How to restore WhatsApp chats on Android from a backup - briefly?
To restore WhatsApp chats on an Android device from a backup, follow these steps:
- Uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp on your device.
- Open WhatsApp, verify your number, and tap "Restore" when prompted to restore your chat history from the Google Drive backup.
How to restore WhatsApp chats on Android from a backup - in detail?
Restoring WhatsApp chats on an Android device from a backup is a straightforward process that ensures you don't lose any important messages or media files. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the restoration process:
Backup Creation
Before restoring, it’s essential to know that WhatsApp automatically creates backups of your chats on a daily basis at 2 AM local time. This backup includes messages, photos, videos, and audio files sent or received in WhatsApp. These backups are stored locally on your device's internal storage and can also be saved to Google Drive if you have enabled this option.
Restoring from Local Backup
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: If WhatsApp is already installed, uninstall it from your device. Then, download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Open WhatsApp: Once installed, open WhatsApp and accept the terms and conditions.
- Verify Your Number: Enter your phone number when prompted. WhatsApp will automatically check for any backups associated with that number.
- Restore from Backup: When prompted, tap on 'Restore' to restore your chats and media from the local backup stored on your device. This process may take some time depending on the size of the backup.
- Complete Setup: After the restoration is complete, WhatsApp will proceed with the setup process where you can review your restored messages and media.
Restoring from Google Drive Backup
- Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: As with a local backup, first uninstall WhatsApp if it’s already installed on your device. Then, download and install the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.
- Open WhatsApp: Open WhatsApp after installation and accept the terms and conditions.
- Verify Your Number: Enter your phone number when prompted.
- Restore from Google Drive: When asked if you want to restore your chats and media, tap on 'Restore'. This will initiate the process of restoring your backup from Google Drive.
- Google Account Authentication: You may be prompted to sign in to your Google account that was used for creating the WhatsApp backup. Enter your credentials to proceed.
- Complete Setup: After successful authentication, WhatsApp will begin restoring your messages and media files from Google Drive. This process can take some time depending on the size of the backup and your internet connection speed.
- Review Restored Chats: Once the restoration is complete, you can review your restored chats and media within WhatsApp.
Important Considerations
- Backup Frequency: Ensure that automatic backups are enabled to avoid losing recent messages. You can check this in WhatsApp settings under 'Chats' > 'Chat Backup'.
- Storage Space: Make sure you have enough storage space on your device or Google Drive for the backup files.
- Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is necessary for restoring backups, especially from Google Drive.
By following these steps, you can effectively restore your WhatsApp chats on an Android device using either a local backup or one stored on Google Drive. This ensures that you don't lose any important conversations or media files.