If WhatsApp says “Not Enough iPhone Storage” even though iCloud has room, your iPhone may lack the working space needed to prepare the backup. Check both storage locations, reduce the backup size, or save WhatsApp to a Windows PC instead.
Not enough iPhone storage while WhatsApp backup on iCloud
I'm trying to create a WhatsApp backup of 32.99 GB to my iCloud where I currently have over 100 GB of free space available, but I'm getting the following error "Not enough iPhone storage". This is confusing and frustrating, why do I need the free space on my phone when the backup is going straight to iCloud? I will still get the same error. Is there anything I can do, please? Many thanks.
- Question from Apple Community
WhatsApp needs free space on both the iPhone and iCloud to prepare and upload a WhatsApp backup to iCloud. WhatsApp’s troubleshooting guidance says the available space in each location should be at least 2.05 times the backup size. For a 10 GB backup, aim for at least 20.5 GB free on the iPhone and in iCloud.
Quick calculation: Multiply the WhatsApp backup size by 2.05. A 5 GB backup needs about 10.25 GB free on both the iPhone and iCloud; a 20 GB backup needs about 41 GB free in each location. If either location is below that amount, reduce the backup size or free more space before retrying.
Let’s learn about 6 proven fixes to get your WhatsApp backup working again.
First, compare the WhatsApp backup size with the free space in iCloud. Having a large iCloud plan is not enough if most of that storage is already in use.
Step 1. Go to Settings > Tap [Your Name] > Select iCloud.
Step 2. Check both Available and Used storage.
Step 3. If storage is low, tap Manage Storage > Upgrade to increase capacity.
Create essential space on your iPhone by removing unnecessary files and apps. Fortunately, there are several ways to free up and manage iPhone storage:
Storage Cleaning Methods:
1. Offload unused apps:
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Select unused apps > Uninstall App.
2. Clear Safari cache:
Navigate to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
3. Delete old WhatsApp media:
Open WhatsApp > Settings > Storage & Data > Manage Storage > Remove large/unnecessary files.
Remove outdated iCloud backups to free up space for your current WhatsApp backup.
Step 1. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage.
Step 2. Select Backups > Choose old/unnecessary backups > Delete Backup.
Restarting WhatsApp can resolve temporary app glitches affecting backup functionality.
Step 1. Face ID iPhones: Swipe up from bottom > Find WhatsApp in App Switcher > Swipe up to close.
Step 2. Home Button iPhones: Double-click Home button > Swipe up on WhatsApp.
Step 3. Reopen WhatsApp and retry backup.
A force restart resolves underlying software issues that may interfere with backup processes.
Step 1. Quickly press/release Volume Up > Quickly press/release Volume Down.
Step 2. Press/hold Side button until Apple logo appears.
Step 3. Release and wait for restart completion.
If the WhatsApp backup still does not work, exclude videos and remove media you no longer need. Before deleting anything, save important photos, videos, and documents elsewhere.
• Archive Unnecessary Chats: Long-press chat > Archive (excludes from backups)
• Exclude Videos: Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Toggle off Include Videos
If iCloud backup still fails, you can back up WhatsApp to a Windows PC with FoneTool. It can create a local WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business backup, let you choose a folder on the computer, and enable backup encryption. Available capacity depends on the selected drive.
100% Secure
Follow the steps below to back up WhatsApp chats with freeware phone tools without effort.
Step 1. Connect iPhone to PC via USB > Tap Trust when prompted.
Step 2. Open FoneTool > WhatsApp Manager > Backup WhatsApp > Get Started.
Step 3. Enable encryption (optional) > Choose backup destination > Start Backup.
🔄 Restore Feature: In Backup History, select a backup and choose Start Restore. Restoring WhatsApp data requires the Professional edition and overwrites WhatsApp data on the target device, so review the target device before you continue.
See the FoneTool WhatsApp backup and restore guide for prerequisites, encryption, and restore notes.
These 6 solutions address the common "Not Enough iPhone Storage" error during WhatsApp backup to iCloud. Remember that successful backups require sufficient space on both your iPhone and iCloud account.
For the most reliable long-term solution, FoneTool eliminates storage limitations by enabling local WhatsApp backups to your computer or external storage devices. This approach ensures your valuable chats and media remain secure without depending on iCloud storage availability.
iCloud backups temporarily use local iPhone storage to process and prepare data before uploading to cloud servers.
Apple recommends having at least twice the size of your backup data available on both iPhone and iCloud.
Yes, tools like FoneTool enable complete local backups to computers or external drives without iCloud involvement.
No, deleted media files remain visible in chats but show as "expired" if you try to view them.