Transfer WhatsApp Swiftly between iOS and Android.
100% Security Verified | No Subscription Required | No Malware
: 
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini
Claude
Grok
Backing up WhatsApp is simplest when you match the backup method to what you actually need. For a free, built-in backup that you can restore on the same mobile platform, use iCloud on iPhone or your Google Account on Android. If you want a separate computer copy that you can preview, export, or restore with more flexibility, Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer provides a local PC/Mac workflow.
This guide compares eight practical ways to back up WhatsApp messages, photos, videos, and other chat data on iPhone and Android. It also explains which options create a true restorable backup, which only create a readable archive, and what to use when you are switching phones.
| Method | Best for | Where it is stored | Restorable in WhatsApp? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr.Fone backup for iPhone | Separate local backup, preview, export, flexible restore | PC/Mac | Yes, through supported Dr.Fone restore workflows |
| iCloud WhatsApp backup | Free built-in iPhone backup | iCloud | Yes, with the matching phone number and Apple account requirements |
| Full iPhone computer backup | Backing up the whole iPhone | Mac/PC | As part of a full-device restore, subject to WhatsApp backup settings |
| Export chat on iPhone | Readable copy of one chat | Mail, Notes, Files, or another share destination | No |
| Dr.Fone backup for Android | Separate local computer backup | PC/Mac | Yes, through supported Dr.Fone restore workflows |
| Export chat on Android | Readable copy of one chat | Your selected share destination | No |
| Google Account backup | Free built-in Android cloud backup | Google Account cloud storage | Yes, with the matching phone number and Google Account requirements |
| Android local backup | Keeping an on-device/local copy | Android device storage | Possible in supported local-restore scenarios; paths and file handling vary by version |
In this article
Part 1: WhatsApp Backup Solutions for iOS Users
On iPhone, the most direct native option is WhatsApp's in-app iCloud backup. A computer backup can also protect the wider iPhone, while Export chat is useful when you only need a readable copy of one conversation. If you want a separate WhatsApp-focused backup on a computer, Dr.Fone provides another option.
Method 1. Back Up WhatsApp Messages with Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer
If you want a WhatsApp-focused backup stored on your computer rather than only in iCloud, Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer can back up supported WhatsApp data to a Windows PC or Mac. After a backup is created, supported content can be previewed, exported, or used in a restore workflow.
Transfer WhatsApp across Android & iOS.- Backup & restore WhatsApp to PC securely.
- Preview & export chats selectively.
- Works with all iPhone & Android models.
Current iPhone backup workflow:
-
Step 1 Open WhatsApp Transfer
Launch Dr.Fone on your computer and choose Toolbox > WhatsApp Transfer.
Open WhatsApp Transfer from the Dr.Fone Toolbox.
-
Step 2 Choose the WhatsApp backup function
Connect the iPhone, then choose WhatsApp > Backup WhatsApp messages.
Select the WhatsApp backup function for the connected iPhone.
-
Step 3 Let the backup complete
Keep the iPhone connected while Dr.Fone shows the backup progress.
Keep the device connected until the WhatsApp backup finishes.
-
Step 4 View the finished backup
When the success screen appears, click View It to open the backed-up data.
Open the completed backup with View It.
For a dedicated walkthrough focused on keeping a local copy, see how to back up WhatsApp to a PC.
Method 2. Back Up WhatsApp Messages and Restore Them with iCloud
For most iPhone users, WhatsApp's built-in iCloud backup is the best free option. It backs up WhatsApp chat history and media using your iCloud account. Apple includes 5 GB of free iCloud storage, so larger chat histories may require you to free up space or use a larger iCloud storage plan.
Before starting, make sure you are using the phone number and iCloud account associated with the backup and that you have enough free space. WhatsApp says the available space in both iCloud and on the iPhone should be at least 2.05 times the backup size. You can also read our iCloud WhatsApp backup guide.
-
Step 1 Open Chat backup
In WhatsApp, tap Settings or your profile picture, then go to Chats > Chat backup.
-
Step 2 Start a manual backup
Tap Back up now. If you want recurring backups, tap Auto backup and choose a frequency.
-
Step 3 Choose what media to include
Turn Include videos in chats or Include status archive on or off depending on what you want saved and how much storage you have.
Optional security: In Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup, WhatsApp lets you protect the cloud backup with a passkey, a 64-digit encryption key, or a password. Keep that credential safe because WhatsApp cannot restore an encrypted backup if you lose the required key or password.
To restore an existing iCloud backup, reinstall WhatsApp, verify the same phone number and Apple account required by the backup, and tap Restore Chat History when prompted. Messages created after the most recent successful backup are not included in that backup.
For the current platform instructions, see the WhatsApp Help Center's iPhone backup guide.
If your problem is recovering missing or deleted iPhone WhatsApp data rather than creating a routine backup, see Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (iOS) for supported recovery sources and preview options.
Method 3. Back Up the iPhone with Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes
A computer backup is useful when you want a copy of the entire iPhone, not only WhatsApp. On a current Mac, you normally use Finder. On Windows, Apple supports the Apple Devices app; iTunes remains relevant on some older setups. This method should not be confused with a WhatsApp-only backup.
-
Step 1 Connect the iPhone
Connect the iPhone to your Mac or PC and open Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes, depending on your system.
-
Step 2 Select the iPhone
Open the device's General or Summary page and choose to back up the iPhone to the computer.
-
Step 3 Create the backup
Click Back Up Now. If you choose an encrypted local backup, keep the backup password in a safe place.
Important: This is an iPhone backup, not a selective WhatsApp archive. WhatsApp also states that when WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backup is enabled, its chat history is not included in the iPhone device backup. For current computer-backup guidance, see Apple's iPhone backup instructions. If you need to work with an older device backup, Dr.Fone's iPhone backup and restore guide explains additional options.
Method 4. Export Your WhatsApp Chat for an Offline Copy
WhatsApp's Export chat feature is useful when you want a readable copy of one individual or group conversation. You can include recent media and send or save the export using the iPhone share sheet.
-
Step 1 Open the conversation
Open the WhatsApp chat you want to save.
-
Step 2 Choose Export chat
Open the chat options and choose Export chat.
-
Step 3 Choose whether to include media
Select Without media or Include media, then choose a share destination such as Mail, Notes, or Files if available on your device.
Do not treat an exported chat as a restore backup. WhatsApp exports the conversation as a text file, and that file cannot be re-imported as live WhatsApp chat history. This method is best for reference, records, or archiving a specific conversation.
Part 2: WhatsApp Backup Solutions for Android Users
Android users can use WhatsApp's Google Account backup for a standard cloud backup, keep a local device copy, export individual conversations, or create a separate computer backup with Dr.Fone. The right choice depends on whether you need a restorable backup or only a readable archive.
Method 1. Back Up WhatsApp from Android to a Computer with Dr.Fone
If you want an additional local copy on a computer, Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer can back up supported Android WhatsApp data to a PC or Mac. The current Android workflow includes an on-device end-to-end-encrypted-backup step, so the old four-step “one-click” sequence is no longer the complete process.
Follow the current Dr.Fone Android backup workflow:
-
Step 1 Open WhatsApp Transfer
Launch Dr.Fone and open Toolbox > WhatsApp Transfer.
Open the WhatsApp Transfer tool in Dr.Fone. -
Step 2 Start Backup WhatsApp messages
In the WhatsApp section, choose Backup WhatsApp messages and connect the Android phone.
Choose the Android WhatsApp backup workflow. -
Step 3 Turn on end-to-end encrypted backup
Follow the on-screen prompt on Android and go to WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat backup > End-to-end encrypted backup. Choose the 64-digit encryption-key option when instructed by Dr.Fone.
Follow the on-screen encryption instructions before continuing. -
Step 4 Generate and scan the 64-digit key
On the phone, generate the 64-digit encryption key as instructed, then use Dr.Fone's Scan step to read the key.
Generate the key on Android and scan it in the Dr.Fone workflow. -
Step 5 Create the Android WhatsApp backup
Confirm that you saved the 64-digit key, tap Create on the phone to create the WhatsApp backup, and then click Next on the computer.
-
Step 6 View the completed backup
When the process finishes, click View It to inspect the backup or OK to finish.
Open the completed backup with View It.
Method 2. Export Android WhatsApp Chats to PC for Backup
If your goal is to keep a readable copy of a specific Android conversation, use WhatsApp's native Export chat feature. This is better described as an archive than a backup because the exported text file cannot be imported back into WhatsApp.
-
Step 1 Open the chat
Open the individual or group conversation you want to save.
-
Step 2 Export the chat
Tap More options > More > Export chat.
-
Step 3 Choose media and destination
Select Without media or Include media, then choose the destination you want to use. If you want the file on a PC, save or send it somewhere you can access from the computer.
For current platform guidance, see WhatsApp's Export chat instructions.
What if the WhatsApp chat is already deleted? Export and backup tools can only work with data that is still available or in a usable backup. If you are trying to recover missing or deleted WhatsApp data, that is a recovery task rather than a backup task. Dr.Fone - Data Recovery (Android) can scan supported Android sources, preview available WhatsApp data, and save selected recoverable items to a computer.
-
Step 1 Open Android Data Recovery
Launch Dr.Fone and go to Toolbox > Data Recovery > Android, then select the WhatsApp recovery workflow that matches your available source.
-
Step 2 Scan the available source
Follow the on-screen instructions for the device or backup source you selected and let Dr.Fone scan for available WhatsApp data.
-
Step 3 Preview and recover what is available
Preview the recoverable WhatsApp data and save the selected items to your computer.
Method 3. Back Up and Restore WhatsApp on Android with Google Drive
WhatsApp's built-in Android cloud backup uses your Google Account. The backup consumes Google Account storage, is tied to the phone number and Google Account used to create it, and the newest backup replaces the previous Google Account backup.
-
Step 1 Open Chat backup
In WhatsApp, tap More options > Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
-
Step 2 Set the Google Account backup schedule
Tap Back up to your Google Account, choose a schedule, and select the Google Account you want to use.
-
Step 3 Choose media and network settings
Turn Include videos in chats, Back up using cellular, or Include status archive on or off as needed.
-
Step 4 Back up now
Tap Back up to create a manual backup immediately.
Important Google Account backup limits:
- A WhatsApp backup that has not been updated for 5 months might be automatically deleted by Google.
- Each new backup made with the same Google Account overwrites the previous Google Account backup, so you cannot choose an older cloud version.
- WhatsApp cloud backups are not protected by WhatsApp end-to-end encryption unless you turn on End-to-end encrypted backup.
To restore, reinstall WhatsApp when needed, verify the phone number, and follow the restore prompt using the Google Account associated with the backup. The last successful backup is the recoverable cloud version.
For the current official steps, see the WhatsApp Help Center's Android backup guide.
Method 4. Back Up WhatsApp Chats Automatically with Local Backups
WhatsApp on Android also creates a local backup as part of its backup process. A local copy can be useful when you want an on-device backup or want to copy backup files off the phone. However, keeping the only copy on the same phone does not protect you if the device is lost, damaged, or reset.
-
Step 1 Open a file manager
Use Files, My Files, or another file manager on the Android device.
-
Step 2 Find the WhatsApp backup folders
Look for the WhatsApp Databases folder. On newer Android versions, WhatsApp data is commonly stored under the Android/media area; older devices may use a WhatsApp folder directly in internal storage. Exact paths can vary by Android and WhatsApp version.
-
Step 3 Copy the backup off the phone if needed
For better protection against device loss, copy the relevant WhatsApp backup folder to another storage location or computer. Keep the original file names and encryption suffixes unless a current, device-specific restore process explicitly requires a change.
Why the old crypt12 instructions were removed: WhatsApp's encrypted database format and Android storage paths can change. Hard-coding an old file suffix or assuming one folder path can cause restore problems on current devices. Treat local file handling as version-dependent and keep a cloud or computer backup as an additional safeguard when the chats are important.
Part 3: Backup WhatsApp Messages and Restore them to New Phone
A backup and a phone-to-phone transfer are related but different jobs. If you are staying on the same platform, an iCloud backup on iPhone or a Google Account backup on Android can restore the latest successful chat backup when the required phone number and account match. If you are moving between iPhone and Android, the iCloud and Google Account backup files are not interchangeable; use a supported cross-platform transfer workflow instead.
Before changing phones, make a fresh backup or complete the transfer while the old phone is still available. You can also read our detailed WhatsApp backup restore guide.
- Transfer WhatsApp data from Android to Android
- Transfer WhatsApp data from iPhone to Android
- Transfer WhatsApp data from iPhone to iPhone
If you only need the newest same-platform backup, use the native restore prompt. If you need a separate computer archive, preview/export options, or a supported cross-platform transfer workflow, Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer can be useful as an alternative.
Final Words
There is no single best WhatsApp backup method for every situation. For most users, iCloud on iPhone or a Google Account on Android is the simplest free way to protect chat history. Export chat is useful for a readable record but is not a restorable backup. Local Android files and full iPhone computer backups are useful secondary safeguards, while Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer is designed for users who want a separate WhatsApp-focused backup on a computer with preview, export, restore, and transfer options.
The most important step is to create a fresh backup before changing phones, reinstalling WhatsApp, resetting a device, or making other changes that could affect your chat history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
1. What is the best way to back up WhatsApp messages?
For a free, built-in backup on the same mobile platform, use iCloud on iPhone or your Google Account on Android. Use a computer-based tool such as Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer when you specifically want a separate local WhatsApp backup that can be previewed, exported, or restored through supported workflows.
-
2. How can I back up WhatsApp without iCloud or Google Drive?
You can keep a backup on a computer with Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer. Android also creates local backup files on the phone. If you only need a readable copy of one conversation, use Export chat, but remember that the exported text cannot be restored into WhatsApp.
-
3. Are WhatsApp photos and videos included in a backup?
WhatsApp cloud backups include chat history and media. Videos can be controlled with the Include videos setting, so check that option before backing up if videos are important to you. Larger media backups also require more cloud storage and can take longer to complete.
-
4. Can I back up WhatsApp from a companion or linked device?
No. WhatsApp says chat-history backup and restore are not available on linked devices such as WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp on Mac, or WhatsApp on Windows. Use your primary phone to create or restore the backup.
-
5. Is the free WhatsApp cloud backup option good enough?
For many users, yes. Native cloud backup is convenient and supports same-platform restoration. The main limits are cloud storage, reliance on the associated account and phone number, and the fact that only the latest successful cloud backup is available. On Android, Google may automatically delete a WhatsApp backup that has not been updated for 5 months.
-
6. Can I view my WhatsApp backup on a PC?
WhatsApp cloud backups are not designed to be opened as normal files in Google Drive or iCloud. If you create a computer backup with Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer, supported backup content can be previewed in the software and selected records can be exported to readable formats such as HTML or PDF.
Add Wondershare Dr.Fone as a preferred source on Google
