Phones & computers

How to back up your WhatsApp chats

Back up your WhatsApp messages, photos and voice notes to Google Drive or iCloud so you don't lose them if your phone is lost, stolen or replaced.

⏱ Takes about 5 minutes to set up💳 Cost: Free (uses your data bundles or Wi-Fi)✔ Last checked 12 November 2026

If your phone is lost, stolen or broken, your WhatsApp chats go with it unless you've backed them up. Setting up an automatic backup takes a few minutes.

Android phones (Google Drive)

  1. Open WhatsApp, tap the three dots (top right) and choose Settings.
  2. Tap Chats, then Chat backup.
  3. Tap Google Account and choose your Gmail account.
  4. Set Back up to Google Drive (sometimes called Frequency) to Daily or Weekly.
  5. Turn Include videos on only if you have enough space and data. Videos make the backup much bigger.
  6. Tap Back up to make the first backup now. Use Wi-Fi if you can.

iPhone (iCloud)

  1. Make sure iCloud Drive is on: phone Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Drive.
  2. In WhatsApp, go to Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.
  3. Tap Back Up Now, then turn on Auto Backup and choose daily or weekly.

Restore your chats on a new phone

  1. On the new phone, sign in to the same Google account (Android) or Apple ID (iPhone).
  2. Install WhatsApp and register with the same phone number.
  3. When WhatsApp offers to restore your chats, tap Restore and wait for it to finish before you start chatting.

Tip: Keep your old SIM or do a SIM replacement for the same number before you set up the new phone. WhatsApp needs a code sent to that number.

Saving data

  • Turn on backups over Wi-Fi only if your phone gives that option.
  • Group media (videos, photos) takes the most space. Clear what you don't need under Settings → Storage and data → Manage storage.
Steps, fees and websites change from time to time. This guide was last checked on 12 November 2026. Before you pay or submit anything, confirm the details on the official website (WhatsApp Help Center). Never share your PIN or passwords with anyone who calls or texts you.