Before you start
- WhatsApp on Android
- A Google account with enough storage
Method 1 Set up the backup
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Step 1: Open Chat backup
In WhatsApp, tap ⋮ > Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
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Step 2: Choose your Google account
Tap Google Account and select the account to use.
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Step 3: Set frequency
Tap Frequency (or Back up to Google Account) and choose Daily.
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Step 4: Choose what to include
Turn Include videos on or off; videos make backups much larger. Choose to back up over Wi-Fi only to save data.
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Step 5: Back up now
Tap Back up and keep the phone on Wi-Fi and charging for the first backup.
Method 2 Encrypt your backup (recommended)
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Step 1: Turn on encryption
In Chat backup, tap End-to-end encrypted backup > Turn on.
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Step 2: Choose a password or key
Create a password or use a 64-digit key, or a passkey where offered. Store it safely: without it, the backup can’t be restored.
Method 3 Restore on a new Android phone
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Step 1: Sign in to Google
Add the same Google account to the new phone.
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Step 2: Install and verify
Install WhatsApp and verify the same phone number.
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Step 3: Restore
Tap Restore when WhatsApp finds the backup, enter your encryption password if used, and wait.
Troubleshooting
Backup is stuck or fails
Check Google storage, use Wi-Fi, update WhatsApp and Google Play services, and make sure the right Google account is selected.
No backup found when restoring
Use the same Google account and phone number as the backup, and check the backup date in the old phone’s Chat backup screen.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see WhatsApp backups in Google Drive?
They’re hidden app data. Go to drive.google.com > Storage > Backups to see that one exists.
Can I restore a Google Drive backup on iPhone?
No. Use Move to iOS to transfer chats from Android to iPhone.
Summary
Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup, pick your Google account, set Daily backups and tap Back up. Turn on end-to-end encrypted backup and keep your password safe.
