WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps used by millions of people around the world. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents and more to individuals or groups. One of WhatsApp’s key features is the ability to backup chats to iCloud or Google Drive. This allows you to restore your chat history if you ever lose your phone or switch to a new device.
However, sometimes when trying to restore a WhatsApp backup on an iPhone, you may see an error saying “No backup found”. This can be frustrating as it means you have potentially lost all your WhatsApp chat history and media.
There are several potential reasons why WhatsApp may not be finding a backup on your iPhone. In this article, we will explore the main causes and solutions for the “No backup found” error.
Why Does WhatsApp Say “No Backup Found” on iPhone?
Here are the most common reasons why WhatsApp may fail to find a backup on your iPhone:
- You have never backed up your chats
- Your iCloud storage is full
- Your iPhone does not have an active internet connection
- Your iPhone date/time settings are incorrect
- There is a software bug or glitch
- Your WhatsApp version is outdated
- Your iPhone is running an old iOS version
Let’s explore each of these potential causes in more detail.
You Have Never Backed Up Your Chats
The most obvious reason why WhatsApp cannot find a backup is if you have never actually backed up your chats before. WhatsApp will not be able to restore from a backup that does not exist.
WhatsApp backups occur automatically on a regular basis as long as you have backup enabled in the app settings. However, if you have turned off backups or your chats have never been backed up for another reason, then there will be no backup available when you try to restore.
Your iCloud Storage is Full
By default, WhatsApp backs up your chat history and media to iCloud. If your iCloud storage is completely full, the backup may fail or be deleted to make space.
You can check your iCloud storage under Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage. If it’s full, you’ll need to free up space for WhatsApp backups to work properly again.
Your iPhone Does Not Have an Active Internet Connection
Your iPhone requires an active internet connection to back up your WhatsApp information to iCloud. If you have connectivity issues due to poor WiFi or cellular reception, the backup process may fail.
Make sure you have a stable internet connection for WhatsApp to successfully complete a backup. You can try backing up over WiFi instead of mobile data if you are having issues.
Your iPhone Date/Time Settings are Incorrect
WhatsApp backups can fail if your iPhone’s date and time settings are set incorrectly. The date/time need to be accurate for the backup process to work properly.
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that Set Automatically is toggled on. This will sync your iPhone’s date and time with your network provider.
There is a Software Bug or Glitch
Sometimes a software glitch or bug can cause WhatsApp backup failures and the “No backup found” error message. Reinstalling WhatsApp or updating to the latest version may resolve the issue.
Also try restarting your iPhone and router if you continue having backup problems after app reinstallation. This will clear out any temporary glitches.
Your WhatsApp Version is Outdated
Using an outdated version of WhatsApp can also lead to backup failures. WhatsApp frequently releases new versions with bug fixes and improvements.
Go to the App Store and check for WhatsApp updates. Install the latest version to see if it resolves your backup issues.
Your iPhone is Running an Old iOS Version
Finally, having an outdated iOS version on your iPhone can prevent WhatsApp backups from working properly.
Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version for best app performance. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install iOS updates.
How to Fix “No Backup Found” Error on WhatsApp
If you encounter the “No backup found” error in WhatsApp on your iPhone, try the following troubleshooting steps:
1. Force Stop WhatsApp and Restart Your iPhone
First, force quit the WhatsApp app by swiping it up and away from the app switcher. Then restart your iPhone for a clean slate.
This can clear out any temporary glitches that may be preventing WhatsApp from finding the backup.
2. Enable WhatsApp Chat Backups
Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Make sure backup is enabled here with a Google Drive or iCloud account selected.
If backup is disabled, turn it on and try restoring again. This will rule out the backup never having been created.
3. Connect iPhone to Stable WiFi or Cellular Network
Make sure your iPhone has a strong WiFi or cellular data connection to allow the backup to complete.
Try toggling Airplane mode on/off to reset the network connection if needed.
4. Verify Date and Time Settings on Your iPhone
Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and confirm “Set Automatically” is enabled. This will prevent date/time issues from affecting backup.
5. Update WhatsApp to Latest Version
Install any pending WhatsApp updates from the App Store. Staying on an outdated app version can lead to backup problems.
6. Update Your iPhone to Latest iOS Version
Make sure your iPhone is not running an outdated iOS version. Install the latest iOS updates for best performance.
7. Free Up iCloud Storage Space
If your iCloud storage is completely full, backups may fail. Free up space by deleting files, photos, etc from iCloud.
8. Reinstall WhatsApp
As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp from the App Store. This can resolve persistent software issues.
Just be sure to use the same phone number when setting WhatsApp up again to restore your chat history.
How to Prevent “No Backup Found” Error
Follow these tips to avoid seeing the “No backup found” message when trying to restore WhatsApp chats:
- Enable auto backup in WhatsApp settings and select iCloud as backup account
- Connect iPhone to stable WiFi to ensure successful backups
- Monitor your iCloud storage usage and free up space if full
- Keep WhatsApp updated to latest version available
- Update iOS software when new versions are released
- Periodically manually back up WhatsApp chats
- Turn on iCloud Backup for full iPhone backups
Conclusion
The “No backup found” error in WhatsApp on iPhone is usually fixable. The most common solutions include enabling backups, freeing up iCloud storage, updating the app and iOS, and reinstalling WhatsApp.
Following WhatsApp’s recommended backup settings and ensuring your iPhone meets system requirements can help avoid backup issues in the future. Being proactive about backups means you won’t lose valuable chat history if switching devices.