WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. However, many users face issues with WhatsApp getting stuck on “Restoring…” at 99% when trying to restore chat history or transfer chats to a new device.
Common Causes for WhatsApp Stuck at 99%
There are a few common reasons why WhatsApp can get stuck restoring at 99%:
Large Chat Backup Size
One of the most common reasons is having a very large chat backup size. WhatsApp backups can contain several GBs worth of data including photos, videos, documents etc. Trying to restore such a large backup can cause WhatsApp to get stuck.
Weak Internet Connection
Restoring chats requires a stable internet connection. A weak WiFi or mobile data connection that drops frequently can interrupt the restore process and lead to it getting stuck.
Insufficient Storage Space
WhatsApp requires free storage space on your device to restore backups. If your phone storage is full or almost full, the app may not be able to complete the restore process.
App Issues or Bugs
Sometimes, issues within the WhatsApp app itself or OS bugs can also cause the restore process to freeze at 99%. Reinstalling the app or updating the OS may help.
Google Drive Sync Issues
For Android users, if your backup is stored on Google Drive, sync errors can interrupt the restore. Check your Google Drive settings and reconnect the account.
Jailbroken/Rooted Devices
Modifications made to the OS by rooting or jailbreaking your device can also disrupt the restore process and lead to the issue.
Solutions to Fix WhatsApp Stuck at 99%
If your WhatsApp is stuck at 99% while restoring chats, here are some solutions to try:
Free Up Storage Space
Delete unused files, photos, videos and apps to free up storage space on your phone, especially if the internal storage is almost full. Having ample free space can help WhatsApp complete the restore.
Use a Stable WiFi or Mobile Data Connection
If you are on a weak WiFi or low mobile data signal, switch to a more stable connection with stronger signal strength and try restoring again. This minimizes interruptions.
Reinstall WhatsApp
Uninstall WhatsApp completely and install a fresh version from the app store. Before reinstalling, remember to backup your chats and media. Reinstalling can eliminate any app bugs.
Update Your OS
Make sure your Android or iOS operating system is updated to the latest version. OS updates include bug fixes that can help resolve app issues like this.
Delete Old Backups
Try deleting your old WhatsApp backups from Google Drive or iCloud Drive. Keep only the most recent backup and then try restoring from it. Too many backups can sometimes cause issues.
Restart Your Phone
Restart your Android phone or iPhone to clear out any memory issues or glitches that could be preventing WhatsApp from restoring properly. Restarting gives the phone a fresh start.
Contact WhatsApp Support
If none of the above fixes work, you can contact WhatsApp directly for further troubleshooting assistance. They may be able to identify and provide a solution for the exact issue you are facing.
Tips to Prevent WhatsApp from Getting Stuck at 99%
Here are some useful tips to avoid WhatsApp getting stuck at 99% again in the future when restoring chats:
Limit Chat Backup Size
Under WhatsApp settings, you can choose to exclude large media from backups. This will reduce backup size and prevent future restore issues.
Create Regular Backups
Schedule regular backup of your WhatsApp chats to Google Drive or iCloud. This minimizes size of each backup. Smaller backups have lower risk of getting stuck.
Update WhatsApp Frequently
Always keep WhatsApp updated to the latest version on your device. Updates fix bugs that can disrupt restores.
Disconnect from Beta Program
If enrolled in the WhatsApp beta program, leave it. Beta versions are more buggy and prone to issues.
Delete Old Chats and Media
Clean up old chats, delete unwanted media files and contacts to decrease backup size. The smaller your actual chat data, the smoother restores will be.
Turn Off Auto Restore
On new devices, turn off auto restore when prompted and first manually backup chats before initiating the restore. This can prevent issues.
Avoid Rooting/Jailbreaking
Rooted or jailbroken devices are more likely to have app compatibility issues. Restore problems are common. Use standard Android/iOS for reliability.
Conclusion
WhatsApp getting stuck on restoring at 99% can be frustrating, but the issue can usually be resolved by freeing up storage, using better internet, reinstalling the app, updating your OS or contacting WhatsApp support. Taking measures to limit backup size, create regular backups and avoid rooted/jailbroken devices can help prevent the problem in the future. With billions of users, WhatsApp bugs and issues are not uncommon but persistently trying these troubleshooting steps should help get your chat history back eventually in most cases.