End-to-end encryption ensures only you and the person you're communicating with can read or listen to what is sent, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp. With end-to-end encrypted backup, you can also add that same layer of protection to your backup on iCloud or Google Drive.

Password protection

When you create an end-to-end encrypted backup, your messages and media are stored in the cloud and secured by a password or a 64-digit encryption key. Your password can be changed at any time as long as you have access to your previous password or key.

Note: You won’t be able to restore your backup if you lose your WhatsApp chats and forget your password or key. WhatsApp can’t reset your password or restore your backup for you.

Turn off end-to-end encrypted backup

You can choose to turn off end-to-end encrypted backup by using your password or key, or by authenticating with your biometrics or device PIN. If you turn off end-to-end encrypted backup, your messages and media will no longer back up to the cloud unless you set them up to do so.

Device-level backups on iPhone

If you have iCloud Backups turned on for your entire iPhone, an unencrypted version of your chat history is also backed up to iCloud. To ensure your WhatsApp chats and media are only backed up with end-to-end encryption, turn iCloud Backup off on your device.

For information on how we collect and process your data, including your end-to-end encrypted backup, please see the WhatsApp Privacy Policy.

Related resources:

• How to turn on and turn off end-to-end encrypted backup
• Can't remember password for encrypted backup