a copy of the WhatsApp conversation - briefly?
To restore a copy of a WhatsApp conversation, you need to back up your chats regularly via Google Drive or iCloud. When switching devices or reinstalling the app, simply log in with the same phone number and follow the prompts to retrieve your chat history.
How to restore a copy of the WhatsApp conversation - in detail?
Restoring a copy of a WhatsApp conversation can be essential for various reasons, such as retrieving important information or preserving cherished memories. Below is a detailed guide on how to restore a copy of your WhatsApp conversation:
Backup Frequency and Storage Location
WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats, which are stored in the cloud. These backups include messages, photos, videos, and other media shared within your conversations. The frequency of these backups depends on your device's operating system:
- iOS: Backups occur daily at 2 AM local time.
- Android: Backups are created based on your Google Drive backup settings.
Restoring from a Cloud Backup
To restore a copy of your WhatsApp conversation, follow these steps:
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: First, uninstall WhatsApp from your device. Then, download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Verify Your Phone Number: Open WhatsApp and follow the on-screen instructions to verify your phone number. This is crucial as the backup will be linked to the phone number you use.
- Restore the Backup: Once your phone number is verified, WhatsApp will automatically search for the most recent backup associated with that number. You will see a prompt asking if you want to restore the backup. Tap "Restore" to proceed.
- Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time, depending on the size of your backup and the speed of your internet connection. Do not interrupt this process.
- Complete Setup: After the restoration is complete, you can finish setting up WhatsApp by entering your name and choosing a profile picture if desired.
Restoring from Local Backup (Android Only)
If you prefer to use a local backup instead of a cloud backup, follow these steps:
- Create a Local Backup: Before uninstalling WhatsApp, create a local backup by going to "Settings" > "Chats" > "Chat Backup". Tap on "Back Up" to create a local backup on your device's internal storage or an SD card.
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp from your device, then download and install the latest version of WhatsApp.
- Verify Your Phone Number: Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number following the on-screen instructions.
- Restore the Local Backup: After verifying your phone number, you will see a prompt asking if you want to restore a backup from local storage. Tap "Restore" and select the backup file you created earlier.
- Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time. Do not interrupt this process.
- Complete Setup: After the restoration is complete, you can finish setting up WhatsApp by entering your name and choosing a profile picture if desired.
Important Considerations
- Backup Storage Limit: For Android users, Google Drive backups are limited to 2 GB in size. This limit does not include multimedia content such as photos, videos, or voice messages, but it is important to be aware of this constraint.
- Data Loss: Restoring a backup will overwrite your existing WhatsApp data. Make sure you really want to restore the backup, as this action cannot be undone.
- Backup Transfer: If you switch from one operating system to another (e.g., from iOS to Android or vice versa), it is currently not possible to transfer your WhatsApp backup directly between these systems due to differences in how backups are stored and managed.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully restore a copy of your WhatsApp conversation and regain access to your important messages and media.