Can’t create or restore an iCloud backup
If you're having problems backing up or restoring from iCloud, try the troubleshooting steps below.
Can't create a backup
If you're unable to create an iCloud backup:
- Verify you're signed in with the Apple ID that you use to access iCloud.
- Verify iCloud Drive is turned on. Go to iPhone Settings > tap your name > iCloud > check that your iCloud Drive is on.
- Turn iCloud Drive off and back on. Go to iPhone Settings > tap your name > iCloud > turn iCloud Drive off and on.
- If you've turned on iCloud Drive for any device using your Apple ID, update to iOS 12 or newer to create a backup.
- Verify you have enough available space on your iCloud account to create a backup. You need to have at least 2.05 times the space available in your iCloud account than the actual size of your backup.
- If you're attempting a backup on a cellular data network, enable cellular data usage for iCloud.
- Perform a manual backup by going to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back Up Now.
- Attempt the manual backup on a different network. Preferably the network you connect to the most.
Can't restore a backup
If you're unable to restore an iCloud backup:
- Verify you're attempting to restore data from the same phone number and iCloud account that the backup was created on.
- If you’re restoring an end-to-end encrypted backup, you’re using the correct password or key.
- Verify there's enough space on your iPhone to restore the backup. You need to have at least 2.05 times the space available in your iCloud account and on your phone than the actual size of your backup.
- If the backup was created using iCloud Drive, you’ll only be able to restore that backup on an iPhone with iOS 12 or newer.
- If you've turned on iCloud Drive for any device using your Apple ID, you won't be able to restore data on your iPhone unless it has iOS 12 or newer.
- Attempt the restoration from a different network. Preferably the network you connect to the most.
- Turn iCloud Drive off and back on. Go to iPhone Settings > tap your name > iCloud > turn iCloud Drive off and on.
- Sign out of iCloud and restart your iPhone by turning it off and on. Then, sign back in to iCloud and try the restore again.
Related resources:
How to back up to iCloud
How to restore your chat history