How to view a WhatsApp backup on Google Drive from a computer - briefly?
To view your WhatsApp backup on Google Drive from a computer, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Click on 'Backup to Google Drive' and select the desired frequency; then, restore the backup to your computer using a third-party app or software designed for this purpose.
How to view a WhatsApp backup on Google Drive from a computer - in detail?
To view a WhatsApp backup on Google Drive from a computer, follow these detailed steps:
- Ensure Backup is Available: First, make sure you have already backed up your WhatsApp data to Google Drive. This process should be done using the WhatsApp application on your mobile device. The backup includes messages, photos, videos, and other media files.
- Access Google Drive: Open a web browser on your computer and navigate to Google Drive. Log in with the same Google account that was used for backing up WhatsApp data.
- Locate Backup Files: Once logged in, you will see a list of files and folders stored in your Google Drive. WhatsApp backups are typically stored under a folder named
WhatsAppor similar. If you have trouble finding the backup, use the search bar at the top to look for terms like "WhatsApp" or "backup." - Download Backup: Click on the
WhatsAppfolder to open it. Inside this folder, you will find several files with the extension.crypt12. These are your WhatsApp backup files. To view the contents of these files, they need to be downloaded to your computer. Select the desired backup file and click on the download icon (a downward-facing arrow). - Extract Backup Data: The downloaded file is encrypted and cannot be opened directly. You will need a third-party application to decrypt and view the contents. One of the most popular tools for this purpose is
WhatsApp Viewer. Download and install WhatsApp Viewer from its official website or another trusted source. - Open with WhatsApp Viewer: Once installed, open WhatsApp Viewer on your computer. Drag and drop the downloaded backup file into the application window. The software will decrypt the file and display its contents in a user-friendly interface.
- Explore Backup Data: With WhatsApp Viewer, you can now browse through your WhatsApp messages, photos, videos, and other media files. The application organizes the data into categories for easy navigation. You can also search for specific keywords or dates to find particular conversations or media items quickly.
By following these steps, you will be able to view your WhatsApp backup on Google Drive from a computer effectively. This method is particularly useful if you need to access old messages or media files that are no longer available on your mobile device.