Guide to Restore WhatsApp from Backup: Never Lose Your Chats

By Nathan E. Malpass, Last updated: August 10, 2023

In today's digital age, WhatsApp has become an integral part of our lives, connecting us with friends, family, and colleagues across the globe. The app's messaging platform holds precious memories, valuable information, and important conversations that we wouldn't want to lose. Fortunately, WhatsApp provides a convenient backup feature that allows you to safeguard your chats, ensuring they can be restored whenever needed.

In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to restore WhatsApp from backup files. Whether you've got a new phone, accidentally deleted the app, or simply want to switch devices, this comprehensive guide will empower you to recover your chats effortlessly. Say goodbye to the fear of losing your valuable conversations, as we show you how to restore WhatsApp data from backup like a pro.

Part #1: How to Restore WhatsApp from Backup on Android Part #2: How to Restore WhatsApp from Backup on iOS: Using FoneDog iOS Data Recovery Part #3: FAQs: Restore WhatsApp from Backup Conclusion

Part #1: How to Restore WhatsApp from Backup on Android

Method #1: Using WhatsApp’s Backup Feature on Google Drive

Choosing to restore WhatsApp from backup on Android is a breeze thanks to the app's integration with Google Drive. By following these simple steps, you can effortlessly recover your chat history:

Step #1: Ensure that you have a Google account linked to your Android device.

Step #2: Install WhatsApp on your Android device (if not already installed) and verify your phone number.

Step #3: During the initial setup process, WhatsApp will ask you to restore the particular chat history from a backup. Tap on the “Restore” option.

Step #4: WhatsApp will ask for permission to access your Google Drive account. Grant the necessary permissions.

Step #5: Once the backup is detected, WhatsApp will display the available backups. Choose the most recent backup to restore.

Step #6: Wait for the restoration process to complete. This may take some time, depending on the size of the backup.

Step #7: After the restoration is finished, WhatsApp will retrieve and display your chat history, including text messages, media files, and attachments.

By leveraging WhatsApp's backup feature on Google Drive, you can effortlessly restore your chat history on an Android device and pick up where you left off without missing a beat. Keep in mind that you need to have an active Google Drive account with a backup available to restore your WhatsApp chats using this method.

Method #2: Using WhatsApp Local Backup on Internal Storage

In addition to Google Drive, WhatsApp also offers a local backup feature that allows you to restore your chat history from a backup stored on your device's internal storage. Follow these steps to restore WhatsApp from a local backup on Android:

Step #1: Open the file manager app on your Android device.

Step #2: Navigate to the WhatsApp folder in your device’s internal storage. The default path is usually “Internal Storage/WhatsApp”.

Step #3: Within the WhatsApp folder, locate the “Databases” subfolder. This is where the local backup files are stored.

Step #4: Check if there are any backup files available in the “Databases” folder. The backup files are actually named with the file “msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12” (the actual date may vary).

Step #5: If you have a backup file, rename it to “msgstore.db.crypt12”. This step is crucial as WhatsApp looks for this specific filename during the restoration process.

Step #6: Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store.

Step #7: Verify your phone number during the setup process.

Step #8: When prompted to restore your chat history, tap on the “Restore” option.

Step #9: WhatsApp will search for the renamed backup file in the “Databases” folder and restore your chat history.

Step #10: Wait for the restoration process to complete. Once finished, you can access your recovered chats, media, and attachments within WhatsApp.

By utilizing WhatsApp's local backup feature, you can easily restore your chat history from a backup stored on your Android device's internal storage. This method is particularly useful if you have the habit of backing up WhatsApp message files on your iPhone. Remember to ensure that you have a recent backup file available in the "Databases" folder before proceeding with the restoration process.

Method #3: How to Restore WhatsApp from An Older Or Less Recent Backup

If you need to restore WhatsApp from backup that is old or less recent, there's still a way to recover your chat history. Follow these steps to restore WhatsApp from an older backup on Android:

Step #1: Locate the backup file on your Android device. The backup files are stored in the “WhatsApp/Databases” folder in your device’s internal storage.

Step #2: Rename the backup file you want to restore to “msgstore.db.crypt12”. This step ensures that WhatsApp recognizes the file during the restoration process.

Step #3: Create a new folder named “Older Backups” within the “WhatsApp” folder. This folder will serve as a dedicated location for storing older backup files.

Step #4: Move the renamed backup file (msgstore.db.crypt12) to the “Older Backups” folder.

Step #5: Uninstall WhatsApp from your Android device.

Step #6: Reinstall WhatsApp from the Google Play Store and follow the setup process to verify your phone number.

Step #7: When prompted to restore your chat history, select the “Restore” option.

Step #8: WhatsApp will search for the most recent backup file by default. Tap “Next” and wait for the search to finish.

Step #9: Once the search is complete, WhatsApp will display the available backup files, including the older backup you renamed and moved to the “Older Backups” folder.

Step #10: Select the older backup file you want to restore and proceed with the restoration process.

Step #11: Wait for WhatsApp to complete the restoration. Once finished, your chat history from the older backup will be recovered and accessible within the app.

By following these steps, you can successfully restore WhatsApp from an older or less recent backup on your Android device. Remember to rename and move the desired backup file to a separate folder to ensure that WhatsApp recognizes it during the restoration process.

Part #2: How to Restore WhatsApp from Backup on iOS: Using FoneDog iOS Data Recovery

Trying to restore WhatsApp from backup on iOS devices can be done efficiently using FoneDog iOS Data Recovery software. Follow these steps to restore WhatsApp from a backup on iOS:

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Step #1: Download and after that install the FoneDog iOS Data Recovery software within the user’s computer. Ensure that you download the appropriate version for your operating system.

Step #2: Open the software and connect your own iOS device to your computer through its USB cable.

Step #3: Select the “Recover from iTunes Backup File” option from the FoneDog iOS Data Recovery interface.

Step #4: The software will scan and display the available iTunes backup files on your computer. Choose the most recent backup file that contains your WhatsApp data and click “Start Scan”.

Step #5: FoneDog iOS Data Recovery will analyze the selected iTunes backup file and present a preview of the recoverable data, including your WhatsApp messages, attachments, and other chat information.

Step #6: From the preview results, select the WhatsApp data you want to restore. You can choose individual conversations or select all the data for recovery.

Step #7: After selecting the desired WhatsApp data, click on the “Recover” button.

Step #8: Choose a location on your computer to save the recovered WhatsApp data.

Step #9: FoneDog iOS Data Recovery will initiate the restoration process and save the WhatsApp data to the specified location on your computer.

Step #10: Once the recovery process is complete, you can transfer the restored WhatsApp data back to your iOS device using iTunes or other file transfer methods.

By utilizing FoneDog iOS Data Recovery software, you can easily restore WhatsApp from a backup on your iOS device. This method allows you to recover your WhatsApp messages and attachments from iTunes backup files with ease as long as you can view your iTunes backup files, ensuring that your valuable conversations are never lost.

Part #3: FAQs: Restore WhatsApp from Backup

Q1: Can I Restore WhatsApp from A Backup If I Change My Phone?

A1: Yes, you can restore WhatsApp from backup when changing your phone. If you're moving from Android to Android or iOS to iOS, you can use the built-in backup and restore feature within WhatsApp. For Android, you can use Google Drive, and for iOS, you can use iCloud. Simply install WhatsApp on your new phone, verify your phone number, and follow the prompts to restore your chat history from the backup.

Q2: Can I Restore WhatsApp from A Backup If I Switch from Android to iOS Or Vice Versa?

A2: Unfortunately, the direct transfer of WhatsApp data between Android and iOS devices is not supported. However, you can use third-party software like FoneDog iOS Data Recovery (for iOS) or tools like FoneDog Android Data Recovery to transfer your WhatsApp data from one platform to another. These tools extract the data from the backup files and allow you to transfer it to the new device.

Q3: How Often Does WhatsApp Create Backups?

A3: WhatsApp creates automatic backups on a regular basis depending on your device settings. For Android, backups are typically created daily and stored on Google Drive. For iOS, backups are made automatically every day and stored on iCloud. However, note that only the most recent backup is available for restoration.

Q4: Can I Restore Only Specific Chats Or Media Files from A WhatsApp Backup?

A4: Yes, when restoring WhatsApp from a backup, you have the option to select specific chats or media files for restoration. During the restoration process, WhatsApp will present a list of available backups and allow you to choose which chats or files you want to restore.

Q5: Can I Restore WhatsApp from A Backup If I Accidentally Deleted the App?

A5: Yes, if you accidentally delete WhatsApp from your device, you can still restore your chat history from a backup. Simply reinstall WhatsApp from the respective app store, verify your phone number, and follow the prompts to restore your chat history from the backup.

Conclusion

Being able to restore WhatsApp from backup ensures that you never lose your valuable conversations, media files, and attachments. Whether you're changing devices, accidentally deleting the app, or switching platforms, following the appropriate methods and utilizing backup tools will help you effortlessly restore your WhatsApp data and continue your conversations seamlessly.

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