How to Restore WhatsApp Backup from Google Drive

Restoring a WhatsApp backup from Google Drive is essential to keep your chats, media, and information safe and retrievable. This guide will show you how to restore WhatsApp backup from google drive, no matter if you’re getting a new phone or just reinstalling the app.

Table of Contents

Prerequisites for Restoring WhatsApp Backup

Before the restoration process begins, ensure the following prerequisites are met:

Google Account: The same Google account used for the backup.
Phone Number: The same phone number used for the WhatsApp account.
Stable Internet Connection: A reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
Sufficient Storage: Adequate free space on your phone to accommodate the backup.

How to Restore WhatsApp Backup from Google Drive

To restore a WhatsApp backup from Google Drive, follow these steps:

Uninstall and Reinstall WhatsApp: Uninstall WhatsApp and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.
Verify Your Phone Number: Open WhatsApp and verify your number. Make sure to use the same number linked to the backup.
Restore from Google Drive: After verifying number, WhatsApp will detect the backup from Google Drive. Tap on “Restore” to start the restoration process.
Complete Setup: Once the restoration is complete, tap “Next.” Your chats will be displayed after the initialization is done. Media files will be restored in the background.

How to Manually Restore WhatsApp Backup

If you need to manually restore a WhatsApp backup, follow these steps:

Android:
- If automatic restoration fails, you can manually restore a local backup:
  - Locate the backup file (usually in the /sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases folder).
  - Rename it to msgstore.db.crypt12.
  - Uninstall WhatsApp and reinstall it.
  - Verify your mobile number and tap “Restore” when prompted.
iPhone:
- Unfortunately, manual restoration isn’t possible on iOS due to Apple’s restrictions. You’ll need to follow the automatic process.

How to Extract WhatsApp Backup from Google Drive

Extracting WhatsApp backup from Google Drive involves a more complex process. Usually requiring third-party tools, as WhatsApp backups are encrypted. However, the general steps include:

Android:

Install WhatsApp on your new Android phone.
Verify your number (the same one used for your previous WhatsApp account).
Tap “Restore” to retrieve your chats and media from Google Drive.
When the process is complete, then tap “Next.”

iPhone:

First, restore your backup from Google Drive to an Android device (using the steps above).
After chat logs are restored, WhatsApp will proceed to restore media files.
Once done, you can transfer chats and media to your iPhone using the “Move to iOS” app or other methods.

How to Restore WhatsApp Backup from Google Drive Without Uninstalling WhatsApp

Restoring a backup without uninstalling WhatsApp is not officially supported. The typical process involves uninstalling and reinstalling the app. However, you can try:

Clear App Data: Go to your device settings, find WhatsApp under apps, and clear its data.
Open WhatsApp and Verify: Open WhatsApp and verify your phone number. You should be prompted to restore from the Google Drive backup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Backup Not Detected

Google Account: Ensure you’re logged into the correct Google account.
Phone Number: Verify that the phone number is correct and the same as used during the backup.
Permissions: Check that WhatsApp has permission to access Google Drive.

Incomplete Restoration

Storage Space: Confirm you have enough free storage on your device.
Internet Connection: Ensure you have a strong internet connection.
Update WhatsApp: Make sure you have the latest and updated version of WhatsApp.

Benefits of Backing Up WhatsApp Data

There are several benefits for Backing up your WhatsApp data to Google Drive:

Data Security: Keeps your chats and media secure.
Easy Transfer: Simplifies the process of switching phones.
Data Recovery: Provides a quick way to recover lost data.
Peace of Mind: Ensures you don’t lose important conversations and media.

Final Thoughts

By doing these steps and regularly backing up, you can make sure your WhatsApp chats and important memories are safe and easy to get back. With a secure backup, you can switch phones or reinstall the app without worrying about losing your chat history