How to back up your chat history

Android
iOS
You can back up your WhatsApp chat history using your Google Account. The cloud storage in your Google Account is provided and managed by Google.
Before you get started, make sure you have:
  • A Google Account activated on your device.
  • Google Play services installed on your device.
  • Enough free space on your device to create the backup.
  • Enough free space in your Google Account. You can see how much storage you’re currently using and review storage options here.
  • A strong and stable internet connection.

Set up recurring backups

  1. Tap More options > Settings > Chats.
  2. Tap Chat backup > Back up to your Google Account.
  3. Select a backup schedule other than Never or Only when I tap “Back up”.
  4. Select the Google Account you’d like to back up your chats to.
    • If you don't have a Google Account connected, tap Add account when prompted and enter your login information.
  5. Tap Back up using cellular to select the network you want to use for backups.
Note: If your Google Account backup frequency is set to Daily, your chats will also be saved to your Google Account every night after the local backup is made.

Manually back up your chats at any time

  1. Tap More options > Settings.
  2. Tap Chats > Chat backup.
  3. Tap Back up.

Create an end-to-end encrypted backup

  1. Tap
    more options
    > Settings > Chats.
  2. Tap Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup.
  3. Tap Turn on.
  4. Create a password or use a 64-digit encryption key instead.
  5. Tap Create to create your end-to-end encrypted backup.
Note: Make sure to remember your password or key as it’s the only way to access your backup in the future.

Change your Google Account associated with your backup

  1. Tap
    more options
    > Settings > Chats > Chat backup > Google Account.
  2. Tap Add account to add your Google Account.
  3. Follow the prompts to sign in to your preferred Google Account.
  4. Tap Back up and select a time interval to make sure your chats are backed up to the new Google Account.
Note:
  • Backup files can vary in size and might use mobile data. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi before backing up your chats to your Google Account to avoid possible mobile data charges.
  • If you don’t want to back up chats to your Google Account, you can still transfer your chats between Android devices using WhatsApp chat transfer. Learn how here.
  • Backups include messages and media sent and received in communities. They also include updates shared over WhatsApp Channels, but they do not include media unless you are the channel admin. In some cases, all previously followed channels may not be included in back-up files. Learn more here.

Related resources

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