WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps used by millions of people worldwide. It allows users to backup their chat history and media to iCloud or Google Drive. This comes in handy when switching to a new iPhone or reinstalling WhatsApp, as you can restore all your chats and data from the backup.
However, sometimes users face issues when trying to restore WhatsApp backup on their iPhones. The backup may not restore fully or some chats/media may be missing after restoring. There could be several reasons for WhatsApp backup not restoring properly on iPhones.
Possible Reasons for WhatsApp Backup Not Restoring on iPhone
Here are some of the common reasons why your WhatsApp backup may not restore successfully on iPhone:
- Corrupted backup – If the WhatsApp backup file on iCloud is corrupt or damaged, it will fail to restore properly.
- Insufficient iCloud storage – You may face issues if there is not enough storage space available on iCloud to restore the WhatsApp backup.
- Backup encryption – Encrypted WhatsApp backups cannot be transferred from Android to iOS devices.
- Restoring over existing chats – Trying to overwrite existing WhatsApp data with an older backup can cause restoration issues.
- Outdated backup – If the backup is too old, some chats/media may not restore properly.
- Network issues – Poor internet connection can interrupt and corrupt the backup restoration process.
- Software bugs – Bugs in WhatsApp or iOS software versions may also prevent successful backup restoration.
How to Fix WhatsApp Backup Not Restoring on iPhone
If you are facing problems restoring WhatsApp backup on your iPhone, don’t worry. Here are some tips that can help fix the issue:
1. Check your Internet Connection
Restoring WhatsApp backup requires stable internet connectivity. Check if you have a strong Wi-Fi or cellular data connection when trying to restore the backup. Slow/poor connections can disrupt the restoration process.
2. Make Sure you Have Enough iCloud Storage
WhatsApp backups can take up quite a bit of iCloud storage space. Ensure you have enough free space in iCloud before restoring the backup. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage to check your available iCloud storage.
3. Update to Latest Software Versions
Having the latest iOS and WhatsApp app versions can help avoid software-related backup restore issues. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to update your iPhone’s iOS. Also update WhatsApp to the latest version from the App Store.
4. Take Fresh WhatsApp Backup
If your existing WhatsApp backup is corrupt or outdated, take a fresh backup and try restoring that. Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now to back up chats to iCloud.
5. Reset Network Settings
In some cases, resetting the iPhone’s network settings can help if you are facing WhatsApp backup restore issues due to network problems. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset Wi-Fi, cellular and Bluetooth settings on your device.
6. Delete Existing Backup and Try Again
If your current WhatsApp backup is not restoring properly, delete it and take a fresh backup. To delete WhatsApp backup from iCloud – Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups > Select WhatsApp Backup > Delete.
7. Contact WhatsApp Support
In case none of the above fixes work, you can contact WhatsApp support for further assistance on backup restore problems. Describe the issue in detail and they should be able to troubleshoot the problem.
Tips to Avoid WhatsApp Backup Restore Issues
Here are some tips to prevent issues when restoring WhatsApp backup on iPhone:
- Backup WhatsApp chats regularly – This ensures you have a recent backup if your phone is lost/damaged.
- Ensure backups do not fail – Check backup status in WhatsApp settings. If it fails, take manual backups.
- Keep backup encrypted – Enable encryption in WhatsApp backup settings for extra security.
- Limit media in backups – Large amounts of media can make backups unstable. Set auto media backup off.
- Update WhatsApp/iOS regularly – Latest versions help avoid software bugs causing backup issues.
- Maintain adequate iCloud storage – Having enough free space prevents storage full errors during backup.
- Use stable Wi-Fi for backup/restore – Cellular data connections have more fluctuations vs Wi-Fi.
- Avoid interrupting restore process – Let WhatsApp restore complete without switching apps/disconnecting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my WhatsApp not restoring from iCloud backup?
This can happen if the iCloud backup is corrupt, you don’t have enough iCloud storage space, your iPhone software or WhatsApp is outdated, or due to network issues while restoring. Try updating software, freeing up iCloud storage, taking a fresh backup, and ensure stable internet connectivity.
2. How can I get back my WhatsApp chats if restore failed?
First, check if you have another existing iCloud backup that can restore your chats. Alternatively, connect your iPhone to PC and use data recovery software to retrieve WhatsApp messages from device backup. You can also ask the recipients to resend important messages lost due to restore failure.
3. Why are my iPhone WhatsApp messages different after restoring?
If some WhatsApp chats/messages seem missing after restoring backup, it is likely because the backup file was corrupted or outdated. A very old backup may not fully sync all your latest conversations. Try taking a fresh backup and restore again.
4. Should I delete WhatsApp before restoring backup on iPhone?
You do not need to delete or uninstall WhatsApp before restoring its backup on iPhone. When you install WhatsApp using the same phone number, it will automatically detect the iCloud backup for that account and give you the option to restore.
5. How to restore WhatsApp backup from Google Drive to iPhone?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly restore WhatsApp backups taken on Google Drive to an iPhone. This is because iOS uses iCloud and Android uses Google Drive for WhatsApp backups. You will have to move chats manually or use a third party app.
Conclusion
WhatsApp backup not restoring properly on iPhone can lead to loss of valuable chats and data. However, in most cases it is possible to fix the problem by taking a fresh backup, updating software versions, freeing up iCloud storage, resetting network settings and trying again in stable connectivity.
Make sure to take WhatsApp backups regularly so you always have a way to restore chats if needed. Enable chat encryption and limit media sizes in backup for extra stability. Also, avoid interrupting the restore process for best results. Contact WhatsApp support if issues persist after trying all troubleshooting steps.
With proper care taken, you can avoid frustrating WhatsApp backup restore failures on your iPhone and securely access previous chats if ever required.
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Corrupted backup file | Delete old backup and take fresh backup |
| Insufficient iCloud storage | Free up iCloud storage space |
| Software bugs | Update iOS and WhatsApp to latest versions |
| Internet connectivity issues | Restore backup over stable Wi-Fi connection |
| Trying to overwrite existing chats | Backup existing chats before restoring |
| Encrypted/Very old backup | Take new unencrypted backup and restore |
This summarizes the main reasons for WhatsApp backup restore failures on iPhone and the potential fixes for each of them. Checking this table can help you quickly diagnose and troubleshoot the problem if you ever face difficulties restoring your WhatsApp backup.
WhatsApp Backup Restore Process on iPhone
Here are the steps to successfully restore WhatsApp backup on iPhone:
- Update to latest iOS version – Go to Settings > General > Software Update > Download & Install.
- Ensure you have stable Wi-Fi or Cellular data connectivity.
- Check sufficient iCloud storage available – At least 2 GB recommended.
- Connect iPhone to power source to avoid interruption.
- Delete existing WhatsApp if already installed.
- Download latest WhatsApp version from App Store.
- Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number when prompted.
- On backup restore prompt – Tap Restore to retrieve your chats.
- Wait for WhatsApp to finish verifying and restoring backup. Do not interrupt.
- Once done, your chats/media will be restored. Verify all data is available.
Following these steps correctly will increase the chances of successfully restoring your WhatsApp backup without any issues. Remember to not interrupt the restore process and maintain stable internet to avoid failures.
How to Transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone
As WhatsApp backups are platform-specific, they cannot be directly transferred between Android and iOS devices. However, you can move your WhatsApp data from an Android phone to an iPhone in these ways:
Method 1: Transfer Using Move to iOS App
- On Android – Back up WhatsApp chats to Google Drive.
- On iPhone – Download Move to iOS app from App Store.
- On Android – Open Move to iOS and follow setup instructions.
- Select WhatsApp in Transfer Data screen.
- Once transfer completes, install WhatsApp on iPhone and log in.
- On prompt, tap Import to restore chats from Google Drive backup.
Method 2: Email Chat History as Attachment
- On Android – Open WhatsApp > Menu > Settings > Chats > Chat history.
- Tap Export Chat and select Attachments to include media.
- Email the chat history file as attachment to an accessible email ID.
- On iPhone – Download chat history attachment from email.
- Open WhatsApp, verify number and restore chat history when prompted.
Method 3: Transfer Manually via Third Party Apps
Use third party apps like Dr.Fone or iCareFone X to transfer WhatsApp chats, history, videos, images from Android to iPhone. They provide hassle-free transfer compared to manual emailing of chat exports.
While WhatsApp does not directly support transferring backups across platforms, the above methods can help you successfully move your WhatsApp data from an Android device to an iPhone.
Top 5 WhatsApp Backup Tips
Follow these tips for seamless WhatsApp backup and restore on iPhone:
1. Backup Frequently
Take regular WhatsApp backups to iCloud or local storage to avoid losing chat history. Set auto backup frequency to daily, weekly or monthly.
2. Create Local Encrypted Backups
Enable encryption for local backups within WhatsApp for extra security. This requires you to set a password to encrypt backups.
3. Limit Media in Backups
Having too many large media files in backups can cause stability issues. Set auto media backup off and just manually backup when needed.
4. Update WhatsApp Software
Keep WhatsApp app updated to latest version on your iPhone to benefit from bug fixes for backup issues.
5. Clear Old Backups
Remember to delete old backups you no longer need from iCloud storage or device storage to free up space.
WhatsApp Backup Restore Troubleshooting Guide
Use this troubleshooting guide if you face problems restoring WhatsApp backup on iPhone:
Backup Restore Fails Due to Insufficient iCloud Storage
- Check iCloud storage usage in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage.
- Disable unused apps’ iCloud backups or delete old backups/files to free up space.
- Upgrade your iCloud storage plan if needed to accommodate WhatsApp backups.
- Try connecting iPhone to Wi-Fi for restore as it uses less iCloud data.
Selected Chats or Media Not Restoring from Backup
- Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and check if partial backups are enabled.
- Disable partial backups and perform full regular backups to restore all data.
- Media files may not get restored if you have disabled media auto backup.
WhatsApp Backup Stuck on ‘Preparing Backup’ for Long Time
- Force close WhatsApp and try taking backup again.
- Check for any iOS or WhatsApp updates and install them.
- Restart your iPhone and connect to stable Wi-Fi before taking backup.
- Delete old backups and free up space if iCloud storage is full.
Error “Backup Couldn’t Be Restored” on WhatsApp
- Delete current backup and take fresh backup to restore.
- Ensure software (iOS, WhatsApp) is up to date.
- Check backup file is not corrupted – Backup size should not be 0 KB.
- Restore over Wi-Fi instead of cellular data for stability.
WhatsApp Backup Size Too Large
- Set auto media backup off and only do manual backups when needed.
- Delete old chat images/videos to reduce backup size.
- Enable ‘Low Data Usage’ mode in WhatsApp settings.
- Export old chats to ZIP file and email to yourself for archives.
- Delete such old chats from WhatsApp to reduce backup size.
Following this troubleshooting guide should help you diagnose and resolve common WhatsApp backup and restore errors on iPhone.
Conclusion
WhatsApp backup and restore allows you to keep your chats and data safe in case you ever switch devices or lose your phone. However, it can be frustrating when the backup does not restore properly on iPhone.
By taking regular automated backups, keeping backup sizes optimized, updating to latest software versions, ensuring ample iCloud storage, and restoring over stable Wi-Fi, you can avoid most issues with WhatsApp backup restore on iPhone.
Remember to never interrupt the restore process and contact WhatsApp support if problems persist. With proper preventive habits, you can make sure your WhatsApp backup always restores successfully when needed.