How to restore a previous backup of WhatsApp?

How to restore a previous backup of WhatsApp - briefly?

To restore a previous backup of WhatsApp on an Android device, you need to reinstall the app and follow the setup prompts. When prompted to restore your chat history, select "Restore" from the backup list. For iOS users, you can restore a backup by uninstalling and then reinstalling WhatsApp, after which you will be guided through the restoration process during setup.

How to restore a previous backup of WhatsApp - in detail?

Restoring a previous backup of WhatsApp is a straightforward process that can help you retrieve your valuable messages, media, and contacts. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

Backup Frequency

WhatsApp automatically creates backups for your chats, which are stored locally or in the cloud depending on your settings. These backups include your chat history, photos, videos, and voice messages.

Restoring from Google Drive (Android)

  1. Uninstall WhatsApp: First, you need to uninstall WhatsApp from your device. This step is crucial as it allows the app to detect the backup file during the reinstallation process.
  2. Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
  3. Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number when prompted.
  4. Restore Backup: When asked if you want to restore your chat history, tap “Restore”. WhatsApp will scan for any backup files on your Google Drive account associated with the same phone number.
  5. Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of your backup and your internet connection speed. Once completed, you’ll see a progress bar indicating the restoration status.
  6. Access Your Chats: After the restoration is complete, tap “Next” to access your chats.

Restoring from iCloud (iOS)

  1. Uninstall WhatsApp: Similar to Android, uninstall WhatsApp from your iPhone.
  2. Reinstall WhatsApp: Download and install WhatsApp from the App Store.
  3. Verify Your Number: Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number when prompted.
  4. Restore Backup: When asked if you want to restore your chat history, tap “Restore Chat History”. WhatsApp will look for any backup files on iCloud associated with the same Apple ID and phone number.
  5. Wait for Completion: The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of your backup and your internet connection speed. Once completed, you’ll see a progress bar indicating the restoration status.
  6. Access Your Chats: After the restoration is complete, tap “Next” to access your chats.

Important Considerations

  • Backup Interval: WhatsApp backups are created daily at 2 AM local time. If you want to create a manual backup, you can do so by going to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
  • Storage Space: Ensure you have enough storage space on your device and in the cloud (Google Drive or iCloud) for the backup restoration process.
  • Data Loss: Restoring a backup will overwrite your current chats. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding with the restoration.

By following these steps, you can effectively restore a previous backup of WhatsApp and retrieve your valuable communication history.