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About end-to-end encrypted backup
End-to-end encryption means that only you and the person you're talking to can read your messages, and no one in between. With end-to-end encrypted backup, you can add that same layer of protection to your Google Account and iCloud backups.
Password protection
When you create an end-to-end encrypted WhatsApp chat backup for Android or iCloud, your messages and media are stored in the cloud. They’re secured by a password or a 64-digit encryption key. You can change your password as long as you have access to your WhatsApp account, current password, or encryption key.
Note:
- You can’t access your encrypted backup if you don’t have your encryption key or password.
- You can’t restore your backup if you lose access to your WhatsApp account and forget your password or encryption key. WhatsApp can’t send you a copy of your password or encryption key, reset your password or encryption key, or restore your backup for you.
- If you’ve forgotten your password and still have access to your WhatsApp, you can change your password. Learn how here.
Turn off end-to-end encrypted backup
For another layer of security, you can turn on end-to-end encrypted backups.
To turn on end-to-end encrypted backups
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap End-to-end encrypted backup.
- Tap Turn on, then follow the prompts to create a password or use your 64-digit encryption key.
- Tap Create or Generate.
To turn off end-to-end encrypted backups:
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
- Tap End-to-end encrypted backup.
- Tap Turn off, then follow the prompts to create a password or use your 64-digit encryption key.
- Tap Turn off again to confirm.
Device-level backups on iPhone
If you have device backups turned on for your entire iPhone, your WhatsApp chat history will be included automatically in device backups. Learn how to turn off WhatsApp in your device backup here.