How to Restore WhatsApp Backup on iPhone & Android (3 Proven Methods)

Part 1. How to Restore WhatsApp Backup With Dr. Fone – WhatsApp Transfer

Restoring WhatsApp backups requires more than just basic tools, especially when preserving chat history, media files, and attachments across devices is necessary. As the official Dr.Fone solution, this tool provides a comprehensive tutorial for WhatsApp recovery. Dr.Fone – WhatsApp Transfer offers a purpose-built solution that enables users to restore WhatsApp backup on Android and iPhone with complete data integrity, cross-platform support, and detailed control over the restore process.

Let’s explore how to use Dr.Fone to restore a WhatsApp backup on both iOS and Android devices, step by step.

Dr.Fone - WhatsApp Transfer

One-click to transfer, restore, and backup WhatsApp messages

• Transfer WhatsApp messages from Android to iOS, Android to Android, iOS to iOS, and iOS to Android.
• Backup WhatsApp messages from iPhone or Android on your PC.
• Allow restoring any item from the backup to iOS or Android.
• Completely or selectively preview and export WhatsApp messages from iOS backup to your computer.
• Support all iPhone and Android models.

Available on: Windows Mac

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Ways to Restore WhatsApp Backup to iOS/Android

For Android:

Restoring WhatsApp backup to Android using Dr.Fone involves precise data selection and a direct device-to-PC connection for complete control and accuracy.

Step 1. Choose the option “Restore to Device.”

Start Dr.Fone and select the Toolbox tab. Open WhatsApp Transfer, then click the Restore to Device feature.

Step 2: Independently choose a WhatsApp backup file

Dr.Fone will show you your past created backups. Select what you require and click the 'View' button to check the content.

Step 3: Put your phone in connection and restore

Connect the Android phone to the computer. Select the data you wish to restore and click the button marked 'Restore to Device.' Then, click 'Restore.'

When prompted, tap “Continue” and allow Dr.Fone to create a backup of the existing WhatsApp to replace it with the new one.

For iPhone:

Restoring WhatsApp data to an iPhone with Dr.Fone enables complete transfer of encrypted backups without relying on iCloud limitations.

Step 1: Select the "Restore to Device" option

Launch Dr.Fone and select the Toolbox tab. Select WhatsApp Transfer. On the left-side menu, select 'Restore to device' to start.

Step 2: Select the WhatsApp backup file

You will be able to view the list of available backups. Search for the one you like and press View to open it. Click the “Restore to Device” button at the bottom.

Step 3: Begin restoring to your iPhone

Click the Restore option, then continue when prompted.

If prompted, turn off Find My iPhone on your device so that your restore procedure can be successful.

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Part 2. Restoring WhatsApp Backups with Google Drive & iCloud

While dedicated tools like Dr.Fone offer flexibility, many users still rely on built-in options. Google Drive (Android) and iCloud (iPhone) remain the default ways to restore WhatsApp backups. Here’s how each method works.

Restoring from Google Drive (Android)

Step 1: Visit Google Drive backups and ensure your WhatsApp backup is listed under the right Google Account.

Step 2: Make sure you have the same phone number used for that backup and the SIM is available for verification. 

Step 3: Completely uninstall WhatsApp from the Android device. 

Step 4:  Reinstall WhatsApp from Google Play, verify the same phone number, and when prompted tap Restore to start restoring from Google Drive. 

Step 5: Wait for the restore to finish (chats first; media may continue downloading in background), then tap Complete setup. 

Restoring from iCloud (iPhone or iPad)

Step 1. Confirm a recent iCloud backup exists — open WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup; ensure iCloud Drive is enabled for WhatsApp. 

Step 2. Sign the target iPhone into the same Apple ID and have the same phone number / SIM available for verification.

Step 3. Install (or reinstall) WhatsApp from the App Store on the iPhone you want to restore.

Step 4. Open WhatsApp, verify your phone number, and when prompted tap Restore Chat History → Restore.

Step 5. Wait for chats to restore (media will download in the background), then tap Complete Setup.

Part 3. Reasons You Can’t Restore WhatsApp from Google Drive

If WhatsApp fails to detect or restore your backup, hidden factors might be interfering with the process. Below are the most common reasons for failed restores:

• Google Play Services Disabled: Required for Drive access; if disabled, restore will fail.
• Restore Prompt Skipped: Skipping the restore step during setup prevents backup recovery.
• Unstable Internet: A Poor network disrupts the connection to Google Drive.
• Wrong Google Account or Number: Mismatched account or phone number blocks access to backup.
• Outdated or Deleted Backup: Old or manually deleted backups won’t appear for restore.

Part 4. Troubleshooting: WhatsApp Doesn’t Restore All Media Files

Part 4. Troubleshooting: WhatsApp Doesn’t Restore All Media Files

If your messages are back but media files like photos and videos are missing, don't panic. This is a common issue. Here’s why it happens and how to fix it:

• Insufficient Storage Space: Your phone needs at least 2-3 GB of free space for a full media restore. Clear unused apps or files to make room.
• Weak or Interrupted Internet: Media files are downloaded in the background. A weak Wi-Fi connection can interrupt this process. Keep WhatsApp open on a strong connection until the download completes.
• Media Not Included in Backup: Check your original backup settings (Settings > Chats > Chat Backup). If "Include Videos" was turned off, they won't be restored.
• Large Files Skipped: WhatsApp may struggle to restore very large video files (>100MB). You may need to transfer these manually from your old device.

Part 5. Where to Find WhatsApp Backup in Google Drive?

To ensure you have access to your data, let’s determine exactly where WhatsApp backups are stored in Google Drive.

Step 1: Visit drive.google.com and sign in with your Google account.

Step 2: Tap the gear button (located in the top right corner) and click "Settings".

Step 3: Click "Manage Apps" on the left-side menu. Go to the bottom of the list and search WhatsApp.

Step 4: Click “Options” next to WhatsApp to view or delete hidden backup data.

Part 6. Tips for Successful WhatsApp Backup and Restore

Let’s ensure your next WhatsApp backup and restore go perfectly with these smart tips.

1. Wait for Media Files to Complete Download: Do not leave WhatsApp too soon - media files are restored in the background once a chat backup is complete.

2. Confirm Google Account and Phone Number: Ensure they match the ones you used in your previous Backup.

3. Clear Up Phone Space: A full restore can be blocked by low storage. Maintain at least 2-3 GB of free space.

4. Stable Wi-Fi Connection: Using mobile data is likely to hinder Backup and restore due to unstable networks.

5. Fully Charge Your Phone First: When you restore, your phone's battery will be drained. Start with at least 80% to avoid a crash.

6. Keep Up to Date in the Google Play Services: Old Play Services may create a block to access Google Drive when doing a restore.

7. Frequent Backup of WhatsApp: Switch on the auto-backup setting on WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup to be auto-backed up automatically on a daily basis.

Conclusion:

Standard methods to restore WhatsApp backup through Google Drive or iCloud often face platform restrictions, incomplete restores, or media loss. Dr.Fone – WhatsApp Transfer offers a more complete and flexible approach, supporting full data recovery across Android and iPhone.

Smart tools like Dr. Fone, ensure that WhatsApp chats and media are restored faithfully, free from the restrictions of built-in alternatives, for users wanting dependable, cross-platform solutions.

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