WhatsApp's backup feature ensures the safety of your chats, media, and stickers. By linking your Google account, your data syncs to the cloud according to your chosen frequency. In case of accidental deletion, app uninstallation, or device change, you can restore your lost data. Additionally, local backups offer an alternative if Drive backups aren't available.
Occasionally, backups can be disrupted by poor internet connections or manual configurations. WhatsApp automatically resumes the process once connectivity is restored. To verify the status and location of your backups, you can check Google Drive or your Android device's storage. This allows you to ensure your data is current and secure, and you can also view the timestamp of the last backup. Here's how to do it...
Where does WhatsApp store backups?
WhatsApp utilizes Google Drive to store backups if you grant permission. The frequency of these backups—whether daily, weekly, monthly, or manual—is determined by your settings. Each backup to the same Google account replaces the previous one, preventing the storage of multiple versions or restoration of older backups.
An alternative method to circumvent this limitation is by adding another Google account to WhatsApp and alternating between them. However, if regular backups are not performed, Google permanently deletes your data from Drive after five months. Unlike other types of data, these backups do not consume your cloud storage quota and do not enter the Bin after deletion, rendering them irretrievable.
When accessing Google Drive from a PC browser, your WhatsApp backup appears in the Storage menu. However, it's in an unreadable format, making it impossible to view or select specific content for retrieval. The only available options are to delete the backup or disable backups altogether, which can be helpful if they are no longer needed or if they become corrupted. On the mobile app, your backup is located within the Backups menu, and the settings menu also provides access to your WhatsApp backup, allowing you to disconnect the messenger from Drive if desired.
WhatsApp also generates daily local backups on your phone or SD card. If you encounter issues restoring a Drive backup or if one isn't available, your device automatically searches for these local backups. Occasionally, removing your Google account from the device may be necessary for the restoration process to succeed. However, you cannot adjust the frequency of local backups or view their contents directly.
While several third-party software claim to decrypt WhatsApp backups, we advise against using them due to potential unreliability. Some of these tools may contain malware, posing a risk of harm or information theft from your device. To safeguard your data, it's best to activate end-to-end encryption. This security measure requires you to input a password or a 64-digit encryption key during the restoration process, enhancing protection against unauthorized access.
How to find and restore your WhatsApp backup in Google Drive
To access your Google Drive backup for a broader perspective, you can use a PC browser. Alternatively, if a computer isn't accessible, you can utilize the mobile app or a browser. For an optimal experience, switch to Desktop mode and ensure you're logged in to the appropriate Google account.
Find WhatsApp backup in Google Drive using PC browsers
1. Open your web browser and navigate to drive.google.com.
2. On the left sidebar, click on Storage.
3. Choose Backups. Here, you'll find your WhatsApp backup along with the timestamp of the last update.
4. Double-click on the backup to reveal available options.
5. To permanently delete the backup, click on Delete Backup.
6. Confirm by clicking on Delete.
7. Alternatively, opt to Turn Off to completely deactivate WhatsApp backups.
8. Confirm by clicking on Turn Off.
9. To disconnect WhatsApp from Drive, click on the settings icon located in the upper-right corner. Then select Settings.
10. Select Manage apps and scroll down to find WhatsApp Messenger.
11. Click on Options, then select Disconnect from Drive.
12. Confirm by clicking on Disconnect.
Find WhatsApp backup in Google Drive app
1. Launch Google Drive.
2. Tap the menu icon located in the top left corner.
3. Choose Backups. Here, you'll find your WhatsApp backup along with the timestamp of the last update.
4. Tap the three-dot icon next to the backup to access available options.
5. To permanently delete the backup, select Delete backup. Then confirm by tapping Delete.
6. To halt future backups, select Turn off backup. Confirm by tapping Turn off.
How to stop Google Drive backups on Android
You might have security apprehensions regarding Drive, particularly considering Google's access to your data. Additionally, WhatsApp files can be large and consume significant data during upload. In either case, you have the option to disable automatic backups whenever necessary.
Even if you tap the Back up button in the settings menu, the app continues to store backups locally. Unlike cloud backups, local backups don't rely on mobile data and can be performed offline. Follow these steps to disable automatic WhatsApp backups:
1. Launch WhatsApp.
2. Tap the three-dot icon located in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Navigate to Chats > Chat backup.
5. Tap on Back up to Google Drive.
6. Choose the option Never.
How to find local WhatsApp backups on Android
WhatsApp automatically stores backups on your device's storage every day, retaining up to seven recent records, enabling the recovery of older chats if needed. These backups can be accessed using the file manager, allowing you to manage and clear unwanted media. However, due to encryption, the contents of local backups cannot be read directly.
Previous backups are distinguished by a crypt14 extension or a lower-numbered variant, with dates included in the file name format. For instance, msgstore-2023-06-03.1.db.crypt14. In contrast, the most recent backup bears the crypt14 extension without a date, like msgstore.db.crypt14. Restoring older backups involves renaming them, a process requiring careful consideration to prevent data loss. Here's how to proceed...
Find local WhatsApp backups on Android
1. Open your device's file manager.
2. Navigate to Internal Storage > Android > Media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp. Note that this file path may vary, particularly if you use an SD card.
3. Choose Databases. Here, you'll find your encrypted chat histories listed.
Rename old local WhatsApp backups on Android
1. Within the Databases menu, rename the latest chat backup. For instance, alter it from msgstore.db.crypt14 to msgstore.latest.db.crypt14.
2. To rename a file, long-press it. Then, tap More and choose Rename.
3. Rename the backup you intend to restore as msgstore.db.crypt14. If its extension has a lower number, such as crypt12, refrain from altering it.
Restore WhatsApp backups from Google Drive and local storage on Android
Before restoring your backup, it's necessary to reinstall WhatsApp or clear its cache and data. This step is crucial because the app does not offer options to perform these actions after completing the initial setup of your account. Both methods effectively reset WhatsApp to its original state, allowing you to set up your account anew.
Once you've verified your phone number, the app provides the option to recover the backup from Drive. The duration of this process may vary, particularly based on the size of the data. It's important not to rush through this procedure to avoid accidentally skipping the restoration stage, which would necessitate resetting the app once more.
For local backups, you may need to modify certain settings. If you've disabled Drive backups but WhatsApp continues to prompt you to recover them, consider removing your Google account from your device. This action prompts the app to request recovery of the data directly from your device instead of relying on the cloud.
Backup and manage your files in Google Drive
Regular backups are essential, as emphasized by WhatsApp. Although the process is largely automated, it's prudent to periodically verify the integrity of your data. However, it's not limited to just the app; it's advisable to also back up call logs, contacts, text messages, and other critical data on your Android phone for long-term preservation. This ensures that even after a factory reset or transitioning to a new device, you can readily recover your information. Additionally, you have the flexibility to selectively download specific files rather than importing all data at once.
You must be logged in to post a comment.