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Why is my WhatsApp not restoring from Google Drive?

Quick Answer

There are a few common reasons why WhatsApp chats may not restore from a Google Drive backup:

  • The backup file is corrupted or incomplete.
  • There is a mismatch between the Google account used for the backup and the one used on the phone.
  • The phone does not have enough storage space for the large backup file.
  • The phone OS or WhatsApp version is outdated.
  • The internet connection is slow or unreliable during restore.
  • WhatsApp restore feature is not enabled or properly configured.

To resolve, first check that the correct Google account is logged in on the phone. Make sure the phone has enough storage space and a stable internet connection. Delete and re-backup the WhatsApp data if needed. Enable WhatsApp restore in phone settings. Update to the latest OS and WhatsApp version. As a last resort, use a third party app to extract and transfer chats manually from the Google Drive backup.

Understanding Google Drive Backups for WhatsApp

WhatsApp allows users to backup their chat history and media to Google Drive. This provides a way to preserve your chats even if you lose your phone or switch to a new device. Here is an overview of how WhatsApp backup to Google Drive works:

  • The backup includes your messages, photos, videos and other media shared on WhatsApp.
  • Backups are configured to occur periodically when the phone is charging, connected to WiFi and the screen is off.
  • Backup files are stored in your Google Drive and do not count against your storage quota.
  • By default, backups occur daily but you can configure the frequency in WhatsApp settings.
  • Each account can have only one backup associated with it across all devices.
  • The backup is encrypted and cannot be accessed without your phone.

When you get a new phone, installing WhatsApp and logging into your Google account allows you to restore the backup during initial setup. This brings over your full chat history to the new device.

Common Reasons Why Restoring from Google Drive Fails

Despite the convenience of Google Drive backups, many users still encounter issues when trying to restore chats to a new device. Here are some of the common reasons why restoring backup fails:

Corrupted or Incomplete Backup File

Sometimes the backup file can become corrupted or incomplete, especially if the previous backup was interrupted. This prevents WhatsApp from being able to read and import the chat history properly on the new device. Deleting the existing backup and forcing a fresh backup can help resolve this.

Mismatch Between Google Accounts

WhatsApp will look for the backup associated with the Google account used on the new device. If you log in with a different Google account than the one used to create the backup, WhatsApp will not be able to locate or restore any chat history.

Insufficient Storage Space

WhatsApp backups can be quite large depending on how much media is shared in chats. If your new phone has limited internal storage, it may not have enough free space for WhatsApp to save the full backup during restore. Clearing up storage or using external SD card storage can help overcome this.

Outdated Phone Software

Make sure the new phone is running the latest OS version and WhatsApp release. Very old OS versions or WhatsApp APK files may lack full compatibility with the Google Drive backup format and restoration process. Keeping the phone software updated can prevent such issues.

Poor Internet Connection

Restoring chats requires downloading the full backup file from Google Drive to the device. Unreliable internet with frequent disconnections or very slow speeds can disrupt this process leading to failed restore. Use a stable WiFi or cellular data connection.

Restore Not Enabled

WhatsApp’s chat restore feature needs to be explicitly enabled in the app’s settings. If this option is disabled or not properly configured, WhatsApp may not detect Google Drive backups during initial setup on the new device.

Step-by-Step Guide to Restore from Google Drive

Follow these steps to successfully restore your WhatsApp chats from a Google Drive backup:

1. Update Software

Before restoring, install all available OS and WhatsApp updates on the new device. This ensures maximum compatibility with backup file.

2. Free Up Storage Space

Uninstall unused apps and media to free up internal storage and external SD card space if needed. This allows complete backup to be saved.

3. Log In with Original Google Account

Sign into the Google account that was used to create the WhatsApp backup on the old device. Using a different account will prevent restore.

4. Connect to Stable Internet

Use a fast, reliable WiFi or cellular data connection. Restore involves downloading full backup archive from Google Drive.

5. Install and Open WhatsApp

Download latest WhatsApp version from Play Store and launch the app. Follow the setup prompts.

6. Enable Chat Restore

In WhatsApp settings, make sure chat restore from Google Drive backup is enabled under Chats > Chat Backup.

7. Verify Backup Credentials

Confirm phone number matches the account number associated with Google Drive backup when prompted.

8. Select Backup to Restore

WhatsApp will list available backups on Google Drive. Pick the latest backup you want to restore onto this device.

9. Wait for Restore to Complete

It may take some time depending on size of backup. Keep the app open until you see your chats have been restored.

10. Confirm Restored Chats

Once finished, verify your chat history, media files and settings have all been accurately restored to the device.

Best Practices for WhatsApp Backups

Here are some tips for avoiding restore issues and keeping your WhatsApp chats safely backed up:

  • Set backups to occur frequently, such as daily or weekly.
  • Connect to WiFi and charge phone before backup to ensure completion.
  • Periodically force manual backups before major updates or factory resets.
  • Avoid interrupting the backup process and closing the app.
  • Check backup status and settings under WhatsApp > Chats > Chat Backup.
  • Ensure you have enough free storage space for backup files.
  • Keep your phone OS and WhatsApp version updated.
  • Use a stable internet connection for seamless backup and restore.

Following these best practices will help avoid potential errors and make sure your WhatsApp chat history is always preserved on Google Drive storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my WhatsApp backup on Google Drive show as 0KB?

A 0KB WhatsApp backup file size typically means the backup is empty or corrupted. First try deleting it and forcing a fresh backup. Ensure your internet connection is stable during backup. Also check for any storage constraints, OS or app version incompatibilities that could cause errors.

How can I transfer WhatsApp chats without Google Drive backup?

If Google Drive backup is unavailable, you can manually transfer chats using third party apps like Dr.Fone or CopyTrans. These tools extract WhatsApp data from your old phone and integrate it into the app on your new device via local phone-to-phone transfer.

Where is my Google Drive WhatsApp backup stored?

Your WhatsApp backups are saved in a special Google Drive folder linked to your phone number account. You can access it from Google Drive > Backups > WhatsApp. The file is encrypted and cannot be manually edited or extracted without WhatsApp.

Can I restore WhatsApp backup from another phone number?

No, WhatsApp’s Google Drive backups are tied to the specific phone number account used to create them. You cannot directly restore a backup created on a different number unless you first port the number to your device.

How do I fix ‘Backup could not be restored’ error on WhatsApp?

That error usually indicates the backup file is corrupted. Try deleting the existing backup and force a fresh backup on the old phone before restoring again. Also ensure proper software versions, account login, stable internet and enough free storage space on the new phone.

Restoring from Google Drive: Conclusion

In summary, WhatsApp provides a convenient chat backup and restore option using your Google Drive storage. While it usually works seamlessly, sometimes configuration issues, software conflicts or file corruption can disrupt restoration to a new device. By following troubleshooting steps like updating software, logging into the correct Google account, freeing up phone storage, using a stable internet connection and properly configuring backup settings, you can overcome most restore issues. With a properly maintained recent backup, WhatsApp makes it easy to transfer your full chat history when switching phones.