How to restore an old WhatsApp backup on Android - briefly?
To restore an old WhatsApp backup on Android, first ensure that you have the necessary storage space available and then follow these steps:
- Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- During the setup process, tap "Restore" when prompted to recover your chat history.
How to restore an old WhatsApp backup on Android - in detail?
Restoring an old WhatsApp backup on Android involves several steps that ensure your messages, media, and other data are safely transferred from the backup to your current device. Follow this detailed guide for a seamless restoration process:
- Backup Storage Location: Determine where your old backup is stored. WhatsApp backups can be saved in two primary locations: Google Drive or local storage on your phone. If you're unsure, check your Google Drive account or your device's internal memory for a folder named 'WhatsApp.'
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Before restoring the backup, you need to uninstall WhatsApp from your current device. Go to the 'Settings' app on your Android phone, navigate to 'Apps,' select 'WhatsApp,' and then choose 'Uninstall.' After uninstalling, reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Initial Setup: Open WhatsApp after reinstallation. You will be prompted to enter your phone number for verification. Ensure that the phone number matches the one associated with your old backup. Complete the initial setup process by verifying your phone number via SMS or call.
- Restoring the Backup: Once you've verified your phone number, WhatsApp will automatically search for available backups on Google Drive or local storage. If it finds a backup, you will be prompted to restore it. If no backup is found, tap 'Skip' and proceed with setting up WhatsApp manually.
- Backup Detection: If WhatsApp does not automatically detect your old backup, you can manually trigger the restoration process. Go to 'Settings' within WhatsApp, select 'Chats,' and then 'Chat Backup.' Here, you will see an option to restore from a Google Drive or local storage backup. Tap on this option and follow the prompts to complete the restoration.
- Media Restoration: After restoring the messages and chat history, WhatsApp will begin restoring your media files (photos, videos, etc.). This process can take some time depending on the size of your backup. Ensure that your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network during this phase to avoid interruptions.
- Final Steps: Once all your data has been restored, WhatsApp will prompt you to complete the setup by entering your name and profile picture. After completing these final steps, you should have access to your old WhatsApp messages and media on your current Android device.
By following these detailed steps, you can successfully restore an old WhatsApp backup on your Android device, ensuring that all your important conversations and media are preserved.